If you’ve ever craved the rich, comforting flavors of restaurant-style butter chicken but wanted to enjoy it from the comfort of home, this Velvety Butter Chicken in Garlic-Infused Tomato Cream with Golden Fries will win your heart.
This dish combines tender, marinated chicken simmered in a silky, spiced tomato cream sauce with crispy golden fries — a unique twist that blends Indian-inspired flavors with a touch of Western indulgence. It’s a luxurious meal that feels gourmet yet is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Serves 4–6
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1½ pounds (700g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cups tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
For the Golden Fries:
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Marinating time: 30 minutes (minimum)
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
- Total time: About 1 hour, 25 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and spices.
- Add the chicken pieces, mixing until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a touch of oil.
- Sear the marinated chicken until lightly browned on all sides (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Butter Sauce
- In the same pan, melt butter and add chopped onion. Sauté until translucent.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomato puree, cumin, coriander, and paprika. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Lower the heat, stir in cream and honey, and season with salt.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
- Add the partially cooked chicken back into the sauce.
- Simmer gently for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of cream.
Step 5: Make the Golden Fries
- Toss potato strips with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes or air-fry until golden and crisp.
Step 6: Serve
- Plate the butter chicken beside the golden fries or pile them on top for a fun, fusion-style presentation.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with basmati rice or garlic naan for a classic pairing.
- Add a side of cool cucumber raita or mint chutney to balance the richness.
- For an elegant presentation, drizzle extra cream over the top and sprinkle with fresh cilantro or crushed cashews.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 35 grams |
| Total Fat | 28 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 12 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 35 grams |
| Sugars | 8 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sodium | 620 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Chicken provides lean, high-quality protein for muscle repair and satiety.
- Tomato and spices add antioxidants and boost immunity.
- Cream and butter contribute richness — can be lightened by using half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Oven-baked fries reduce oil content while keeping the dish satisfying and crisp.
Tips for the Best Results
- For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Add a touch of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to the sauce for authentic restaurant-style aroma.
- Use ghee instead of butter for deeper flavor and a traditional Indian touch.
- To make it lighter, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt stirred in at the end (off heat).
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add extra chili flakes or hot sauce to the sauce base.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with paneer cubes or roasted cauliflower.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with roasted veggies instead of fries.
- Sweet & Savory Twist: Pair with honey-glazed carrots instead of fries for a balanced plate.
This Velvety Butter Chicken in Garlic-Infused Tomato Cream with Golden Fries brings together everything you crave in comfort food — tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly crisp fries. It’s an irresistible balance of spice, richness, and texture that transforms a classic Indian favorite into a globally inspired masterpiece.
Perfect for dinner parties, weekend indulgence, or anytime you want a little luxury on your plate — this recipe promises to satisfy both your craving for comfort and your passion for flavor.