Quick and Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets for Baby Recipe

Introduction

These Quick Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets are a perfect bite-sized meal for babies and toddlers. Packed with nutritious ingredients and easy to hold, they make mealtime both healthy and fun. Plus, they’re simple to prepare and great for busy parents.

Ingredients

• 6 broccoli florets
• 150 grams minced chicken
• 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Step 1: Steam the broccoli until tender. If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can boil it in water. Once cooked, mash the broccoli with a fork until roughly pureed.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the mashed broccoli with minced chicken, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, shredded cheese, and egg. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Step 3: With wet hands, shape the mixture into about 12 uniform nuggets, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in size. Place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
4. Step 4: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the nuggets until they are golden brown and cooked through, turning to brown each side evenly.
5. Step 5: Serve the nuggets warm with your choice of sides or dips. Let leftovers cool completely before storing.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a similar texture and nutrition.
• If your baby doesn’t like broccoli, substitute with steamed cauliflower, finely chopped spinach, or grated zucchini.
• For a gluten-free option, replace panko with ground oats or crushed rice cereals.
• Swap shredded cheese with mild cheddar, mozzarella, or well-drained cottage cheese. If dairy-sensitive, omit the cheese.
• Replace the egg with 2 tablespoons of mashed, well-cooked potato or sweet potato if your baby has an egg allergy.
• Press the nuggets firmly when shaping to help them hold together during cooking.
• Keep nugget size small and even for even cooking and easy handling by little hands.

Storage

Store cooked nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Placing a paper towel inside helps absorb moisture and maintain crispness. To freeze, cool nuggets completely, freeze on a baking sheet until solid (around 2 hours), then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep up to 3 months frozen. Reheat refrigerated nuggets in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or frozen nuggets for 1-2 minutes. Always check temperature before serving and cut into smaller pieces if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dark meat chicken instead of breast for these nuggets?

You can use dark meat like thighs, but breast meat is recommended for a milder flavor and lower fat, which tends to be better for babies’ first chicken experiences.

How do I know when the nuggets are fully cooked?

Cook them over medium heat until golden brown on each side and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees they are safe and cooked through.

Quick and Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets for Baby Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 63 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 20-30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 nuggets 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

These Quick Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets for Baby are a nutritious, easy-to-make finger food perfect for little hands and growing appetites. Made from lean ground chicken, steamed broccoli, mild cheese, and gentle seasonings, they are baked to perfection and offer a soft texture ideal for baby-led weaning. This recipe is freezer-friendly, quick to prepare, and packed with protein and vitamins to support healthy growth and development.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Nuggets

• 6 broccoli florets
• 150 grams minced chicken breast
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup shredded mild cheese (mozzarella or mild cheddar)
• 1 egg

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Instructions

1. Prepare and Mash the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets in a steaming basket until tender, or boil if steaming is not available. Once cooked, transfer to a large bowl and mash with a fork to achieve a roughly pureed, soft texture suitable for babies.
2. Combine Ingredients: To the mashed broccoli, add minced chicken, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, shredded cheese, and the egg. Mix thoroughly until you have a consistent mixture that will hold together well for shaping.
3. Shape the Nuggets: Wet your hands to prevent sticking and form the mixture into about 12 small uniform nuggets, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in size, ideal for baby hands. Place the shaped nuggets on a baking tray lined with baking paper to prepare for cooking.
4. Pan Fry the Nuggets: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the nuggets and cook until each side is deeply golden brown, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee they are fully cooked. This will create a mildly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.
5. Serve and Store: Let the nuggets cool completely before serving to your baby. They can be enjoyed warm, with accompaniments like soft cooked vegetables or mild dipping sauces like yogurt or applesauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Notes

• Use ground chicken breast for a mild flavor and lean protein ideal for babies.
• Substitute broccoli with steamed cauliflower, finely chopped spinach, or grated zucchini if preferred.
• For a gluten-free version, replace panko breadcrumbs with ground oats or crushed baby-appropriate rice cereals.
• If allergic to eggs, use 2 tablespoons of well-cooked mashed potato or sweet potato as a binder.
• Ensure nuggets are small and uniform (1-1.5 inches) for even cooking and safe handling by babies.
• Press nuggets firmly when shaping to help them hold together during cooking.
• Always check the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe chicken consumption.
• Cool nuggets completely before serving to avoid choking hazards and burns.
• Frozen nuggets should be thawed and heated thoroughly before serving.

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Category: Baby Food
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: baby chicken nuggets, broccoli nuggets, toddler finger food, baby-led weaning, healthy baby snacks, homemade chicken nuggets, baby-friendly recipes