Veggie Loaded Butter Chicken

Veggie Loaded Butter Chicken

There’s growing evidence to suggest that a healthy, diverse gut microbiome in adults is supported by eating around 30 different plant foods per week. Don't worry, this isn't limited to just vegetables!  Think fruits, legumes, wholegrains, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices & vegetables. 

Now… let’s be real. That MAY be achievable for adults, but for children — especially those going through a very committed beige phase, it can feel completely unrealistic.

This is one of the reasons we created Immune Protein — to help fill the nutritional gaps when variety isn’t happening consistently. But when we do find a winning family recipe that sneaks in loads of plants and actually gets eaten? We share it immediately.

So here it is our family-favourite Butter Chicken, packed with 11 different plant foods, blended, nourishing and toddler-approved (both our 5 year old and 2.5 year old eats this!). Note! They MUST have it served with the condiements (banana & yoghurt, mango chutney & papadams).

Ingredients

  • 500g chicken thighs
  • Ghee or coconut oil
  • 1 brown onion, finely chopped
  • 1 zucchini, grated
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • ¼ Kent pumpkin, roughly chopped
  • Mingle Seasoning Butter Chicken spice blend (easy option)
    OR
    Paprika (1½ tbsp), cumin (2 tsp), cinnamon (1 tsp), ground coriander (1 tsp), ground cardamom (2 tsp)
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • ¼ can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp coconut sugar or maple syrup (optional)
  • 250 ml bone broth or good-quality stock
  • 1 can coconut milk (added just before baking)
  • 1 tbsp cashew butter
  • 1 tbsp tapioca flour or cornflour mixed with 3 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
  • Optional: Unrefined Nutrients Whole Iron + C (3 capsules sprinkled in sauce)

Method

Preheat oven to 160°C.

Season the chicken with half of the spices. Heat ghee or coconut oil in a cast-iron or oven-safe pot over medium heat. Brown the chicken on both sides, then remove and set aside.

Add a little more ghee to the pot. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.

Add the pumpkin, zucchini, carrot and remaining spices. Cook until fragrant.

Pour in the bone broth/stock, crushed tomatoes and coconut sugar (if using). Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the pumpkin is soft.

Use a stick blender (or transfer to a blender) and blend until smooth to form a thick sauce.

Stir through the coconut milk and cashew butter, then add the chicken back into the pot.

Cover with a lid and transfer to the oven. Cook low and slow for 2.5 hours then shred chicken or break apart into smaller pieces with a spoon.

If you’d like a thicker sauce, stir in the tapioca or cornflour slurry during the final 10 minutes of cooking.

Serve with bone broth & ghee rice, chutney, yoghurt & banana and/or papadams (our family fav condiments)

Our Ingredients

  • Pasture-raised Collagen

    Collagen is a natural structural protein that makes up approximately 30% of the total protein in the human body. Collagen can support your child’s joint health, help maintain muscle mass and aid in bone health. Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle, with the highest standards of care, our collagen has been produced using a hydrolyzed process that breaks it down into smaller, more easily digestible peptides ensuring superior bioavailability and easy absorption. Our Immune Protein contains a complete essential amino acid profile, due to the addition of L-Tryptophan, the only essential amino acid missing in natural bovine collagen.

  • B Vitamins derived from Organic Quinoa Sprouts

    The B Vitamins in Immune Protein are a proprietary blend of ACTIVE B vitamins obtained from Organic Quinoa Sprouts. Unlike synthetic B vitamins which can be poorly absorbed (and sometimes upset little tummies), PANMOL® B-Complex is derived from a whole food source and contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12 in their biologically active (natural) form for maximum absorption. Nutrients derived from a whole food source are said to be more readily recognised by the body than synthetic nutrients, making them more bioavailable for better absorption. We chose this form to also ensure the B vitamins are gentle on little tummies!

  • Vitamin D derived from Organic Shiitake Mushrooms

    Vitamin D is essential for several important functions in children, including bone growth and development (it helps the body to absorb calcium) and immune system support. The Vitamin D in our Kid’s Immune Protein is a plant-based source of Vitamin D extracted from Organic Shiitake Mushrooms. After harvesting, shiitake mushrooms are exposed to UV-B light (similar to sunlight) for a certain period of time. This exposure triggers a natural process in the mushrooms where ergosterol, a compound found in the cell membranes of fungi, is converted into vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). This is the same process that occurs in human skin when exposed to sunlight, converting cholesterol into vitamin D3.

  • Camu Camu

    Camu camu is a small, tart fruit native to the Amazon rainforest, renowned for its exceptional potency as a source of vitamin C. In fact, camu camu contains up to 60 times more vitamin C than an orange, making it one of the most concentrated natural sources of this vital nutrient. Vitamin C plays a key role in supporting a healthy immune system, helping the body fight off infections, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness. For growing children, this powerful antioxidant is especially important in boosting immune defense and promoting healthy skin, tissues, and gums. Camu camu provides a natural, highly bioavailable form of vitamin C, helping ensure your child receives optimal support for their immune system in a gentle and effective way.

  • Zinc Gluconate

    Zinc is an essential mineral and particularly important for children as adequate zinc intake is crucial for proper growth, immune function, and development, especially in cases where picky eating may limit the variety of foods consumed. Since zinc is not stored in the body, it must be replenished regularly through diet or supplements. Some studies have also shown a correlation between zinc deficiency and reduced appetite, often contributing to picky eating behaviours. For example, a 2021 study found that 37.4% of picky eaters had lower zinc levels than non-picky eaters! Many multivitamins combine zinc and iron, but because these two minerals compete for absorption, we’ve chosen to exclude iron from our blends to ensure your child gets the full benefit of the zinc included!

  • Pre & Probiotics

    Prebiotics and probiotics play a key role in supporting a child's gut health, which is closely linked to digestion, immunity, and overall development. Our Immune Protein contains Queensland grown green banana resistant starch, which is a natural prebiotic that feeds good gut bacteria and promotes regular bowel movements. We've also included the specific probiotic, Bacillus coagulans as it can survive stomach acid, is heat resistant and can help to balance gut flora while reducing digestive discomfort. When used together, these two ingredients create a synbiotic effect, enhancing each other's benefits and supporting long-term gut flora balance, a resilient immune system and better nutrient absorption for thriving children.