Crispy Butter Chicken is an easy oven baked fried chicken with just a few ingredients in 30 minutes that your kids will LOVE!
Ingredients:
2 large eggs beaten
1 cup Ritz cracker crumbs
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 chicken breasts , boneless skinless (6 ounces each)
1/2 cup butter , cut into pieces
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Place eggs and cracker crumbs in two separate shallow bowls.
Mix cracker crumbs with garlic salt and pepper.
Dip chicken in the eggs, then dredge in the crumb mixture to coat.
Arrange coated chicken in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Place pieces of butter on top of the chicken.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Crispy butter chicken is a delicious twist on the classic dish, combining the rich, creamy flavors of butter chicken with a crispy texture. Here are some variations and tips to achieve the perfect crispy butter chicken:
Variations
- Spicy Crispy Butter Chicken:
- Marinate: Add extra chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicier kick.
Sauce: Mix in some chopped green chilies or red pepper flakes into the sauce for added heat.
- Honey Butter Chicken:
Marinate: Include a bit of honey in the marinade for a subtle sweetness.
Sauce: Drizzle honey over the crispy chicken before serving.
- Garlic Parmesan Butter Chicken:
Marinate: Add garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese to the marinade.
Sauce: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the butter chicken sauce for a cheesy flavor.
- Herbed Crispy Butter Chicken:
Marinate: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the marinade.
Sauce: Add fresh herbs to the sauce for an aromatic touch.
Tips for Crispy Butter Chicken
- Marinate Well:
Use a combination of yogurt, spices, and lemon juice to tenderize the chicken and enhance flavor. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best results.
- Double-Coat for Extra Crispiness:
After marinating, coat the chicken in a mixture of flour and breadcrumbs or panko. For extra crispiness, dip the chicken in egg wash before coating.
- Fry or Bake:
Frying: Heat oil to medium-high heat and fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy.
Baking: For a healthier option, bake the coated chicken on a rack in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until crispy.
- Make a Thick Sauce:
Simmer the sauce to reduce it to a thicker consistency, which helps it cling better to the crispy chicken.
- Serve Immediately:
Crispy chicken tends to lose its texture over time, so serve it right after cooking for the best crunch.
- Garnish:
Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors and add a fresh touch.
Experiment with these variations and tips to find your perfect version of crispy butter chicken!
Storing crispy butter chicken requires some careful handling to maintain its texture and flavor. Here’s how to do it effectively:
1. Cool Properly
Allow the crispy butter chicken to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the coating soggy.
2. Store Separately
Chicken and Sauce: Store the crispy chicken and butter sauce in separate containers. This helps maintain the crispiness of the chicken.
3. Use Airtight Containers
Place the chicken in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to prevent it from drying out. For the sauce, use a separate airtight container.
4. Refrigeration
Store the crispy chicken and sauce in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 3-4 days.
5. Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce separately. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container, and the sauce in a separate freezer-safe container. This can preserve them for up to 2-3 months.
6. Reheating
Crispy Chicken: Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore its crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the coating soggy.
Butter Sauce: Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
By following these steps, you can keep your crispy butter chicken as fresh and delicious as possible.
The nutritional information for crispy butter chicken can vary depending on the recipe and preparation method. However, here’s a general breakdown based on a typical serving (about 1 cup of chicken with sauce):
Approximate Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400-600 kcal
- Protein: 20-30 grams
- Fat: 25-40 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
- Fiber: 2-4 grams
- Sugars: 6-10 grams
- Sodium: 700-1,200 mg
Factors Influencing Nutrition
- Chicken Preparation: The type and amount of oil used for frying or the method of cooking (baking vs. frying) can significantly affect the fat and calorie content.
- Sauce Ingredients: The amount of butter, cream, and added sugars in the sauce impacts the calorie, fat, and sugar content.
- Portion Size: Larger servings will have proportionally higher nutritional values.
For precise nutritional information, consider using a recipe nutrition calculator or checking the specific ingredients used in your recipe.