Crispy Butter Chicken

Crispy Butter Chicken is a fusion-style dish that combines the crunch of fried chicken with a sweet, savory, and buttery sauce. Bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken are coated in a lightly spiced batter, fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a rich butter-based sauce flavored with garlic, soy sauce, honey, and a touch of chili for warmth. The result is a dish that balances crispiness, sweetness, and umami in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, lunchboxes, or casual gatherings, it pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or even a side of stir-fried vegetables. With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, this recipe is approachable for home cooks and delivers restaurant-style flavor in your own kitchen.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes
Yield: 3–4 servings

Ingredients

For the Crispy Chicken:

500 g boneless chicken (thigh or breast), cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tbsp cornflour

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 tsp paprika or red chili powder

1 tsp garlic powder or garlic paste

½ tsp black pepper

Salt, to taste

1 egg, beaten

Oil, for frying

For the Butter Sauce:

3 tbsp butter

1 tbsp garlic, finely chopped

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp honey or sugar

½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

1 tbsp ketchup or chili sauce

1–2 tbsp water, to adjust sauce consistency

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix cornflour, all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.

Add the beaten egg and a small splash of water to make a thick batter that can coat chicken evenly.

Toss chicken pieces in the batter until fully coated.

Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.

Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.

In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in soy sauce, honey or sugar, ketchup, and chili flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until well combined.

Add 1–2 tbsp water to adjust the sauce consistency to your preference.

Toss the fried chicken in the butter sauce until evenly coated and heated through.

Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or a side of vegetables. Garnish with chopped spring onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Tips

Pat chicken dry before coating to help the batter stick better.

Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain crispiness.

Use medium-high heat for frying to get a golden exterior without overcooking the chicken inside.

Adjust chili flakes according to spice preference.

Honey adds natural sweetness, but sugar works equally well.

For extra flavor, marinate chicken in a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic for 15–20 minutes before coating.

Keep the fried chicken warm in a low oven if preparing sauce in batches.

Toss chicken gently in the sauce to avoid breaking the crisp coating.

Use a non-stick pan for the sauce to prevent sticking or burning.

Serve immediately; the coating softens if left too long.

Variations

Spicy Butter Chicken: Increase paprika, chili powder, or add sriracha.

Honey Garlic Style: Add extra garlic and reduce chili for a sweet, savory flavor.

Tangy Version: Mix a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice into the sauce.

Creamy Butter Chicken: Stir in 2 tbsp cream for a richer sauce.

Sesame Butter Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Indo-Chinese Style: Add soy sauce and a pinch of ginger powder for fusion flavor.

Sweet and Sour: Add pineapple juice and diced pineapple chunks.

Cashew Butter Chicken: Stir in ground cashews for extra nuttiness.

Gluten-Free: Use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Oven-Baked Option: Bake coated chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes instead of frying.

Q&A

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, both work, but thighs stay juicier.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Fry the chicken and store separately; toss in sauce just before serving.

How do I keep chicken crispy?

Fry at the correct temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Is this dish very spicy?

Adjust paprika and chili flakes to taste.

Can I substitute butter?

Ghee or margarine works, though butter provides richer flavor.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, freeze cooked chicken and reheat in the oven, then toss in sauce.

What sides go well?

Steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.

Can I make it lighter?

Bake instead of frying.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Reduce it over low heat or add a small slurry of cornflour and water.

Can I add vegetables?

Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can be tossed in the sauce.

Nutrition

(Approximate per serving)

Calories: 410
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fat: 28 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 620 mg

Conclusion

Crispy Butter Chicken is a flavorful, comforting dish that delivers both crunch and rich, buttery sauce in every bite. With simple pantry ingredients and an easy cooking method, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even a special homemade treat. Its versatility allows for adjustments in spice, sweetness, or sauce richness, making it easy to customize according to your taste. The combination of crispy fried chicken and aromatic butter sauce creates a satisfying balance of texture and flavor that makes this dish a favorite at the dinner table.