Crispy Butter Chicken

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Enjoy irresistibly crunchy chicken by coating boneless breasts in seasoned flour, egg, and panko, then frying in nutty brown butter. The key is to thoroughly brown the butter for a deep flavor, and to use Italian-style herbs for extra aroma. Searing each side locks in the juiciness while panko ensures maximum crunch. After frying, drain the chicken briefly, rest under foil, and serve hot for the perfect combination of crisp texture and buttery richness. This dish pairs beautifully with salads or simple sides for a comforting, satisfying meal.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Sun, 27 Jul 2025 01:03:57 GMT
Crispy butter chicken on a white plate. Save
Crispy butter chicken on a white plate. | lilicooks.com

Crispy butter chicken fills my kitchen with an irresistible aroma every time I cook it The juicy chicken cloaked in a golden panko crust is all about simple comfort and pure flavor just the way my family likes

The first time I tried browning the butter for this dish my whole family kept sneaking into the kitchen to ask what smelled so incredible It is now the one recipe I rely on when I need a foolproof dinner everyone will love

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: The star that creates that signature nutty rich flavor Choose highquality butter for the best taste
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Mild juicy and quick to cook Look for eventhickness for even frying
  • Italian Badia seasoning mix: Brings aromatic herbal and slightly spicy undertones Try to source fresh dried herbs for best results
  • Panko breadcrumbs: Essential for the crunch Seek out Japanese panko over regular breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness
  • Eggs: Help bind the crumb coating to the chicken Cagefree eggs add deeper color
  • Allpurpose flour: Gives the coating something to grip onto Unbleached flour offers a richer taste
  • Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that make all the flavors pop Choose freshly ground black pepper for extra bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Brown Butter:
Melt all the butter in a sturdy pan over medium heat and let it bubble gently for about five minutes Stir now and then as it foams and watch for it to turn golden with a toasty aroma That means the solids are caramelized for maximum flavor
Season and Bread the Chicken:
Mix the Italian seasoning and panko in a wide bowl In a second bowl stir together flour with salt and pepper Crack your eggs into a third bowl and beat them well Dredge each chicken piece first in the seasoned flour then the egg then press it into the breadcrumb mix until completely coated all over
Fry the Chicken in Butter:
Once the butter is fragrant and foamy lay in your breaded chicken Try not to crowd the pan Cook each breast on one side for about five to six minutes until the bottom turns deep golden Carefully flip and finish cooking the other side to the same color Check the thickest part hits 165 degrees for safety
Rest and Serve:
Move finished chicken onto a rack set above paper towels so any extra fat can drip away Loosely cover with foil and give it five minutes rest before serving This helps the juices redistribute so your chicken stays extra tender
Crispy butter chicken on a plate. Save
Crispy butter chicken on a plate. | lilicooks.com

You Must Know

  • Great source of protein
  • Keeps crispy even after resting for several minutes
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully

The Italian seasoning in this recipe reminds me of a trip to Rome where simple herbblended chicken tasted absolutely magical Ever since then I have always made sure to have a good blend of dried basil and oregano on hand to recreate those flavors at home This butter chicken is now at the heart of our weeknight routines

Storage Tips

Store any leftover crispy chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For best texture reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven The coating will stay crispier than if microwaved

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you like darker more succulent meat Glutenfree flour and panko are easy swaps for those with sensitivities Italian seasoning can be adjusted based on your favorite dried herb mix

Serving Suggestions

This crispy chicken is fantastic sliced over arugula salad or with buttery mashed potatoes For a fresh touch add a squeeze of lemon or a quick chopped tomato salsa on top It is even delicious tucked into a crusty sandwich roll the next day

Crispy butter chicken on a white plate. Save
Crispy butter chicken on a white plate. | lilicooks.com

Cultural Context

While this recipe is not the butter chicken you might find in Indian cuisine its oldschool European roots are all about rich flavor and satisfying crunch The focus on brown butter and herb seasonings gives it a classic continental feel reminiscent of homey bistro fare

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes the chicken extra crispy?

Panko breadcrumbs and browning the chicken well in hot butter are what deliver the signature crunch.

→ How do you prepare brown butter?

Simmer butter gently until it foams and the milk solids turn golden, creating a nutty, rich flavor base.

→ Can I use other seasonings?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the Italian mix for your own blend of dried herbs and spices.

→ How can I tell when the chicken is cooked through?

The thickest part should reach 165°F (74°C) and be golden brown on both sides.

→ How do you keep the coating from falling off?

Press the crumbs onto the chicken firmly after dipping in egg and allow to rest a minute before frying.

→ What can I serve alongside?

This dish is delicious with salads, roasted vegetables, or a buttery mashed potato.

Crispy Butter Chicken

Chicken breasts dipped in brown butter, breaded with panko and herbs, then pan-fried to a golden crisp finish.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 pound unsalted butter
02 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
03 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning mix
04 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 2 eggs, beaten
06 ½ cup all-purpose flour
07 1 teaspoon salt
08 ½ teaspoon black pepper

Steps

Step 01

Melt 1 pound of unsalted butter in a 3–4 quart straight-sided pan over medium heat. Simmer for about 5 minutes until it foams and turns golden brown, stirring occasionally. Monitor closely to avoid burning.

Step 02

In a shallow bowl, combine Italian seasoning mix with panko breadcrumbs. In another dish, season all-purpose flour with salt and black pepper. Beat eggs in a separate shallow dish. Coat each chicken breast in the flour, dip into the eggs, then coat with the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing firmly to adhere.

Step 03

Add breaded chicken breasts to the foaming golden butter. Cook each side for 5–6 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). For thicker chicken breasts, the total cook time will be approximately 12 minutes.

Step 04

Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack placed over paper towels. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Required Tools

  • 3–4 quart straight-sided pan
  • Shallow bowls or dishes for breading
  • Wire rack
  • Paper towels
  • Kitchen thermometer

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (butter)
  • Contains gluten (flour, breadcrumbs)
  • Contains eggs

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 625.5
  • Fats: 49.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23.4 g
  • Proteins: 30.5 g