Chicken curry for kids doesn’t have to mean bland or boring. And yes, even fussy eaters might surprise you with a clean plate after this one.

Kids love flavour, just not heat. That's where a mild, creamy chicken curry comes in. It’s warm, comforting and packed with familiar ingredients like tender chicken, potato and carrots, all in a lightly spiced, coconutty sauce. According to research, repeated exposure, for instance to herbs and spices, can actually help children develop a broader taste palate. So a chicken curry is doing more than just filling hungry bellies.

These versions skip the chilli but keep the flavour, using kid-friendly ingredients like tender chicken, potato and a splash of coconut milk. It’s comforting, nourishing, and packed with gentle spices that add depth without heat, perfect for busy weeknights when you want to serve up something wholesome (and hopefully complaint-free).

Ready to see your kids enjoy curry night? Keep reading for the recipes and a few easy tips to make them even more nutritious.

Spice Up Mealtimes the Easy Way. Grab This Fussy Eating Fix

Introducing bold flavours like chicken curry to kids can be tricky, but Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids by Dr Nick Fuller is here to help. Backed by science and packed with practical tips, this guide gives you the tools to navigate fussy eating without stress. From first bites to full plates, it’ll help your child explore new foods with confidence.

Get your copy of Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids today and make dinner a win, even on curry night.

Benefits of Chicken Curry for Kids

Chicken curry isn’t just tasty. It’s also packed with goodness that growing kids can benefit from.

• Good source of protein for growth: Chicken is rich in protein, which helps support muscle development and tissue repair, especially important during growth spurts.
• Can include hidden veggies for extra nutrition: From grated zucchini to blended pumpkin or carrots, curry sauce is perfect for sneaking in extra veggies without the fuss. A win for fussy eaters.
• Warm and comforting meal: The gentle warmth of a mild curry makes it the ultimate comfort food. It’s a familiar texture with just enough flavour to keep things interesting.
• Easy to digest when made mild: When you skip the heat and keep the ingredients simple, chicken curry becomes a soothing option that’s easy on little tummies.
• Pairs well with rice or soft breads: Soft rice, roti or flatbreads make great sides for dipping and scooping, turning dinner into a hands-on experience kids actually enjoy.
• Can support immune health with spices like turmeric and garlic: Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory properties, while garlic is known to act as an antidote against several illnesses. Even in small amounts, these gentle spices can give your dish a healthy edge.

Top 5 Tasty Chicken Curry Recipes For Kids

Not all curries are created equal, especially when cooking for little ones! These kid-approved chicken curry recipes are big on flavour but gentle on spice.

Chicken and Lentil Green Curry

This kid-friendly green curry is a great way to introduce gentle spice and extra nutrition. Packed with protein-rich chicken and fibre-filled lentils, it’s a quick, healthy weeknight dinner the whole family can enjoy. We’ve kept it mild for younger tastebuds, and used a simple curry paste to save time, perfect for busy nights when you still want something nourishing on the table. 

Type: Contains Chicken, Gluten Free, Lactose Free, Nut Free

Serves 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 4 tablespoons good quality store-bought green curry paste
• 1x 400g can light coconut milk
• 200g chicken breast, sliced into bite sized pieces
• ¼ butternut pumpkin, sliced into small pieces
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• ½ red capsicum, chopped
• 1 carrot, sliced into small pieces
• 1x 400g tin lentils, drained and rinsed
• 100g shelled edamame 

Recipe

1. Cook the brown rice according to packet directions.

2. Whilst the rice is cooking, heat a large pot or saucepan over high heat and add the green curry paste. Fry for a couple of minutes until fragrant, then add the coconut milk and bring to a boil.

3. Add in the chicken breast and allow to cook for 3-4 minutes until white. Return the heat to medium and add in all vegetables. Cover the pot and allow it to cook for 5 minutes. Add in the lentils and edamame and cook for another 5 minutes. Ensure the vegetables are cooked through. 

4. Serve the curry with the brown rice and enjoy!

Pumpkin Chicken Curry

This creamy pumpkin chicken curry is perfect for kids, with its naturally sweet flavour, smooth texture and gentle spices. It’s ideal for meal prep too, so you can double the batch and stash some in the freezer for an easy, fuss-free dinner. Feel free to mix in kid-approved veggies like carrots or peas, and keep the toppings simple. Add a dollop of yoghurt or a sprinkle of soft herbs like coriander. Save the chilli and cashews for the grown-ups.

Type: Contains Chicken, Gluten Free

Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes 

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 medium sized chicken thigh fillets, chopped into large pieces
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1x 375ml can light evaporated milk
• ½ of a small pumpkin, chopped
• 1 small eggplant, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1x 400g tin lentils, drained and rinsed
• 1 bunch bok choy
• Handful fresh coriander leaves
• Cooked quinoa, to serve

Recipe

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium to high heat. Add in the onion and chicken and cook, turning often, for 4-5 minutes. 

2. Stir in the garam masala, turmeric and cumin. Then pour in the evaporated milk. 

3. Add in the pumpkin, eggplant and zucchini. Cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the chicken is cooked through. 

4. Stir in the lentils, bok choy and coriander. Allow to cook for a further 5 minutes until heated through. 

5. Serve the curry alongside the quinoa. Serve immediately and enjoy!

One Pot Creamy Chicken Risoni

This mild, curry-inspired risoni dish is perfect for kids who aren’t quite ready for traditional curries. It’s creamy, comforting and cooks up in just one pot, ideal for busy weeknights. Using simple ingredients and pantry staples, it’s a great way to introduce gentle spices while keeping things familiar and fuss-free for little eaters.

