My first try at making crispy butter chicken was special. Friends loved it, talking about its creamy sauce and soft chicken. I wanted to make it at home.
With recipes and confidence, I started cooking. The smell of spices filled my kitchen. I couldn’t wait to try it.
In just 30 minutes, I made a delicious dish. It became a favorite in my kitchen. Now, I love to share it with others.
What is Crispy Butter Chicken?
Crispy Butter Chicken is a tasty twist on the classic Indian Butter Chicken. It has marinated chicken in a creamy tomato sauce. The chicken is fried, making it crispy and adding a new flavor.
This dish comes from India, known for its rich flavors. It’s loved around the world for its creamy sauce and spices. It’s a dish that makes you remember it.
- Marinated chicken adds depth of flavor.
- Combines textures with crispy coating.
- Rich tomato-based sauce for a comforting taste.
- Aromatic spices enhance the overall experience.
Making this dish takes about 40 minutes. It serves four, great for family meals or small dinners. You’ll need chicken, butter, Ritz crumbs, and spices.
Make sure the chicken is 165°F to be safe and tasty. This dish is a mix of old and new, making it special.
Benefits of Homemade Butter Chicken
Making homemade Butter Chicken is great. It lets me use fresh ingredients. This makes the dish taste much better than takeout.
I can change the flavors and spices to my liking. This way, I can make it just how I want it.
Homemade butter chicken is also good for special diets. I can adjust it to fit my needs. This way, I can enjoy it without worrying about my health.
Cooking it is fun too. Making delicious butter chicken can be a fun activity. It’s even better when I share it with loved ones.
Easy Butter Chicken Recipe: Ingredients
Making tasty and crispy butter chicken needs the right ingredients. The key ingredients make a big difference. They help get the perfect mix of taste and texture. Here, I’ll share these important parts and some cooking tips.
Essential Ingredients for Crispy Butter Chicken
- 2.25 lb (1 kg) bone-in thighs or 2 lb (910 g) boneless thighs
- 1 cup thickened cream
- 30 g (2 tbsp) butter or oil
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2-3 ripe tomatoes, blended
- Fresh herbs like cilantro for garnish
Cooking Tips for Flavorful Butter Chicken
Marinating the chicken is a great tip. Let it soak for at least 3 hours. Overnight is even better for more flavor. Use good spices and fresh tomatoes and butter for the best taste.
Make sure the chicken is 164°F (74°C) inside for safety. Broiling for 2 to 4 minutes adds a nice char. Serving with rice or naan makes it a cozy family dinner.
Steps to Make Authentic Butter Chicken
Make your kitchen smell like an Indian restaurant with authentic butter chicken. Start by marinating the chicken. I use 500 grams of boneless chicken thighs for tenderness and flavor. Mix whole milk yogurt, lemon juice, and MDH Butter Chicken Masala for the marinade.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. But, overnight is even better.
Then, make the sauce. Use 600 grams of fresh diced tomatoes or 1 cup of passata. Blend in 28 whole cashews for smoothness. Cook the sauce for 12 to 15 minutes until it thickens.
Add sugar, salt, Kashmiri red chili powder, garam masala, and sliced green chilies for extra flavor.
Preheat your oven to 240°C (460°F) to cook the chicken. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, turning it halfway. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes before cooking.
After the chicken is cooked, mix it with the sauce in a pan. Add 1½ cups of hot water. Simmer for about 10 minutes, until butter appears. This step is key for all flavors to mix well.
Serve the butter chicken with basmati rice or homemade garlic naan. It looks great on your table.
| Step | Action | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marinate Chicken | Use thighs for tenderness; marinate overnight for best results. |
| 2 | Prepare Sauce | Add cashews for creaminess; cook until thick. |
| 3 | Bake Chicken | Preheat oven to 240°C; flip chicken for even crisp. |
| 4 | Combine and Simmer | Add hot water; simmer until traces of fat appear. |
Crispy Butter Chicken Variations
Exploring crispy butter chicken variations is fun. India has many ways to make this dish. Each one shows off different flavors and cooking styles. Let’s look at how to make a tasty crispy chicken curry.
Regional Variations of Indian Butter Chicken
Every part of India makes butter chicken its own way. Here are some examples:
- Mughlai Butter Chicken: This version has a creamy sauce with spices, nuts, and dried fruits.
- Punjabi Butter Chicken: It’s spicy with garam masala and chili for extra heat.
- Kolkata Butter Chicken: It has a tangy taste from mustard and poppy seeds.
- Coastal Butter Chicken: This one uses coconut milk for a lighter curry.
These variations make butter chicken richer and more exciting.
