Finding meals that are both nutritious and appealing to children can be a challenge. This kid-friendly butter chicken recipe is bound to become a family favourite. Easy to make and packed with rich flavours, it's perfect for introducing new tastes to your little ones.
The Origin of Butter Chicken
Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, originates from Northern India, created in the 1950s at Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi. The dish was a result of combining leftover tandoori chicken with a tomato-based curry sauce, creating a creamy and rich flavour. It's a creamy, rich dish that has gained global popularity.
The Health Twist
Traditional butter chicken can be heavy, but we've made some modifications to make it more suitable for children:
- Leaner Cuts of Meat: Use leaner cuts of chicken breast or boneless, skinless thighs.
- More Vegetables: Add spinach, peas, or bell peppers.
- Healthier Substitutes: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream and a smaller amount of ghee.
Get your kids involved in cooking with this straightforward butter chicken recipe.
SERVES 3-4 | PREP 10 MIN | COOK 30 MIN | LEVEL 3
Ingredients you'll need...
1. Marinate
- In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and coriander.
- Add the chicken pieces to the mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
- In a large pan, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until golden brown.
- Pour in the tomato puree and cook for 5-7 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the sauce.
3. Cook
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook until it is no longer pink.
- Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the coconut milk and chopped spinach, turn heat down to low and simmer for 20 min allowing the sauce to thicken. Season with salt to taste.
4. Final Touches
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened to your preference, remove from heat.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips for Picky Eaters
Dealing with picky eaters can be challenging, but here are some practical tips to make meal times more enjoyable:
- Involve Kids in Cooking – When children help prepare a meal, they are more likely to eat it. Simple tasks like stirring or measuring ingredients can make a big difference.
- Introduce New Flavours Slowly – Gradually introduce new spices and flavours in small amounts to avoid overwhelming their palate.
- Make it Fun – Present food in an appealing way. Use colourful vegetables and fun shapes to make the dish more visually engaging.
Serving Suggestions
Butter chicken can be served in various ways to make it a balanced meal:
- With Rice – Serve the butter chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a classic pairing.
- With Naan – Warm, fluffy naan bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
- With a Side Salad – Add a side of fresh salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to complement the richness of the butter chicken.
Tofu Variation for Dietary Restrictions
For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, here’s an alternative version using tofu:
- Replace chicken with 500g of firm tofu, cubed
- Follow the same marinade and sauce instructions
- Marinate the tofu in the yogurt mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Pan-fry the marinated tofu until golden brown before adding it to the prepared sauce.
We’d love to hear about your experiences with this recipe, so don’t forget to share your feedback and any variations you tried. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!
Creating a kid-friendly butter chicken that's both nutritious and delicious is simple.
