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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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 24 minutes
Marinate Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ lbs Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • ½ cup Plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Ginger grated
  • 1 tsp Garam masala
  • 1 tsp Paprika 1 tsp
  • ½ tsp Ground cumin
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • 3 tbsp Butter
  • 1 cup Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • ¾ cup Heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • ¼ cup Optional: water or chicken broth Optional

Equipment

  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Marinate the Chicken (Optional but flavorful):
  2. In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, paprika, cumin, and salt.
  3. Add chicken (cut into bite-size pieces) and coat well. Let sit for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge.
  4. Cook the Chicken:
  5. 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.
  6. Make the Sauce:
  7. 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.
  8. Combine & Simmer:
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
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