How to Make the Perfect Indian Butter Chicken Mild Style
Indian · Medium · 35 min · 4 servings
This kid-friendly version of the beloved Indian classic uses a rich creamy tomato sauce with warming spices dialed back to a gentle mild level that young children can enjoy. It is perfect served over basmati rice and is the ideal way to introduce Indian cuisine to the whole family.
Why this recipe works
This Indian Butter Chicken Mild Style recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 510 calories with 34g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lb boneless chicken breast cubed
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp mild garam masala
- 2 cups basmati rice cooked
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Melt one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and cook for 6 to 8 minutes stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden on the edges. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the crushed tomatoes and mild garam masala and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until it deepens slightly in color and the raw tomato smell cooks off.
Step 3: Add Cream and Chicken
Pour the heavy cream into the tomato sauce and stir until fully incorporated and the sauce turns a warm orange color. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and simmer everything together for 10 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Serve Over Rice
Spoon the butter chicken over bowls of warm cooked basmati rice. Serve immediately with warm naan bread or pita on the side if desired. Leftovers reheat beautifully the next day.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- heavy cream → full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version
- boneless chicken breast → boneless chicken thighs for a juicier more flavorful result
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding too much garam masala which makes the dish too spicy for young children
- Simmering the cream sauce on too high a heat which causes it to curdle and separate
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 510 calories, 34g protein, 48g carbs, 20g fat, 3g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →