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Perfect Crispy Chicken

Featured in Main Meals Everyone Enjoys.

Golden chicken pieces soaked in a zesty buttermilk marinade are fried for crunch. A buttery honey sauce with a hit of garlic, soy, and lemon gets poured over, offering a balance of savory and sweet. Paprika, onion, and garlic in the flour mixture elevate this to a standout dish, with the optional chili flakes adding just enough spice. A yummy combo of crisp and juicy textures makes this irresistible.
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Una donna con un cappello a coda di cavallo e un vestito nero.
Updated on Thu, 27 Mar 2025 22:26:36 GMT
Perfect Crispy Chicken Pin it
Perfect Crispy Chicken | kylierecipes.com

Turn basic chicken into a mouthwatering treat with this balanced dish that gives you a crunchy outside, juicy inside, and rich butter sauce. This adaptable meal blends Southern-style crunch with a sweet garlic-honey butter coating, making a memorable dinner that works for both everyday meals and fancy gatherings. Every mouthful offers a perfect mix of textures and tastes that'll have everyone asking for more.

Over my time cooking at home, this dish grew from basic fried chicken into this fancy version with its standout butter sauce. When that golden crust meets the thick, shiny sauce, it creates food magic that always brings happy faces around the dinner table.

Key Ingredients

  • Juicy chicken thighs or breasts: Form the main part, with thighs giving more flavor and natural juiciness
  • Genuine buttermilk: Softens the meat and adds a slight tang that boosts the overall taste
  • The right mix of spices: Adds flavor at every step, mixed into both the soak and coating
  • High-quality unsalted butter: Makes a velvety sauce that works perfectly with the crunchy outside
  • Whole garlic and honey: Give the sauce natural sweetness and aromatic flavor

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Start with the Right Soak:
Drizzle buttermilk over your seasoned chicken. Gently rub the spices into the meat so they spread evenly. Wrap tightly with plastic, pushing out any air. Leave in the fridge overnight, flipping once if you can. Take it out 30 minutes before cooking.
Mix Your Crunchy Coating:
Mix all dry stuff really well so the spices spread out. Work with small batches to keep the dry mix from getting wet. Let extra marinade drip off before coating. Press the coating firmly onto the chicken so it sticks well. Let coated pieces sit on a wire rack before cooking.
When Deep Frying:
Get oil hot to exactly 350°F using a thermometer. Put pieces in carefully to avoid splashing. Keep the temperature steady while cooking. Look for a nice golden brown color. Drain on a rack instead of paper towels.
For Air Fryer Success:
Get your air fryer fully hot before starting. Spray the basket with a bit of oil so nothing sticks. Place pieces with room between them so air can flow around. Turn gently halfway through. Check the temperature inside to make sure it's done.
When Using The Oven:
Put rack in the middle of your oven. Heat up your baking sheet first for extra crispiness. Spread chicken pieces out with space between. Flip carefully so the coating stays on. Watch closely during the last few minutes.
Easy Crispy Butter Chicken Pin it
Easy Crispy Butter Chicken | kylierecipes.com

Making The Special Sauce

Begin with butter at just the right warmth. Cook garlic until it smells good but isn't brown. Slowly mix in the other stuff. Simmer until it gets a bit thick. Keep it warm until you're ready to serve.

Knowing When It's Done

Learning the signs of perfectly cooked chicken will get you great results every time. Look for the right gold color, listen for the proper cooking sound, and use a meat thermometer to be absolutely sure.

Building A Full Dinner

Make this into a standout meal by thinking about timing, heat, and side dishes. Plan extras that go well with both the crunchy chicken and the rich sauce.

Delicious Crispy Butter Chicken Pin it
Delicious Crispy Butter Chicken | kylierecipes.com

My grandma always let the coated chicken rest before cooking it. This easy trick makes a big difference in how well the coating sticks and how crunchy it gets.

After years of tweaking this dish, I've found that taking your time and watching the small details really matters. The mix of tender chicken, crunchy coating, and thick butter sauce makes restaurant-quality food right at home. Whether it's just a family dinner or a special event, this crispy butter chicken always gets compliments.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap thighs for breasts?
You can! Just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out when cooking since breasts are leaner.
→ What’s a good replacement for buttermilk?
Mix a cup of milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes—it’ll thicken up!
→ How can I tell if the oil’s ready?
You’ll want it at 350°F. Use a thermometer or drop a bit of flour—if it bubbles and floats, you're good.
→ Can the sauce be prepared early?
Absolutely. Make it a day or two ahead, then warm it up before using. Add a little water if it thickens too much.
→ How do I keep the chicken crunchy?
Once fried, set the chicken on a wire rack over a tray, and keep it warm in a low oven (about 200°F).

Crispy Butter Chicken

Golden fried chicken marinated in buttermilk, fried to a crunchy perfection, and topped with a rich, sweet honey butter glaze.

Prep Time
70 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
95 Minutes
By: Kylie

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Fusion of Korean and American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 pieces of chicken)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Marinade with Buttermilk

01 1 teaspoon paprika
02 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
03 4 chicken thighs or breasts, no skin or bones
04 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 1 teaspoon salt

→ Crunchy Coating

07 1 teaspoon onion powder
08 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 1 teaspoon garlic powder
10 1 teaspoon paprika
11 1 cup (125g) flour for all purposes
12 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch
13 1 teaspoon salt

→ Sauce with Honey and Butter

14 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
15 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
16 1/4 cup (60g) butter, unsalted
17 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
18 1 teaspoon soy sauce
19 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

Step 01

Stir together buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Submerge the chicken pieces completely in the marinade, making sure every piece is coated. Chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight for max flavor.

Step 02

Combine cornstarch, flour, and all the seasonings in a big bowl. Shake off extra marinade from a chicken piece, then toss it in the flour blend until fully covered.

Step 03

Using about 2 inches of oil heated to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan, fry chicken batches until crispy and golden all around. Each side takes 5-6 minutes. Make sure the thickest part reads 165°F (75°C) when checked.

Step 04

Melt butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic and chili flakes if you'd like a bit of heat. Mix in honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce. Cook until it looks shiny and smooth.

Step 05

Pour or brush the honey butter sauce over the crispy chicken. Make sure every bite gets that sweet and tangy glaze.

Notes

  1. Soaking the chicken overnight gives the meat extra flavor and tenderness.
  2. Adding cornstarch to the coating mix makes the chicken crispier.
  3. Once fried, let chicken sit on a wire rack. This keeps it crunchy.

Tools You'll Need

  • Heavy pan or skillet for frying
  • Oil thermometer
  • Wire rack for draining
  • Pan for melting sauce ingredients
  • Meat thermometer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (buttermilk, butter)
  • Has gluten (flour)
  • Contains soy (soy sauce)