Contains: Chicken

Serves 4-5

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes 

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• Sprinkle of smoked paprika
• Sprinkle of fennel seeds
• 3 large chicken breasts, chopped into large pieces
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 ¼ cups risoni pasta
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 bag baby spinach
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ½ cup Greek yoghurt

Recipe

1. Heat a large deep saucepan over medium to high heat. Add in the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. 

2. Add in the onion, as well as the paprika and fennel seeds. Cook, stirring regularly, for 5 minutes until lightly browned. 

3. Add the chopped chicken breast to the pan, along with the garlic. Fry for 3-4 minutes, stirring often. The chicken will still be slightly pink, which is ok as it will continue cooking further. 

4. Stir in the risoni, then pour over the chicken stock. Stir gently to combine, then cover the pot with a lid. Increase the heat to high – as soon as the liquid boils, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the risoni has absorbed most of the liquid. 

5. Add in the baby spinach, lemon juice, and yoghurt. Mix gently to combine, then once it is heated through remove it from the heat. 

6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

One Pot Asian-Style Chicken

This kid-friendly take on Asian-style chicken brings all the flavour without overwhelming little tastebuds. It’s a mild, saucy dish that comes together in one pot, perfect for weeknights when you want something quick, wholesome and easy to clean up. Serve with soft rice or noodles for a comforting dinner the whole family can enjoy. 

Type: Contains Chicken, Lactose Free

Serves 4-6

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes 

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoons ginger, minced
• 4 large chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 cup Jasmine rice
• 200g button mushrooms, sliced
• 4 spring onions, sliced, plus extra to serve
• 1 ½ cups chicken stock
• Chili oil, to serve

Recipe

1. Heat a large deep saucepan over medium to high heat. Add in the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. 

2. Add in the garlic, ginger, and chicken thighs. Cook for 5 minutes on each side until golden, then remove from the pan. 

3. To the saucepan add in the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, rice, mushrooms and spring onion. Stir everything to combine, then pour over the chicken stock. Ensure that the rice is covered by the liquid. 

4. Return the chicken thighs to the pan, and place them on top of the rice. Cover the pan and continue cooking until the liquid is bubbling. Once the liquid bubbles, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until all of the liquid is absorbed. 

5. Remove the pan from the heat, keep the lid on, and set aside to rest for 10 minutes. The rice will steam and finish cooking. 

6. Scatter the extra sliced spring onion over the top, and drizzle with chili oil. Serve immediately and enjoy! 

One Pot Italian Style Chicken

While not your typical curry, this Italian-inspired chicken dish is just as comforting and full of gentle flavour, perfect for kids easing into more adventurous meals. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to prepare, packed with veggies, and ideal for busy nights when you want something nourishing on the table with minimal fuss.

Type: Contains Chicken, Gluten Free, Lactose Free

Serves 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes 

Ingredients

• 3 large chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Sprinkle of smoked paprika
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Sprinkle of oregano 
• 2 bunches broccolini, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 punnet mini truss tomatoes 
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• 1 bag baby spinach
• 1 bunch of fresh basil leaves

Recipe

1. Heat a large deep saucepan over medium to high heat. Add one tablespoon of the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. 

2. Add the chicken breasts to the pan and sprinkle with paprika. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Add the remaining olive oil to the pan, then add in the onion, garlic, and oregano. Cook, stirring often for 5 minutes until softened. Add in the broccolini and sauté for a further 5 minutes. 

4. Stir in the tomato paste, then slowly pour in the vegetable stock. Return the chicken breasts to the pan, along with the truss tomatoes. 

5. Cover the saucepan with a lid and bring to the boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. 

6. Remove from the heat, then stir in the baby spinach and basil leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What to Serve with Chicken Curry for Kids

The right sides can turn a simple curry into a fun, balanced meal for kids. Whether you’re catering to picky eaters or adventurous little foodies, these side options are gentle on the palate and great for dipping, scooping or balancing out flavours.

• Steamed white or brown rice – A classic base that soaks up all that yummy curry sauce. Brown rice adds extra fibre, while white rice keeps things soft and simple.
• Soft roti or naan – Tearable, dippable, and super kid-friendly, flatbreads make curry night feel hands-on and fun.
• Plain yoghurt – A cool, creamy side that balances mild spices and adds a calcium boost.
• Cucumber sticks – Crunchy and refreshing, perfect for cutting through warm dishes.
• Mild lentils – Soft and protein-packed, lentils make a great side or mix-in for growing appetites.
• Mashed sweet potato – Naturally sweet and smooth, this pairs beautifully with spiced curries and adds a veggie boost.
• Steamed broccoli or peas – Quick, easy, and full of nutrients, these are great ‘green’ options to round out the meal.
• Fruit slices – Apples, pears or grapes make a fun, sweet contrast to savoury curry and help finish off the plate on a high note.

Looking for more clever ways to sneak in extra veggies? Check out our Top Hidden Vegetable Recipes For Picky Eaters for inspiration, perfect to pair with your favourite chicken curry.

Final Thoughts

Chicken curry doesn’t have to be off the table just because you’re cooking for kids. With a few simple tweaks, like keeping it mild, adding familiar ingredients, and serving it with fun, balanced sides, it can become a family favourite in no time. From hidden veggies to gentle spices, there’s plenty of room to nourish growing bodies and expand their taste buds.

Whether you’re making a one-pot wonder or a creamy coconut curry, don’t be afraid to spice things up (just a little). Who knows? Curry night might just become the most requested dinner of the week.

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Meet Dr Nick Fuller

My Story

As a father, I know first-hand that raising healthy and happy children is tricky. Children are fussy, particularly at the end of the day when they are shattered. We also live in a society where companies seek to profit from what we feed our kids; incorrect and damaging advice is pushed on us and marketed towards our children, and we have no time.

But with these recipes and resources, you and your children can enjoy simple and well-founded food and lifestyle choices for lifelong health.