crispy butter chicken

Crispy Butter Chicken combines the classic flavors of butter chicken with a crispy and crunchy texture. Here’s a recipe to guide you through making this delicious dish:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Coating:
   • In a separate bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken:
   • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
   • Coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken.
4. Fry the Chicken:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large, deep skillet to around 350°F (175°C).
   • Fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy. Ensure the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Drain on paper towels.

Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce:

1. Sauté Aromatics:
   • In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
2. Add Spices:
   • Stir in turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, and garam masala. Cook for an additional minute to toast the spices.
3. Add Tomatoes:
   • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, bring to a simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes.
4. Blend the Sauce:
   • Use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender to puree until smooth.
5. Add Cream:
   • Return the sauce to the pan, add the heavy cream, and simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble:

1. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   • Toss the crispy fried chicken pieces into the butter chicken sauce, coating them evenly.
2. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the crispy butter chicken over rice or with naan bread.

Enjoy your crispy butter chicken with its delightful combination of crispy chicken and rich, flavorful butter chicken sauce!