Crispy Butter Chicken (Print Version)
# 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:
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!
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.
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.
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.
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:
01 -
Soaking in buttermilk keeps the chicken juicy
02 -
Add more chili flakes for a spicier kick or skip them entirely for mild flavor
03 -
For maximum crunch, keep an eye on the oil temperature so it doesn't drop