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.
Here are some variations and tips to perfect your Crispy Butter Chicken:
Variations:
Air Fryer Version: Instead of frying the chicken in oil, use an air fryer to achieve a crispy texture with less fat. Coat the chicken in breadcrumbs or panko before air frying for extra crunch.
Spicy Butter Chicken: Add extra spices like cayenne pepper, chili powder, or fresh green chilies to the marinade or sauce for a fiery kick.
Yogurt Marinade: Use a yogurt-based marinade (with spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric) for the chicken to tenderize it and enhance the flavor before frying.
Herb Butter Chicken: Add fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or parsley to the butter sauce for a fresh and vibrant twist.
Coconut Butter Chicken: Substitute some of the cream or butter with coconut milk or coconut cream for a tropical twist and a slightly sweeter flavor.
Crunchy Coating: For a more substantial crunch, use crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs to coat the chicken before frying.
Baked Butter Chicken: For a lighter version, bake the marinated chicken at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) until crispy instead of frying, then finish in the butter sauce.
Tips:
Marinate for Tenderness: For juicy, flavorful chicken, marinate the chicken pieces (ideally overnight) in a mixture of spices, garlic, ginger, yogurt, or lemon juice. This breaks down the proteins and adds flavor.
Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: To get super crispy chicken, fry the pieces twice—once at a lower temperature to cook them through and then again at a higher temperature to crisp up the exterior.
Let the Chicken Rest: After frying, let the chicken rest on a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain its crispiness before adding to the sauce.
Butter and Cream Balance: While butter is a key ingredient, balance the richness by using a combination of cream, tomato puree, and spices. Too much butter can overpower the other flavors.
Season the Coating: Make sure to season the flour or breadcrumbs used for coating the chicken with salt, pepper, and spices. This ensures the crust is flavorful.
Crisp Up in the Oven: If the chicken becomes soggy after adding it to the butter sauce, pop it in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
Control the Sauce Consistency: Cook the butter sauce until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce. For a thinner sauce, add more cream or broth.
These variations and tips will help you create a rich and crispy butter chicken that’s bursting with flavor, while allowing for some fun customization!
To properly store Crispy Butter Chicken and maintain both its flavor and texture, follow these steps:
Refrigeration (Short-Term Storage)
Duration: Up to 3-4 days
Once the butter chicken has cooled down completely, transfer it to an airtight container.
Separate the Chicken and Sauce (if possible): To keep the chicken crispy, store the sauce and fried chicken separately. Add the sauce only when reheating.
If storing together, be aware that the chicken will lose some of its crispiness but will still taste great.
Freezing (Long-Term Storage)
Duration: Up to 2-3 months
Freezing Chicken Separately: For best results, freeze the crispy chicken and butter sauce in separate containers or freezer bags.
Wrap the chicken in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container before freezing to protect it from freezer burn.
Freezing Together: You can freeze the butter chicken as a whole dish, but the chicken may lose its crispiness upon thawing. Make sure the dish is well sealed to preserve its flavor.
Thawing: To thaw, place the frozen butter chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating Tips:
Oven Method (Best for Crispiness): Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain some crispiness. You can reheat the sauce separately on the stove and then combine.
Stovetop Reheat: Heat the sauce on low heat in a saucepan until warm, and add the chicken just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Microwave Method (Quick but Less Crisp): If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave the butter chicken, though the chicken will lose its crispy texture. Reheat in short bursts to prevent overcooking.
Additional Tips:
Avoid Overcrowding When Storing: Place the chicken pieces in a single layer when refrigerating or freezing to help retain crispiness.
Reviving the Crispiness: If the chicken becomes soggy, try reheating it in the oven or under a broiler to crisp it up again.
Following these storage and reheating tips will help preserve your butter chicken’s flavor, and with some care, you can retain much of the crisp texture!
Enjoy!