This recipe brings back memories of rainy weekends when I wanted something warm and cozy to serve the whole family. I used to order butter chicken from our local Indian restaurant, but my kids always found it a bit too spicy. So I set out to make a version we could all enjoy together — mild, creamy, and full of flavor without the heat. Now it’s one of our most requested dishes. Served with warm rice or naan, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser in our house.
Kid-Friendly Mild Butter Chicken – Creamy Indian-Inspired Weeknight Dinner
This kid-safe butter chicken delivers creamy comfort without the heat—think tender chicken simmered in a mild tomato-cream sauce infused with fragrant spices like ginger and garlic. Made straightforward for weeknight cooking, it’s a family favorite that pairs perfectly with rice or naan, offering both warmth and nostalgia in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Marinate the Chicken (Optional but flavorful):
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, paprika, cumin, and salt.
- Add chicken (cut into bite-size pieces) and coat well. Let sit for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and mostly cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same pan, melt remaining 2 tbsp of butter. Add tomato sauce and stir for 2–3 minutes. Then stir in cream and sugar. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine & Simmer:
- Return the chicken to the pan. Simmer for another 10 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and sauce is rich. Add a splash of water or broth if too thick.
- Serve warm with rice, naan, or both.
Notes
- For kids: This version uses no chili powder. You can increase paprika or add ¼ tsp smoked paprika for depth without heat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut yogurt for marinade and coconut cream for sauce.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Marinate the chicken the night before for extra flavor and quicker prep.
