Quick Baby Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets Recipe
These Quick Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets are a nutritious and delicious snack specially designed for babies. They combine steamed broccoli, minced chicken, cheese, and breadcrumbs to create soft yet crispy bites, perfect for introducing little ones to wholesome foods. The nuggets are pan-fried for a golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 nuggets 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Broccoli Mixture
- 6 broccoli florets
- 150 grams minced chicken
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Binding Ingredients
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Prepare and Mash the Broccoli: Begin by steaming the broccoli florets in a steaming basket until tender, about 5-7 minutes. If a steaming basket is unavailable, boil the broccoli in water until soft. Transfer the cooked broccoli to a large bowl and mash it with a fork until it reaches a roughly pureed texture, suitable for baby’s easy consumption.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the minced chicken, garlic powder, panko bread crumbs, shredded cheese, and egg to the mashed broccoli. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and holds together, forming the base for the nuggets.
- Shape the Nuggets: With wet hands to prevent sticking, take portions of the mixture and form them into roughly 12 uniform nugget shapes. Arrange the shaped nuggets on a baking tray lined with baking paper. This preparation ensures they are ready for cooking in the pan.
- Pan Fry the Nuggets: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the nuggets in the pan and fry them on each side until they develop a deep golden-brown color, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. This method creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and flavorful.
- Serve and Store: Serve the nuggets warm on their own or with a baby’s favorite dipping sauce. These nuggets pair well with fruits, vegetables, or other snacks. Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and kept for up to 3 days, or frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Ensure broccoli is mashed finely enough for easy chewing and swallowing for babies.
- Use fresh panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture; regular breadcrumbs can be substituted if needed.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on the size of the nuggets to ensure they are cooked through.
- Always check the temperature before serving to babies to avoid burns.
- Freezing the nuggets in a single layer before placing them in a container prevents sticking.
Keywords: chicken nuggets, broccoli nuggets, baby food, healthy snacks, toddler snacks, finger food, homemade nuggets
