Butter Chicken Garlic Delight with Crispy Fries and Naan

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes your favorite Indian takeout dish and elevates it with a garlic-forward twist and a side of crispy fries for added texture. The tender chicken is cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce that’s infused with aromatic garlic, while crispy fries bring a satisfying crunch. Served with soft, garlicky naan, every bite is a flavor-packed explosion. Whether you’re entertaining or craving a cozy dinner, this dish delivers on all fronts—comfort, spice, and indulgence.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
• Plain yogurt
• Lemon juice
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Garam masala
• Chili powder
• Turmeric
• Butter
• Tomato puree
• Heavy cream
• Salt
• Sugar
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Frozen or homemade French fries
• Garlic naan (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Add chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the fridge.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more butter, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant. Stir in tomato puree, chili powder, garam masala, salt, and a touch of sugar. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Finish the Sauce: Add cream to the tomato mixture and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for another 10–15 minutes until well coated and flavorful.
5. Make the Fries: While the butter chicken simmers, bake or fry the French fries according to package directions until golden and crispy. Season with salt.
6. Warm the Naan: Heat garlic naan in a skillet or oven until warm and slightly toasted.
7. Assemble and Serve: Plate the butter chicken with a side of crispy fries and warm garlic naan. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour (minimum)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including marination)

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with paneer or tofu for a meat-free option.
• Spicy Kick: Add green chilies or extra chili powder to amp up the heat.
• Low-Carb Swap: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of fries and naan.
• Butter Chicken Poutine: Layer fries in a bowl and top them with butter chicken for a rich, cheesy poutine-style dish.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based yogurt, coconut cream, and butter alternatives, and tofu for the protein.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Fries are best eaten fresh, but can be stored separately and reheated in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Naan can be wrapped and kept in the fridge for up to 2 days, then reheated in a pan or oven. Reheat butter chicken over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor, but chicken breasts work well too.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate and cook the chicken a day ahead and simply reheat it before serving. Fries and naan are best made fresh.

Is this dish spicy?

It has mild to moderate heat, but you can adjust the spice level by adding or reducing chili powder.

Can I freeze butter chicken?

Yes, the butter chicken can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove after thawing.

What’s the best way to keep fries crispy?

Bake or fry them just before serving. If making ahead, reheat in the oven or air fryer to regain crispness.

Can I use store-bought butter chicken sauce?

You can, but making it from scratch gives you more control over flavor and spice levels.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Use coconut milk or a mixture of milk and a bit of cornstarch for a lighter version.

How do I make garlic naan at home?

Use a simple dough of flour, yeast, yogurt, and water. Add minced garlic before cooking in a hot skillet or oven.

Is it okay to skip the marination step?

While it’s possible, marination enhances the flavor and tenderness. It’s highly recommended.

Can I serve this dish without fries?

Absolutely. Fries are a fun fusion twist, but the butter chicken and naan are delicious on their own.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken Garlic Delight with Crispy Fries and Naan is a bold, flavorful dish that blends Indian cuisine with comfort food elements for a satisfying meal. The creamy, garlicky butter chicken pairs beautifully with crispy fries and warm naan, creating a feast for the senses. Whether for a weeknight indulgence or a dinner party centerpiece, this recipe is sure to impress.

Butter Chicken Garlic Delight with Crispy Fries and Naan

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Butter Chicken Garlic Delight with Crispy Fries and Naan is a bold, comforting fusion dish that pairs creamy, garlicky butter chicken with crispy golden fries and warm garlic naan. A satisfying combination of Indian spices and indulgent textures perfect for weeknight meals or entertaining.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including marination)
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian Fusion
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

1. 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
2. 1/2 cup plain yogurt
3. 1 tbsp lemon juice
4. 4–5 garlic cloves, minced (divided)
5. 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (divided)
6. 2 tsp garam masala (divided)
7. 1 tsp chili powder
8. 1/2 tsp turmeric
9. 2 tbsp butter (plus more as needed)
10. 1 cup tomato puree
11. 1/2 cup heavy cream
12. 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
13. 1 tsp sugar (optional)
14. 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
15. 1 lb frozen or homemade French fries
16. 4 garlic naan (store-bought or homemade)
17. 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking or brushing naan)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, half the garlic, half the ginger, 1 tsp garam masala, chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).

1. In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add remaining butter, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant. Stir in tomato puree, remaining garam masala, salt, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce is thick and creamy. Adjust seasoning.
4. While the butter chicken simmers, cook fries according to package directions or fry until golden and crispy. Season with salt immediately after cooking.
5. Warm garlic naan in a skillet or oven. Optional: brush with olive oil or melted butter and minced garlic before warming.
6. To serve, plate butter chicken with crispy fries and warm garlic naan. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Notes

• Use paneer or tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Add green chilies or more chili powder for extra heat.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Turn into butter chicken poutine by serving over fries.
• Fries are best served fresh and crispy. Reheat in oven or air fryer if needed.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (1/4 of recipe)
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 690mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 155mg