McDowall’s Favourite Meal: Butter Chicken

At Story House Early Learning, mealtimes are more than just food on a plate; they’re moments of comfort, discovery, and full tummies. Behind the scenes at our McDowall centre, our talented Chef Alissa has been serving up nutritious, delicious meals with heart.

With a deep passion for creating child-friendly meals packed with goodness, Chef Alissa has perfected dishes that our little learners genuinely look forward to. Curious what’s on the menu?

Today, we’re sharing one of these family favourites straight from Chef Alissa’s kitchen, her much-loved Butter Chicken recipe. Packed with protein and hidden veg, this one’s a hit at lunchtime and perfect for the whole family to recreate at home.

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Chef Alissa’s Butter Chicken

Ingredients

• 500g of Chicken – Diced
• 1 tbsp Butter Chicken Spice Mix
• 1 brown onion
• 1 large sweet potato
• 2 large carrots
• 1 x 420g can of chickpeas

Butter Chicken Spice Mix

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon ground
• 2 tsp paprika smoked
• 3 tsp garam masala
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cardamon
• 1 tsp tumeric
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

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Method

1. Sauté onions
2. Add chicken and cook until seared
3. Add half spice mix and stir to coat
4. Add vegetables and chickpeas
5. Add coconut cream and stir
6. Add remaining spice mix and mix to coat
7. Add 500ml of vegetable stock – add more liquid if needed
8. Warm Naan in oven following packet instructions
9. While cooking rice add 1/2 tbsp turmeric
10. Serve with Rice and Naan

Whether it’s their first taste of butter chicken or a regular favourite, this dish is always a winner at Story House. It’s hearty, wholesome, and made with love, just how Chef Alissa likes it.

Stay tuned for more recipes and behind-the-scenes moments from our incredible team of educators, carers, and chefs.