Name: Creamy Butter Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce and Hand-Cut Fries
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp smoked paprika; Salt to taste; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 onion, finely chopped; 5 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp grated ginger; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 cup tomato puree; 1 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tsp sugar (optional); Fresh cilantro for garnish; Hand-cut potatoes for fries

The Creamy Butter Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce and Hand-Cut Fries is a dish that brings rich flavors and comfort to every occasion. This delightful Indian-style recipe combines tender chicken in a creamy sauce with perfectly crispy fries, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The unique garlic cream sauce elevates the dish, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The blend of spices and cream creates a rich, satisfying taste that will impress your guests.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe makes cooking enjoyable for both beginners and seasoned chefs.
Versatile Meal: Serve it as a cozy family dinner or at parties; it’s sure to please everyone.
Comfort Food: The creamy sauce and crispy fries make this dish the ultimate comfort food choice.
Garnish Appeal: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness, enhancing both presentation and flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this delicious dish requires some essential tools that will simplify your cooking process. Having the right equipment on hand ensures everything runs smoothly in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Large skillet
Whisk
Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

Chef’s knife: A sharp knife allows for precise cutting of chicken and vegetables, making prep work quick and easy.
Large skillet: This gives ample space for cooking the chicken evenly while allowing the sauce to reduce properly.
Whisk: Useful for mixing ingredients smoothly, especially when combining yogurt with spices for marination.

Ingredients

For the Butter Chicken:

1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
1 cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 onion, finely chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 tsp chili powder
1 cup tomato puree
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp sugar (optional)
Fresh cilantro for garnish

For the Fries:

(Add ingredients for hand-cut fries here as needed)

How to Make Creamy Butter Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce and Hand-Cut Fries

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken thighs. In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine plain yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, garam masala, turmeric, smoked paprika, and salt.
2. Add the chicken chunks into the marinade until fully coated.
3. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken marinates, prepare your sauce:
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
3. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook until fragrant.
4. Mix in chili powder followed by tomato puree.
5. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes before adding heavy cream, salt, pepper, and sugar if desired.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Once your marinade time is complete:
1. Add marinated chicken pieces into the sauce mixture in your skillet.
2. Cook on medium heat until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
3. Adjust seasoning as needed before removing from heat.

Step 4: Frying Hand-Cut Fries

Prepare your hand-cut fries while your chicken cooks:
1. Cut potatoes into even strips.
2. Heat oil in another skillet or deep fryer at 350°F (175°C).
3. Fry potato strips until golden brown and crispy; drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Serving

Serve your creamy butter chicken hot over rice or alongside hand-cut fries garnished with fresh cilantro for an added touch of flavor!

How to Serve Creamy Butter Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce and Hand-Cut Fries

Serving your Creamy Butter Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce and Hand-Cut Fries can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this dish that will impress your guests.

Pairing with Fresh Salads

Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side that complements the spices in the butter chicken.
Mixed Green Salad: Tossed greens with a light vinaigrette create a refreshing contrast.

Enjoying with Flatbreads

Naan Bread: Soft, pillowy naan is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
Pita Bread: Light and versatile, it pairs well for dipping alongside fries.

Adding Flavorful Condiments

Chutney: Sweet or spicy chutneys can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Pickles: Tangy pickles offer a bite that balances the richness of the creamy sauce.

How to Perfect Creamy Butter Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce and Hand-Cut Fries

To make your Creamy Butter Chicken even more delicious, follow these helpful tips.

Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight enhances its flavor and tenderness.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and herbs will elevate the taste compared to dried alternatives.
Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the chili powder according to your heat preference for a personalized touch.
Don’t Rush the Cooking: Slow cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully, creating a richer sauce.
Balance Richness with Acidity: A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens up the dish.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Butter Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce and Hand-Cut Fries

Complement your meal with these delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with Creamy Butter Chicken.

Basmati Rice: Fluffy rice absorbs sauce perfectly; consider adding a dash of cumin for flavor.
Vegetable Curry: A mild vegetable curry can add variety and color to your plate.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized bring a sweet contrast.
Lentil Salad: Nutty lentils mixed with fresh herbs provide texture and protein.
Couscous Pilaf: Light couscous mixed with spices offers a unique alternative to rice.
Sautéed Spinach: Garlic sautéed spinach adds a nutritious green element to balance your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding marination: Not marinating your chicken can result in less flavorful meat. Marinate for at least an hour to enhance taste.
Skipping the spices: Forgetting to include spices can dull the flavor. Use fresh spices like cumin and garam masala for a vibrant taste.
Using cold cream: Adding cold cream can cause the sauce to separate. Warm it gently before mixing into the sauce for a smooth consistency.
Neglecting the sauce thickness: A watery sauce can be unappealing. Simmer longer to achieve the desired creamy texture.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long will make it tough. Aim for tender, juicy pieces by cooking just until done.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in airtight containers to keep flavors intact.
Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Creamy Butter Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce and Hand-Cut Fries

Use freezer-safe containers or bags for freezing.
Best consumed within 2-3 months; label containers with dates.

Reheating Creamy Butter Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce and Hand-Cut Fries

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until hot.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes) on medium power, stirring in between.
Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a pan, stirring gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Creamy Butter Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce and Hand-Cut Fries?
Creamy Butter Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce and Hand-Cut Fries is a flavorful Indian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce served with crispy fries.

How do I make my butter chicken more spicy?
For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh green chilies during cooking.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes! This recipe works well with turkey, beef, or lamb as alternatives.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with paneer or mixed vegetables for a delicious vegetarian dish.

How do I achieve the perfect creamy sauce?
To ensure a smooth sauce, gradually mix in warm cream and allow it to simmer gently without boiling.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Butter Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce and Hand-Cut Fries is not only rich and satisfying but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite spices or add vegetables. Try it today for a comforting meal that everyone will love!