Description
These Quick Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets for Baby are tender, wholesome bite-sized nuggets perfect for little hands. Made with ground chicken breast, steamed broccoli, mild cheese, and gentle seasonings, they’re pan-fried to golden perfection for a soft yet crispy texture. This nutritious finger food is ideal for baby-led weaning and picky toddlers, offering protein, veggies, and calcium in every bite. Easy and fast to prepare, these nuggets freeze well for convenient healthy meals anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 6 broccoli florets
- 150 grams minced chicken breast
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or mild cheddar recommended)
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Prepare and Mash the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets in a steaming basket until tender, about 5-7 minutes. If you don’t have a steamer, boil them briefly until soft. Transfer to a large bowl and mash with a fork until roughly pureed to a smooth texture suitable for babies.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the minced chicken, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, shredded cheese, and egg to the mashed broccoli. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly, forming a consistent mixture that will hold together when shaped.
- Shape the Nuggets: With wet hands, portion the mixture into approximately 12 small, uniform nuggets, about 1 to 1.5 inches each, perfect for little hands. Place the shaped nuggets on a baking tray lined with baking paper, preparing them for cooking.
- Pan Fry the Nuggets: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully add the nuggets and fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until each side is golden brown and crispy. Ensure nuggets cook evenly and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
- Serve and Store: Let the nuggets cool to a safe temperature before serving to your baby. Serve alone or with baby-friendly sides like soft-cooked vegetables or mild dips. 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 turkey mince for chicken or use cauliflower, spinach, or grated zucchini in place of broccoli.
- Use regular breadcrumbs or ground oats for a gluten-free alternative; adjust quantity as needed.
- Egg helps bind the mixture; swap with well-cooked mashed potato for egg allergies.
- Keep nugget size small and uniform to ensure even cooking and safety.
- Press nuggets firmly when shaping to prevent breaking during cooking.
- Freeze nuggets individually on a tray to prevent sticking before storing in bags.
- Reheat to warm but not hot; cut into smaller pieces for younger babies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baby chicken nuggets, broccoli nuggets, toddler snacks, homemade chicken nuggets, baby-led weaning, healthy baby food, finger food for babies