How to Make a Crispy Chicken Curry
To make crispy chicken curry, change the butter chicken recipe a bit. Here’s how:
- Marinate 800 g of chicken thighs in honey, garlic, olive oil, and spices for at least one hour. Or up to 48 hours for more flavor.
- Coat the chicken in flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for crispiness.
- Fry the chicken in 3 tablespoons of oil on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes on each side. This makes it golden.
- Make the butter sauce with 100 g of unsalted butter, garlic, and soy sauce. Pour it over the chicken.
- Simmer the dish on low heat for about 15 minutes to mix the flavors.
This method turns butter chicken into a crispy chicken curry. It’s tender and crunchy at the same time. Trying different crispy butter chicken variations is fun and tasty.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless Chicken Thighs | 800 g |
| Flour | ⅔ cup |
| Kosher Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Olive Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Unsalted Butter | 100 g |
| Fresh Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Honey | ⅓ cup |
| Light Soy Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
Serving Suggestions for Crispy Butter Chicken
When serving crispy butter chicken, making the meal special is important. I like to serve it with fluffy naan or basmati rice. A simple side salad adds a fresh touch.
Adding crispy skin on top makes it look great. Fresh cilantro or cashew nuts add crunch and color. You can also try different sauces or chutneys for more flavor.
| Serving Suggestions | Description |
|---|---|
| Fluffy Naan | A perfect accompaniment to scoop up the butter chicken sauce. |
| Basmati Rice | Fragrant rice that absorbs and balances the flavors of the dish. |
| Side Salad | Refreshing and light, offers a contrast to the rich chicken. |
| Cilantro Garnish | Brightens the dish visually and adds a hint of freshness. |
| Cashew Nuts | Provides a crunchy texture that complements the crispy chicken. |
| Chutneys | Sweet or spicy dips enhance taste and add variety to each bite. |
With these ideas, every meal of crispy butter chicken will be unforgettable. It’s a great way to bring people together for a tasty feast.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Butter Chicken
After enjoying butter chicken, it’s key to store leftovers right. Put them in airtight containers within two hours. This keeps them fresh and safe.
Refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below. Eat them in 3-4 days for the best taste.
Freezing is good for longer storage. Use airtight containers or freezer bags. This keeps it fresh for 2-3 months.
When reheating, make sure it’s 165°F (74°C). This kills bad bacteria. Add water or broth to keep it creamy.
Here are ways to reheat:
- Microwave: Use medium power, heat in 30-second bursts, and stir between.
- Stovetop: Heat on low to medium for 5-10 minutes.
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 15-20 minutes.
If it’s too thick, add heavy cream or yogurt. Stir every 30-60 seconds. This keeps it creamy and prevents curdling.
Making the Best Butter Chicken at Home
Making butter chicken at home is fun. I start with 28 oz of chicken, either thighs or breasts. It’s important to use fresh chicken for the best taste.
Marinating the chicken is key. I mix ½ cup of yogurt with garlic and ginger. Then, I add spices like garam masala and turmeric. Letting it marinate for a long time makes the chicken tender and flavorful.
First, I sauté a large onion in olive oil until it’s soft. Then, I cook garlic and ginger for a minute. I add the chicken and brown it before adding crushed tomatoes. This makes the sauce thick and flavorful.
For creaminess, I add 1 cup of thickened cream. Kasoori methi adds a special touch. A tablespoon of sugar balances the flavors.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (thighs/breasts) | 28 oz |
| Plain yogurt | ½ cup |
| Minced garlic | 1 ½ tablespoons |
| Minced or grated ginger | 1 tablespoon |
| Garam masala | 2 teaspoons |
| Turmeric | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon + 1 ¼ teaspoons in sauce |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Ghee or butter+oil | 2 tablespoons ghee or 1 tablespoon of butter + 1 tablespoon of oil |
| Sliced onion | 1 large |
| Crushed tomatoes | 14 oz |
| Thickened cream | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Kasoori methi (dried fenugreek) | ½ teaspoon |
Cooking takes about 30 to 40 minutes. This careful cooking makes the dish delicious. I taste and adjust the spices to make it perfect. Serving it with basmati rice or naan makes it even better.
Why You Will Love This Crispy Chicken Recipe
This crispy butter chicken curry is a treat for your taste buds. It’s tender chicken, rich butter sauce, and crispy coating all in one. It’s both comforting and exciting to eat.
The magic of this recipe is in the flavor and the fun of making it at home. The chicken soaks up the spices well. Then, the oven-frying makes it crispy and perfect with the creamy sauce.
This dish is also very flexible. You can serve it with rice, veggies, or noodles. It’s a great way to add your own twist to a classic recipe. It’s sure to become a favorite among your family and friends.