Crispy Butter Chicken

Featured in Evening Meal Excellence.

Chicken soaked in buttermilk, crusted up for a good crunch, and topped with garlic-butter honey sauce. Needs around 2 hours, including soaking. Great for special meals.
Ranah
Updated on Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:38:10 GMT
Crunchy Chicken with Butter Sauce Pin it
Crunchy Chicken with Butter Sauce | chefemmakitchen.com
The ultimate mix of crunchy exterior and buttery goodness, this Crunchy Butter Chicken takes ordinary fried chicken to another level. Every bite starts with tenderized meat, gets wrapped in the perfect crisp coating, and finishes with a smooth butter topping that brings tons of taste. You'll find yourself amazed at how basic ingredients come together in such an unforgettable way. Throughout my cooking journey, I've turned to this dish whenever I need to wow people without kitchen stress. The first time my relatives tried it, they cleaned their plates so well you couldn't tell they'd eaten from them.

Stellar Ingredients Guide

Chicken Thighs: Go for ones without bones or skin for the juiciest results Buttermilk: Get it fresh for the best tenderizing effect and tang All-Purpose Flour: Pick unbleached for extra crispiness when fried Unsalted Butter: The better quality you use, the tastier your sauce will be Fresh Garlic: Look for tight, firm cloves to make your sauce more fragrant Local Honey: Adds sweetness and helps the sauce stick to your chicken pieces

Achieving Crunch Success

Soak It Right Mix your buttermilk with spices and make sure chicken pieces are completely covered. Perfect Your Coating Stir dry stuff together really well so the flavor spreads evenly in every bite. Fry It Properly Keep your oil at the right heat for that beautiful golden-brown outside. Whip Up The Sauce Melt butter gradually with tasty additions to build rich flavor layers. Add The Final Touch Pour sauce over chicken while it's still hot so it soaks in better.
Crunchy Butter Chicken Dish Pin it
Crunchy Butter Chicken Dish | chefemmakitchen.com
The trick I learned from my grandma for amazing fried chicken was never rushing the breading step. When you take time to press the flour mixture onto each chicken piece, you'll get that restaurant-quality crunchiness everyone loves.

Fantastic Side Options

Make this into a proper feast by adding some smooth mashed potatoes, carrots with honey glaze, or fresh coleslaw. If you want something lighter, try serving it with a simple green salad and lemon dressing.

Personal Touches

Switch things up by adding fresh thyme or rosemary to your butter sauce, trying different spices in your coating mix, or changing how spicy you make it. Want a healthier version? Try cooking it in an air fryer but keep that yummy butter sauce.

Staying Crunchy

Put any leftover chicken in a container without the sauce. When you want to eat it again, warm it up in the oven at 350°F, then pour freshly made butter sauce on top for the best taste and texture. After trying this dish countless times in my kitchen, I've noticed the small things really matter - from how cold the buttermilk is to when exactly you add the sauce. This Crunchy Butter Chicken isn't just food; it's a perfect example of comfort cooking done the right way.
Tasty Crunchy Butter Chicken Pin it
Tasty Crunchy Butter Chicken | chefemmakitchen.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can this be prepped early?
Yep! Marinate your chicken overnight and mix up the coating in advance. Wait to fry and sauce it until serving so it stays crispy.
→ What's the point of buttermilk?
Soaking in buttermilk makes the meat tender and helps the coating stick better. The result? Juicier chicken with a killer crunch.
→ Are chicken breasts okay here?
Sure thing! They’ll work fine. Just cook a little less and make sure the inside reaches 165°F to stay safe.
→ How do I stop it from getting soggy?
Skip paper towels—pop it on a wire rack after frying. Add the sauce right before serving for that crispy finish.
→ Can I air fry this instead?
Definitely! Set your air fryer to 375°F for about 15 minutes. Flip halfway and spray some oil for even crispiness.

Crispy Butter Chicken

Crunchy fried chicken slathered with a buttery honey sauce. Tender and flavorful inside, with a perfect crunch on the outside.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
80 Minutes
Total Time
100 Minutes
By: emma

Category: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American Fusion

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken Soak

01 4 tender chicken breasts or thighs, no skin or bones
02 Chilled buttermilk, 1 cup
03 Pinch of garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
04 Dash of salt (1 teaspoon)
05 A teaspoon of paprika to add flavor and vibrancy
06 Ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon) for a subtle kick

→ Coating for Crunch

07 All-purpose flour, 1 cup
08 Cornstarch, 1/2 cup, to give that extra crunch factor
09 A touch of garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
10 Paprika, 1 teaspoon for added depth
11 Sprinkle of onion powder (1 teaspoon)
12 A teaspoon of salt for balance
13 Black pepper, freshly ground, 1/2 teaspoon

→ Garlicky Butter Sauce

14 Unsalted butter, 1/4 cup
15 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
16 Red chili flakes, 1/4 teaspoon (skip if spicy isn't your thing)
17 Honey, 1 tablespoon to sweeten things up
18 Freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon
19 Soy sauce, just 1 teaspoon

Instructions

Step 01

Whisk together buttermilk with paprika, salt, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl. Dunk the chicken pieces in, ensuring they're fully covered. Let this marinate in the fridge for at least an hour—overnight is awesome if you can wait!

Step 02

Mix the flour, cornstarch, and other dry seasonings in a large container. Lift the chicken out of the marinade and let it drip dry a little first. Coat each piece evenly with your dry mix.

Step 03

Heat oil about 2 inches deep to 350°F in a large pan. Cook the chicken in small batches for 5-6 minutes per side. They should turn golden and hit 165°F inside before pulling them out.

Step 04

Warm up butter over medium heat until melted. Toss in the minced garlic and chili flakes if you like spice. Once fragrant, stir in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice until smooth.

Step 05

Brush the butter sauce all over those crispy fried chicken pieces while they're still warm. Want more flavor? Toss them gently to coat every inch evenly.

Notes

  1. Soaking in buttermilk keeps the chicken juicy
  2. Add more chili flakes for a spicier kick or skip them entirely for mild flavor
  3. For maximum crunch, keep an eye on the oil temperature so it doesn't drop

Tools You'll Need

  • Big bowls for mixing
  • A deep pan for frying
  • Thermometer for checking oil and chicken temperature
  • Small pan for preparing the sauce
  • Rack or paper towels for draining excess oil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes gluten from flour
  • Contains dairy products like buttermilk and butter
  • Soy alert in the soy sauce