Creamy Butter Chicken in Garlic-Infused Sauce with Golden Crispy Fries Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food with a big hit of flavor, Creamy Butter Chicken in Garlic-Infused Sauce with Golden Crispy Fries is a true showstopper! This dish balances rich, velvety butter chicken that’s generously spiced and bathed in a luscious garlic-tomato cream sauce, paired alongside crispy oven-baked fries tossed in fresh garlic and parsley. Each bite gives you juicy, marinated chicken with a tang of yogurt and lemon, mellow heat from Indian spices, and the irresistible crunch of homemade fries—the kind of meal that wins hearts at first taste!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Creamy Butter Chicken in Garlic-Infused Sauce with Golden Crispy Fries lies in how each simple ingredient contributes to a beautiful blend of flavors and textures. Don’t be intimidated by the list—each one is truly essential and works overtime to create the deep, satisfying taste and color of the final dish!
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs (1 ½ lbs): The juiciest, most flavorful cut for tender bites in every forkful.
- Plain yogurt (1/2 cup): Tenderizes the chicken and creates a luscious marinade foundation.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds brightness and gentle tang, balancing the depths of spice.
- Garam masala (1 tablespoon): Packs those warm, classic Indian aromatics that define butter chicken.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Earthy and nutty, boosting overall flavor complexity.
- Ground turmeric (1 teaspoon): Gives a warm golden hue and subtle musky notes.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Layers in mild heat and a beautiful reddish color.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Brings a gentle kick—use more or less to suit your spice level.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Simple, but essential for balancing all the flavors.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): The heart of the sauce, creating silky richness.
- Oil (1 tablespoon): Prevents the butter from burning, and helps with even cooking.
- Onion (1, finely chopped): A sweet, savory backbone that rounds out the sauce.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Packs tons of flavor into both the sauce and the fries.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, minced): Adds fresh zing and extra aromatic punch.
- Tomato puree (1 1/2 cups): Brings body, tang, and deep red color to the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret weapon for ultra-creamy, dreamy texture.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): A pinch sweetens the sauce and balances acidity.
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish): Bright green, peppery and the prettiest finish.
- Russet potatoes (4 large, cut into fries): Fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside—ideal for fries!
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Coats the fries to help them turn golden in the oven.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Added to fries for an addictive, aromatic punch.
- Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Fresh and grassy—adds great color and zip to the fries.
- Salt (to taste): The final flourish for perfectly seasoned golden fries.
How to Make Creamy Butter Chicken in Garlic-Infused Sauce with Golden Crispy Fries
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, chili powder, and salt in a big bowl. Stir these together until you have a beautiful sunshine-yellow mixture, then add your chicken pieces, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. This simple marinade is where all the flavor gets infused—the longer you let it hang out in the fridge, the tastier the chicken will be. An hour is good, but overnight is magic.
Step 2: Prep and Bake the Fries
While your chicken marinates, get your fries ready. Toss the potato sticks in olive oil, spread them out in a single layer on a big baking tray, and pop them into a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven. Let them cook for 35–40 minutes, turning once so both sides get that irresistible crispy edge. For extra crunch, soak the fries for 30 minutes in water beforehand, then dry well. In the last five minutes, sprinkle over the minced garlic so it bakes into the fries, and finish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of salt as soon as they come out.
Step 3: Make the Garlic-Infused Butter Sauce
While the fries get golden, create your sauce. Heat butter and oil together in a large skillet over medium heat—this keeps the butter from browning too fast and gives a glossy finish. Sauté the chopped onion gently until soft and sweet, then add the minced garlic and ginger, letting them bloom their aroma for a minute. Pour in the tomato puree, let it bubble and thicken for 5–7 minutes, then swirl in the heavy cream and a pinch of sugar. Stir and let it all simmer together until the sauce is silky, with a rich orange hue.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Now, add your marinated chicken (juice and all) to that gorgeous sauce. Stir well, cover, and let it cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken stays incredibly tender, soaking up all those big flavors, while the sauce thickens to a luxurious finish. For even more depth, you can sear the chicken pieces in a hot pan first for a little char.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once everything’s bubbling, fragrant, and irresistibly creamy, shower the chicken with chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal lift. Plate generous scoops of chicken with its sauce alongside mounds of garlic fries. The contrast between creamy and crunchy, hot and herby, is pure comfort food bliss. There you have it—Creamy Butter Chicken in Garlic-Infused Sauce with Golden Crispy Fries that looks as good as it tastes!
