Few things in life bring as much joy as crispy golden fries paired with something rich, creamy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. That’s exactly what you get with this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Golden Fries recipe a decadent yet approachable dish that fuses comfort food vibes with a hint of spice and warmth from classic Indian-inspired flavors.
Imagine tender chicken simmered in a luscious garlic butter and cream sauce, flavored with earthy spices like garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Add a tangy tomato base that balances the richness, and you’ve got a dish that feels indulgent yet comforting. To top it off, it’s served with golden fries for dipping, scooping, or simply enjoying alongside the perfect mashup of cozy home cooking and restaurant-worthy flair.
This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying but not overly complicated, or for a weekend indulgence with friends and family. The combination of crispy fries and saucy chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two Comfort Foods in One – Creamy chicken curry-style sauce with golden fries on the side.
- Rich but Balanced – Butter and cream bring indulgence, while tomatoes add freshness and tang.
- Customizable – Swap fries for rice, naan, or even roasted vegetables.
- Beginner-Friendly – Straightforward steps, minimal equipment, and accessible ingredients.
- Perfect for Sharing – A cozy dish that feels both casual and special at the same time.
Ingredients Breakdown
This recipe makes 4 servings.
For the Chicken & Sauce
- Chicken Breast (500 g, cut into bite-sized pieces) – lean, tender protein that absorbs all the flavors.
- Unsalted Butter (100 g) – adds richness and a velvety mouthfeel.
- Heavy Cream (200 ml) – creates a silky, indulgent sauce.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – aromatic and savory, the backbone of the dish.
- Tomatoes (400 g pureed, or 1 can crushed tomatoes) – balances creaminess with tang and depth.
- Garam Masala (2 tsp) – warm, aromatic spice blend.
- Turmeric Powder (1 tsp) – adds earthiness and a golden hue.
- Cumin Powder (1 tsp) – slightly smoky and nutty.
- Coriander Powder (1 tsp) – citrusy and fragrant.
- Salt (to taste) – brings everything together.
For the Fries
- Frozen Fries (500 g) – baked or fried until crispy and golden.
Garnish
- Fresh Cilantro (for garnish) – adds color and freshness to balance the richness.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium pot (if frying fries) or baking sheet (if oven-baking)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Paper towels (if deep-frying fries)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Fries
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Spread frozen fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Frying Method: Heat oil in a medium pot to 180°C (350°F). Fry in small batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
2. Prepare the Chicken Base
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Season lightly with salt.
3. Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t let it burn).
- Stir in garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
4. Add Tomatoes and Simmer
- Pour in pureed or crushed tomatoes. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer for 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Cook the Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir to coat with sauce.
- Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
6. Finish with Cream
- Lower heat to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream to create a rich, silky sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt to taste.
7. Assemble and Serve
- Serve creamy garlic butter chicken hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
- Pair with golden fries on the side—or dip fries straight into the sauce for the ultimate indulgence.
Tips & Variations
- Make It Spicier – Add red chili powder or fresh chopped chilies with the garlic.
- Healthier Twist – Use baked sweet potato fries instead of regular fries.
- Alternative Sides – Serve with rice, naan, or roasted vegetables if you don’t want fries.
- Dairy-Free Option – Replace butter with olive oil and cream with coconut milk.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Store chicken and sauce separately from fries to keep everything fresh.
Flavor Profile & Pairings
This dish is rich, creamy, and aromatic with warm spice undertones. The tomatoes provide tang, the butter and cream offer indulgence, and the garlic ties it all together. The fries add crispiness and a satisfying contrast to the velvety sauce.
Pair it with:
- A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Refreshing cucumber mint cooler
Great sides to add:
- A cucumber yogurt salad (raita style)
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Warm naan bread for dipping into the sauce
Nutritional Overview (Per Serving, with fries)
- Calories: ~640
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
This meal is hearty and indulgent, best enjoyed as a treat or shared with friends and family.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
- Cook Fries Fresh – Fries are best served immediately for crispiness.
- Sauce Storage – Make the garlic butter chicken up to 3 days ahead. Store in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
- Freezer Friendly – The chicken and sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs add even more juiciness and work beautifully here.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook the sauce up to 2 days ahead and reheat when ready to serve with fries.
3. Do I have to use heavy cream?
For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or even Greek yogurt (added at the end to prevent curdling).
4. Can I air fry the fries?
Yes! Cook frozen fries at 200°C (400°F) for 15–18 minutes in an air fryer, shaking halfway.
5. How can I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency.
Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)
Step | Time Required |
---|---|
Prepare fries | 20–25 minutes |
Garlic butter base | 5 minutes |
Add tomatoes & simmer | 10 minutes |
Cook chicken | 12–15 minutes |
Stir in cream & finish | 5 minutes |
Serving Suggestions
- Family Style – Serve chicken in a large skillet at the center of the table with fries in a basket.
- Restaurant Style – Plate chicken in shallow bowls with fries in a side ramekin.
- Casual Comfort – Serve chicken and fries together on one plate—perfect for dipping fries in the creamy sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Garlic Butter Chicken Poutine – Pour the sauce and chicken over fries, then top with cheese for a decadent fusion.
- Rice Bowl Version – Swap fries for fluffy basmati rice.
- Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – Toss the creamy chicken sauce with cooked pasta.
Ingredient Spotlight: Garlic
Garlic is the backbone of this dish, infusing the butter and cream with bold aroma and flavor. For best results, use fresh garlic cloves (not pre-minced in jars). Store garlic in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight—it can last up to a month. Crush or mince just before cooking for maximum flavor release.
Pro Cooking Tips
- Bloom the spices in butter and garlic before adding tomatoes—this deepens their flavor.
- Simmer sauce gently after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Fry or bake fries at high heat to ensure crispiness.
- Always garnish with fresh herbs (cilantro) right before serving for brightness.
Storage & Freezing Guide
- Fridge: Store chicken and sauce in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce (without fries) for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to restore consistency.
- Fries: Best made fresh—reheating will cause them to lose crispiness.
Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving, with fries)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~640 |
Protein | 35 g |
Carbohydrates | 38 g |
Fat | 38 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Dietary Notes: Gluten-free (if fries are certified GF), adaptable for dairy-free diets by swapping butter and cream with coconut-based alternatives.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Golden Fries is indulgent, comforting, and absolutely irresistible. The velvety sauce, packed with garlic and warm spices, clings beautifully to tender chicken and when paired with crispy fries, it becomes the ultimate comfort food experience.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this dish is the perfect blend of hearty and flavorful. Rich, creamy, and satisfying it’s one recipe you’ll come back to whenever you crave something special yet simple.
PrintCreamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Golden Fries
Butter Chicken with Garlic Sauce and Crispy Fries is a comforting and indulgent dish. Tender chicken is cooked in a rich garlic-tomato cream sauce and served alongside golden, crispy fries — perfect for a gluten-free family meal.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 100 g unsalted butter
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 400 g tomatoes, pureed (or 1 can crushed tomatoes)
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- Salt, to taste
- 500 g frozen fries
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with salt, turmeric, cumin, and coriander powder for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet, melt butter, and cook the chicken until browned.
- Sauté garlic in the same skillet, add pureed tomatoes, and simmer.
- Return chicken to the skillet, add heavy cream, and simmer 10 minutes more.
- Preheat oven and bake frozen fries until golden and crispy.
- Serve chicken with garlic sauce alongside fries, garnished with cilantro.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for better flavor.
- Adjust spice levels according to preference.
- Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Oven
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten Free