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Crispy Butter Chicken

Featured in: Satisfying Recipes for the Main Event

Crispy Butter Chicken is the ultimate combo of crunch and flavor. Tender chicken is coated with cornflake crumbs, air fried to perfection, and then tossed in a savory butter sauce loaded with garlic, lemon, fresh herbs, and just a hint of spice. Quick and easy, these are great for dinners, snacks, or prepping meals. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re bound to become a favorite.
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Updated on Mon, 05 May 2025 15:19:32 GMT
Plate with crispy chicken, dipping sauce, and lemon wedge. Pin it
Plate with crispy chicken, dipping sauce, and lemon wedge. | tastefullyrecipe.com

Juicy, crunchy chicken pieces soaked in a bold, tangy butter mixture make a mouthwatering combo that turns basic chicken strips into an unforgettable dish. This Cowboy Butter Chicken brings together the satisfying crackle of a cornflake outer layer with a smooth butter sauce packed with fresh herbs, punchy garlic, and a touch of spice.

I made these tenders during our family get-together last week and they vanished in moments. The cornflake coating stayed surprisingly crunchy even with the butter sauce adding its deep flavor, showing why this pairing really works magic.

Key Elements

  • Plump chicken tenderloins: Give you the ideal texture and cook up fast
  • Cornflakes: Make an ultra-crunchy coating that doesn't go soggy
  • All-purpose flour: Makes sure the coating sticks properly
  • Cajun seasoning: Gives deeper, more interesting flavors
  • Fresh eggs: Help everything stick together well
  • Whole milk: Makes the egg mixture richer
  • Quality butter: Creates the foundation for our amazing sauce
  • Juicy lemons: Add bright zesty notes
  • Fresh garlic cloves: Give that must-have flavor punch
  • Dijon mustard: Adds a bit of zip and flavor depth
  • Fresh parsley: Brings color and fresh taste
  • Green onions: Add a gentle onion kick
  • Hungarian paprika: Gives beautiful color and warm flavor
  • Fresh thyme: Works perfectly with the buttery base
  • Cayenne pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat

Making Your Showstopper

Setup Time:
Get three shallow bowls for your coating steps. Mix the flour with Cajun seasoning in the first one for a tasty foundation.
Egg Mix Prep:
Beat eggs and milk together until smooth to make sure coating sticks well.
Cornflake Prep:
Smash cornflakes into medium chunks that'll give you that perfect crispy outside.
First Coating:
Roll each tender fully in the spiced flour, making sure it's totally covered before moving to the egg mix.
Last Layer:
Push tenders firmly into the cornflake mix so it sticks all over evenly.
Air Fryer Method:
Lay out coated tenders with space between them so air can flow for maximum crispiness.
Sauce Making:
Gently melt butter and stir in freshly chopped herbs and spices until well combined.
Finishing Touch:
Lightly toss the crispy tenders in warm butter sauce right before serving for best flavor.
A plate of fried chicken with a lemon wedge and a bowl of dipping sauce. Pin it
A plate of fried chicken with a lemon wedge and a bowl of dipping sauce. | tastefullyrecipe.com

My grandma always used Hungarian paprika in her chicken dishes, and now I totally get why. It's got this rich, deep flavor that regular paprika just can't touch.

Tasty Companions

Make your meal complete by adding these tenders with smooth mashed potatoes, fresh garden salad, or homemade slaw. For something lighter, try them on top of mixed greens with a drizzle of ranch.

Smart Variations

Try using gluten-free cornflakes and flour if you've got dietary needs. Play around with Italian herbs or Mexican spices for different flavors. Add more cayenne or red pepper flakes if you want extra kick.

Stays Good Awhile

Keep leftover tenders in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days. Warm them in the air fryer for 3 minutes at 350°F to bring back the crunch. Store extra butter sauce on its own and warm it gently when you're ready to eat.

A plate of fried chicken with a bowl of dipping sauce on the side. Pin it
A plate of fried chicken with a bowl of dipping sauce on the side. | tastefullyrecipe.com

I've tweaked tons of chicken recipes over the years, but this Cowboy Butter version always gets the biggest smiles from my family and friends. The mix of the crunchy outside and rich, flavorful butter sauce creates a knockout dish that'll become a regular request at your dinner table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I cook these chicken pieces without an air fryer?
Absolutely! Bake them in your oven at 400°F, turning them midway through cooking, for about 20-25 minutes until they’re done and golden.
→ How should I store leftover chicken?
Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container. Make sure to reheat in an oven or air fryer so they stay crispy.
→ What sides go well with crispy butter chicken?
Try serving them with mac and cheese, a tangy coleslaw, green salad, or even fries. Pair them with ranch or blue cheese for extra dipping goodness.
→ Can I prep the butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes! It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for 2 days. Just gently rewarm it when you’re ready to use, and it’s good to go.
→ What’s the easiest way to crush cornflakes?
Toss them in a ziplock bag and roll over it with a rolling pin. Keep it coarse for that perfect crunch.

Crispy Butter Chicken

Crispy and golden, these chicken pieces are coated with crushed cornflakes and tossed in a garlic-rich butter sauce with herbs and fresh lemon.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Patricia


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Southern U.S.

Yield: 12 Servings (12 chicken strips)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken Bread Coating

01 2 pounds chicken strips
02 1/2 cup plain flour
03 1 tablespoon Cajun or spicy chicken seasoning
04 1 teaspoon table salt
05 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
06 2 big eggs
07 1/4 cup milk or tangy buttermilk
08 3 cups cornflakes, crushed into rough pieces
09 Sprayable olive or avocado oil

→ Butter Dipping Sauce

10 1 stick of butter, partially soft but not fully melted
11 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
12 Zest of half a lemon and 1 tablespoon of its juice
13 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
14 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili flakes
16 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
17 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
18 1 tablespoon sliced chives or green onions
19 2 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves
20 Salt and pepper (season as you like)

Instructions

Step 01

Pop your cornflakes into a gallon-sized zip bag, seal it up, then go over it with a rolling pin or meat mallet until they’re broken into coarse bits.

Step 02

Get three shallow bowls (pie pans are ideal). For the first one, mix flour with salt, seasonings, and pepper. In the next, whisk together eggs and milk until combined. Leave the crushed cornflakes in the last one.

Step 03

Using one hand for the dry stuff and the other for the wet, coat each piece by dipping once through the flour mix, then into the egg wash, and finally pressing it into the crumbed cornflakes until fully coated.

Step 04

Lay a few breaded chicken strips in your air fryer. Spray them with oil, making sure they’re evenly covered. Set to 400°F and cook for 5 minutes, flip them, spray a little more oil, then cook another 5 minutes until crispy and golden.

Step 05

As the chicken cooks, mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Adjust the flavor as you prefer, adding more spices if needed.

Step 06

Once the chicken is done, put it in a mixing bowl. Pour over your butter sauce and give it a good toss to coat evenly. Pair it with your favorite ranch or blue cheese dip.

Notes

  1. Freezing tip: Line up breaded chicken on a tray and put in the freezer for 2 hours. Once solid, transfer into a bag for up to 2 months.
  2. For better butter: Keep some chunks partially solid—it keeps the butter from separating.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer
  • Three wide bowls (pie pans work)
  • Large plastic ziplock bag
  • Rolling pin or meat tenderizer
  • Big bowl for tossing cooked chicken

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy (milk, butter)
  • Eggs are included
  • Gluten is present (flour and cornflakes)