Here’s a mouthwatering recipe for Crispy Butter Chicken—juicy, golden-brown chicken with a rich, buttery, spiced tomato cream sauce. This version combines the best of crispy chicken and classic Indian-style butter chicken.
🍗 Crispy Butter Chicken
Ingredients:
For the Crispy Chicken:
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1½ lbs (700g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
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1/2 cup plain yogurt
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp ground coriander
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1 tsp garam masala
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1/2 tsp turmeric
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika or chili powder
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Salt, to taste
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1/2 cup cornstarch or flour (for coating)
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Oil, for frying or baking
For the Butter Sauce:
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2 tbsp butter
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1 tbsp oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp fresh grated ginger
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1½ tsp garam masala
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1/2 tsp chili powder
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
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1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
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Salt & sugar, to taste
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Fresh cilantro for garnish
🔪 Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken (at least 30 min or overnight):
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In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, and all spices.
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Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate.
2. Crisp the Chicken:
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Coat marinated chicken pieces lightly in cornstarch/flour.
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Pan-fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Fry chicken until golden and crispy (about 4–5 minutes per side).
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Oven: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 mins, flipping once.
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Air fryer: 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 mins, flipping halfway.
Set aside on a plate once crispy.
3. Make the Butter Sauce:
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In a large skillet, melt butter and oil over medium heat.
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Sauté onions until soft, about 5 minutes.
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Add garlic, ginger, and spices; cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in tomato puree and simmer for 10 minutes.
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Add cream, season with salt and a touch of sugar to balance the acidity. Simmer 2–3 minutes more.
4. Combine & Finish:
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Add crispy chicken to the sauce. Stir gently to coat and simmer 2–3 minutes to let flavors blend.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro and a swirl of cream if desired.
🍽 Serve With:
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Steamed basmati rice, naan, or garlic butter flatbread.
Want a spicy version or baked-only option with less oil?