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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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