Velvety Butter Chicken with Garlic-Tomato Cream and Golden Fries
This fusion-style butter chicken features creamy garlic-tomato sauce poured over crispy golden fries. A bold, comforting twist on the classic Indian favorite—perfect for cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Fusion
- Method: Stovetop + Oven
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired, Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Sauce:
700 g (about 1½ lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2–3 tbsp butter or oil
5–6 garlic cloves, minced
1 large onion, finely chopped
1½ cups tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
¾ cup heavy cream
1½ tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp turmeric
¼ tsp chili powder (optional)
1 tsp sugar
Salt, to taste
Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
For the Golden Fries:
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1–2 tbsp butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until browned and mostly cooked. Remove and set aside.
Build the Sauce:
In the same skillet, sauté garlic and onion over medium heat until soft and translucent. Add tomato puree and optional tomato paste, then stir in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder (if using), sugar, and salt. Simmer for 8–10 minutes.
Add Cream & Return Chicken:
Lower heat and stir in cream until sauce is smooth. Return chicken to skillet and simmer 5–7 minutes until fully cooked. Add lemon juice if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Prepare the Fries:
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Toss fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Spread on baking sheet and bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway. (Or air-fry at 200°C / 400°F for 15–18 minutes.)
Assemble & Serve:
Arrange fries on a plate, top with butter chicken and sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Marinate chicken in yogurt, lemon, and spices beforehand for even more flavor.
Use chili powder for heat, or omit for a milder version.
Serve over fries for a fusion twist, or pair with naan or rice for a traditional touch.