How to Serve Creamy Butter Chicken in Garlic-Infused Sauce with Golden Crispy Fries
Garnishes
A scattering of freshly chopped cilantro is my favorite way to finish this dish. If you love a pop of freshness, a squeeze of lemon over the chicken just before serving wakes up all those creamy and spiced notes. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the fries for extra crispness, or dust both chicken and fries with a little more garam masala if you want to amplify those Indian aromatics.
Side Dishes
Creamy Butter Chicken in Garlic-Infused Sauce with Golden Crispy Fries is a full meal on its own, but it also plays well with others! Consider a bright, simple cucumber salad or a crunchy slaw to cut through the richness. A side of warm naan or fluffy basmati rice is the perfect mop for all that tomato-garlic cream sauce—because trust me, you won’t want to let a drop go to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve Creamy Butter Chicken in Garlic-Infused Sauce with Golden Crispy Fries family-style on one big platter, letting everyone dig in together. Or, go modern and make loaded butter chicken fries: layer crispy fries on a plate, spoon piping hot chicken and sauce over the top, and finish with fresh herbs. For casual nights, try serving in shallow bowls so everyone gets plenty of sauce to scoop up every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra? Store leftover butter chicken and garlic fries separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken and sauce will keep well for up to 3–4 days without losing that creamy, dreamy texture, and the fries can be enjoyed for up to a day (they’re best fresh, but still delicious afterward with the right reheating trick).
Freezing
The creamy butter chicken portion freezes beautifully! Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw in the fridge overnight. The garlic fries don’t freeze as well—they lose their crunch—but you can always make a fresh batch while reheating your sauce.
Reheating
To bring Creamy Butter Chicken in Garlic-Infused Sauce with Golden Crispy Fries back to life, gently reheat the chicken and sauce together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until hot and creamy. If it thickens too much, just add a splash of water or cream. Recrisp fries under a broiler or in an air fryer for a few minutes to help revive their crunch before serving alongside your piping hot chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine, though thighs remain juicier and more flavorful. If you choose breast, watch your cook time closely to avoid drying it out. Marinating will still give great flavor.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the yogurt for coconut yogurt and replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. Use plant-based butter or oil in place of dairy butter—the result is still deliciously rich and smooth!
Can I prepare the fries ahead of time?
Yes, you can cut and soak the potatoes ahead for up to 24 hours, storing them in cold water in the fridge. Bake them off fresh for maximum crispiness—just dry them well before tossing with oil and seasoning.
What’s the best way to get the crispiest fries at home?
Soaking the cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes draws out some starch, making them even crispier when baked. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before oiling and bake in a hot oven without overcrowding the pan.
How spicy is Creamy Butter Chicken in Garlic-Infused Sauce with Golden Crispy Fries?
The heat level is quite gentle—enough to tingle, but not overwhelm. You can always adjust up or down by adding more or less chili powder, or serve with a dollop of yogurt to cool things off if you like.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that brings serious flavor and a touch of indulgence to your table, Creamy Butter Chicken in Garlic-Infused Sauce with Golden Crispy Fries is not to be missed. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing weekend treat, this dish is one you’ll find yourself making again and again—so go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to the joy of homemade comfort food!
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Creamy Butter Chicken in Garlic-Infused Sauce with Golden Crispy Fries Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Creamy Butter Chicken served in a luscious garlic-infused sauce alongside crispy golden fries. A perfect blend of Indian-inspired spices and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Butter Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
- 1 1/2 cups tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
For the Garlic Fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes (cut into fries)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken and mix well to coat. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Garlic Fries: Toss potato fries with olive oil, bake until golden and crispy. Sprinkle minced garlic in the last 5 minutes, then toss with parsley and salt.
- Cook the Butter Chicken: Heat oil and butter, cook onion until soft. Add garlic, ginger, tomato puree, cream, and sugar. Simmer, then add chicken. Cook until chicken is done and sauce is creamy. Garnish with cilantro.
- Serve: Enjoy the butter chicken with garlic fries on the side.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak the fries in water before baking.
- For a charred finish, pan-fry the marinated chicken before adding it to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of chicken and fries
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
