Butter Crisp Chicken

8 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 40 m Total: 55 m Beginner
4.0/5 (1)
Butter Crisp Chicken
A great recipe for baking chicken! This butter-crisp method creates a golden, crispy coating on chicken pieces using seasoned flour and a butter-shortening baste. Broiler-fryers, roasters, stewing/baking hens, capons and Rock Cornish hens are all chickens.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • 1 frying chicken, cut into pieces
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 cup butter or margarine
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 1/4 cup butter for browning

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Melt 1/4 cup butter and 1/4 cup shortening together in a small saucepan; set aside.
  3. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic salt, and paprika. Mix well.
  4. Coat each chicken piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
  5. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining 1/4 cup butter. Add chicken pieces and lightly brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  6. Place the browned chicken in a casserole dish, arranging pieces in a single layer. Leave uncovered.
  7. Pour the melted butter and shortening mixture into the skillet with the chicken drippings, stirring to combine.
  8. Use half of this butter mixture to baste the chicken pieces.
  9. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, basting with the remaining butter mixture halfway through cooking (at about 20 minutes).
  10. Chicken is done when juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why isn't my chicken crispy?

A: Make sure to leave the chicken uncovered while baking—covering will steam the chicken and make it soggy. Also ensure you coat the chicken thoroughly in the flour mixture and brown it well before baking.

Q: Can I skip the browning step?

A: Browning the chicken first adds flavor and helps create the crispy texture. If you're short on time, you can skip it, but increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes and baste more frequently.

Tips and Techniques

Press the flour mixture firmly onto the chicken pieces to ensure good adhesion. The combination of butter and shortening creates a better crispy texture than using butter alone—the shortening has a higher smoke point and helps the coating stay crisp.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • shortening: additional butter or lard
  • frying chicken: any chicken pieces you prefer

Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet for browning
  • Casserole dish or baking dish
  • Small saucepan for melting butter mixture