There’s something absolutely magical about butter chicken—but when you give it a crispy twist and a creamy Singaporean-style flair? Oh, trust me, you’re about to fall head over heels. This Creamy Crispy Singapore Butter Chicken is the kind of dish that makes you do a little happy dance in the kitchen. It’s rich, crunchy, saucy, and comforting all at once—like a big, warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or impressing your guests with something bold and flavorful, this one’s a game-changer. Let’s dive into the deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Crispy Singapore Butter Chicken
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Works for weeknight dinners, festive feasts, or even when you’re craving something indulgent at midnight.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank but taste like a million bucks.
Quick and Easy: Minimal effort for maximum reward—because who has hours to spend in the kitchen?
Customizable: Love it spicier? Milder? Creamier? You’re in control.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Creamy Crispy Singapore Butter Chicken
Here’s the magic of this dish—it combines crispy textures with silky, flavorful sauce. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Juicy, tender, and perfect for crisping up in that hot oil.
Cornstarch and Flour: The secret weapons for that crispy golden coating that crunches when you bite in.
Garlic and Ginger: Aromatic and zesty—they build that savory depth right from the start.
Butter: The rich, velvety base of the sauce. This is butter chicken after all!
Evaporated Milk or Cream: For that signature creaminess that clings to each bite.
Curry Leaves: A bold, fragrant touch that adds unmistakable Singaporean flair.
Chili Flakes or Fresh Chilies: Optional heat that lifts the whole dish without overpowering it.
Soy Sauce and Sugar: Balances the savory and sweet notes in that irresistible sauce.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your frying oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to get that golden crisp on your chicken.
Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, toss your chicken pieces with flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Line a plate with paper towels to absorb excess oil after frying.
Assemble the Dish: Carefully lower the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry until they’re golden brown and crispy. Remove and place them on the paper towel-lined plate.
Cook to Perfection: In another pan, melt butter and sauté garlic, ginger, and curry leaves until fragrant. Add chili flakes (if using), followed by evaporated milk or cream, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir well and simmer gently until the sauce thickens.
Finishing Touches: Add the crispy chicken to the sauce and toss to coat. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the chicken soaks up all that goodness.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! Whether it’s paired with jasmine rice, roti, or noodles, this recipe is sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approx. 420
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Creamy Crispy Singapore Butter Chicken
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Fluffy jasmine or basmati rice to soak up all that sauce
- Warm roti or naan for dipping and scooping
- Stir-fried vegetables or steamed bok choy for a fresh contrast
- A crisp cucumber salad to cool things down
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Marinate your chicken for extra flavor if you’ve got time—just a bit of garlic, soy, and pepper will do.
- Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature stable and ensure maximum crispiness.
- Use evaporated milk for that signature richness, but you can sub with heavy cream or coconut milk for a twist.
- Add more chilies if you like it hot, or skip them for a milder version.
- Fresh curry leaves are key—dried won’t give the same bold flavor.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, just be careful not to overcook it as it can dry out more easily.
2. Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?
You can, but you’ll miss out on that irresistible crunch. Air frying is a good alternative too!
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and fry the chicken in advance, then toss them together just before serving.
4. How spicy is this dish?
It’s mild to moderate, but you can adjust the heat level to your liking with more or less chili.
5. What can I use instead of curry leaves?
They’re hard to replace, but you can add a tiny pinch of fennel seeds or skip them if necessary.
6. Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. Just know the texture of the chicken might change.
7. Can I use milk instead of cream or evaporated milk?
You can, but it won’t be as rich or thick. Stick with evaporated milk if possible.
8. What oil should I use for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil.
9. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Totally! Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots would work great—just sauté them before adding the sauce.
10. Is this dish gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce to adapt it.
Conclusion
There you have it—Creamy Crispy Singapore Butter Chicken in all its saucy, crunchy, flavor-packed glory. It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to pull off. So go ahead, get that pan sizzling and treat yourself to a dish that’s equal parts comfort food and culinary adventure. This one’s going to be a regular in your recipe rotation—guaranteed!
Print
Creamy Crispy Singapore Butter Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Simmering
- Cuisine: Singaporean
- Diet: Halal
Description
A deliciously creamy and crispy butter chicken with a unique Singaporean twist, packed with rich flavors and a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with cornstarch and flour. Coat the chicken well and set aside.
- In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and fry until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt the remaining butter. Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add curry powder, turmeric powder, and chili flakes. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir to create a creamy sauce.
- Add the fried chicken back into the pan, coating it evenly in the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra crunch, you can double fry the chicken pieces.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili flakes.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice or garlic butter naan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg