Experience the best of both worlds with this Crispy Butter Chicken recipe that combines the rich, creamy goodness of classic butter chicken with a delightful crispy texture. Elevate your taste buds to new heights with the perfect fusion of flavors, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Get ready for a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more!
Ingredients:
For the Crispy Chicken:
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces 🍗
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and sugar to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
For the Crispy Chicken:
- Marinate Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
- Prepare Coating:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat Chicken:
- Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Fry to Crispy Perfection:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Spice it Up:
- Add ground turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, and chili powder. Stir well to combine and let the spices cook for a minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Cream:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to incorporate the spice mixture. Allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes. Then, add the heavy cream, stirring continuously.
- Season to Perfection:
- Season the sauce with salt and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Combine Crispy Chicken and Sauce:
- Add the crispy chicken pieces to the butter sauce, coating them evenly. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the Crispy Butter Chicken with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve hot over rice or with your favorite naan bread.
Enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and flavors with this Crispy Butter Chicken. The crunchy exterior of the chicken complements the velvety richness of the buttery sauce, resulting in a dish that is nothing short of spectacular. Enhance your dining experience with this unique take on a classic favorite. 🍗🌶️🔥✨