There’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of crispy butter chicken wafting through the kitchen. This family-friendly dish offers a delightful crunch paired with tender, flavorful chicken smothered in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s the perfect meal for any occasion—easy to make and even easier to enjoy! Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
What Is Crispy Butter Chicken?
Crispy butter chicken is a delightful twist on the classic Indian dish, where tender chicken pieces are marinated in spices and yogurt, then cooked to crispy perfection. With the help of a slow cooker or air fryer, this version makes the preparation hassle-free while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The creamy, buttery sauce combined with the crispy chicken creates a symphony of taste and texture that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for family dinners or even meal prep!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Butter Chicken
- Convenient Preparation: Just marinate, cook, and enjoy!
- Bursting with Flavor: Each bite is infused with aromatic spices and rich butter sauce.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice levels to suit your family’s taste.
- Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual weeknight dinners to special gatherings.
How to Make Crispy Butter Chicken
Quick Overview
This recipe for crispy butter chicken involves marinating chicken in a mix of spices and yogurt, then cooking it until crispy before adding a creamy sauce. It’s a hands-off dish that allows you to focus on enjoying time with your family!
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (skinless, boneless) – 1.5 lbs, tender and juicy
- Yogurt – 1 cup, for marinating chicken
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced, adds flavor depth
- Ginger – 2 tsp, grated, for warmth
- Cumin – 1 tsp, aromatic spice
- Garam Masala – 1 tsp, for authentic flavor
- Paprika – 1 tsp, for color and mild heat
- Salt – 1 tsp, to taste
- Butter – 1/2 cup, for the sauce
- Heavy cream – 1/2 cup, for creaminess
- Tomato purée – 1 cup, base for the sauce
- Fresh cilantro (optional) – for garnish
Directions
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, garlic, ginger, cumin, garam masala, paprika, and salt. Add chicken thighs and coat well. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Prepare for Cooking: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If using a slow cooker, skip to the next step.
Air-Fry the Chicken: Place marinated chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and cooked through, turning halfway.
Make the Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add tomato purée and simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine Everything: Stir in heavy cream and mix well. Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and coat completely. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro if desired. Serve hot over rice or with naan.
What to Serve With Crispy Butter Chicken
- Basmati Rice: Fluffy and fragrant rice complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Naan Bread: Great for scooping up the delicious sauce.
- Cucumber Raita: A cool yogurt-based side to balance the spices.
- Simple Salad: Fresh greens with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing touch.
- Lassi: A traditional yogurt drink to wash it all down!
Top Tips for Perfecting Crispy Butter Chicken
- Substitutions: Chicken breast can be used instead of thighs, but it might be less juicy.
- Spice Adjustments: Increase or decrease the amount of spices to suit your taste.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
- Equipment: An air fryer gives best results for crispy chicken, but an oven works too!
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the chicken and sauce separately. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave until heated through, making sure not to overcook.
FAQs
- Can I use different proteins? Yes! Paneer or tofu can work well for a vegetarian version.
- How spicy is this dish? It’s adjustable; feel free to reduce the spices for a milder flavor.
- Can I prep this ahead of time? Absolutely! Marinate the chicken the night before for enhanced flavor.
- Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, all ingredients used are gluten-free!
- What if I don’t have garam masala? You can substitute with a mix of cumin, coriander, and cardamom.
Conclusion
Crispy butter chicken is the kind of dish that brings everyone together, combining rich flavors and satisfying textures. This recipe is an easy way to create a comforting meal that your loved ones will cherish. Try it tonight and let me know how it turned out!
Crispy Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, garlic, ginger, cumin, garam masala, paprika, and salt. Add chicken thighs and coat well. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If using a slow cooker, skip to the next step.
- Place marinated chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and cooked through, turning halfway.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add tomato purée and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and mix well. Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and coat completely. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish with cilantro if desired. Serve hot over rice or with naan.