Hey y'all! Looking for a simple, nutritious, and downright delicious finger food your baby (and the whole family!) will love? These Quick Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets for Baby are tender, flavorful, and super easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or nutritious snacking. Packed with lean chicken and vitamin-rich broccoli, these oven-baked nuggets are a wholesome treat you can feel good about giving your little one. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Quick Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets for Baby Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes, making weeknight dinners hassle-free.
- Loaded with protein and veggies, offering balanced nutrition.
- Soft, tender texture that's perfect for little hands and new eaters.
- No added salt or preservatives—just wholesome, real ingredients.
- Easily customizable for different flavors and dietary needs.
Ingredients for Quick Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets for Baby
- 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, steamed)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for older babies)
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: pinch of black pepper
Directions: How to Make Quick Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets for Baby
Step 1: Prep Broccoli and Chicken
Steam the broccoli florets until fork-tender (about 5 minutes). If using store-bought rotisserie chicken, shred or finely chop the chicken breast.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the steamed broccoli with a fork. Add the chicken, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until a thick, uniform mixture forms.
Step 3: Form Nuggets
With clean hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape into small oval nuggets. Arrange nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the Nuggets
Brush or spray the tops of the nuggets lightly with olive oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the nuggets cool for several minutes before serving. Perfectly warm and ready for little fingers!
Notes for the Best Quick Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets for Baby
- Use finely chopped or shredded chicken so the nuggets hold together better.
- Oat flour makes these gluten-free and adds extra fiber—check out this quick guide to oat flour.
- For extra crispiness, broil the nuggets for the last 2 minutes of baking—just keep a close eye!
Variations: Fun Twists on Chicken & Broccoli Nuggets
- Cheesy Spinach Nuggets: Replace broccoli with spinach and add shredded mozzarella.
- Sweet Potato Chicken Nuggets: Swap broccoli for cooked, mashed sweet potato for a sweeter flavor.
- Fish & Broccoli Nuggets: Substitute chicken with cooked, flaked white fish for omega-3 boost.
Required Equipment for Quick Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets for Baby
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Steamer or saucepan
- Oven
Storage Instructions for Homemade Chicken & Broccoli Nuggets
- Refrigerator: Store cooked nuggets in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze single-layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
- To Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until heated through.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Quick Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets for Baby
- Pair with mashed avocado, yogurt dip, or apple puree for nutritious dipping fun.
- Serve alongside soft steamed veggies for a complete meal.
- Great as finger food with balanced toddler nutrition in mind.
Pro Tips for Perfect Quick Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets for Baby
- Finely chop all ingredients for a uniform texture that's easiest for babies to eat.
- If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of milk or water for moistness—find more tips for homemade nuggets here.
- Shape into patties for older kids or if serving in sandwiches.
FAQ: Quick Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets for Baby
- Can I make these nuggets ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prep and refrigerate the mixture up to 1 day in advance, then bake fresh when ready.
- Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
- Yes, just be sure it's finely shredded for the best nugget texture.
- Is this recipe safe for babies under one year old?
- Yes, as long as you skip added salt and cheese for very young babies and ensure all ingredients are finely chopped to prevent choking.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15-18 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 200g skinless chicken breast, cubed
- ½ cup steamed broccoli florets, finely chopped
- ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 small egg
- ¼ cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- A pinch of dried oregano
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2In a food processor, blend the chicken breast until finely minced.
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3Add the chopped broccoli, breadcrumbs, egg, cheddar cheese, onion, garlic powder, and oregano. Process until well combined.
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4Scoop out small portions and form them into nugget shapes with your hands. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
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5Bake for 15 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and cooked through. Let cool before serving to baby.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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