Nutritious Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets for Baby

These tender chicken and broccoli nuggets are designed for little mouths learning solids — soft enough to gum or chew, mild in flavor, and packed with protein, iron, and vitamins. They’re a great way to introduce vegetables in a familiar nugget form. If you’d like more chicken-based baby meal ideas, check out 10 chicken baby food recipes for inspiration.

Why this recipe works for babies

• Balanced nutrition: lean protein from chicken plus fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K from broccoli.
• Gentle seasoning: no salt or strong spices, so it’s baby-friendly.
• Easy texture control: you can puree, mash, or leave slightly chunky depending on your baby’s chewing stage.

Ingredients (makes ~18 small nuggets)

• 1 cup cooked boneless skinless chicken, finely chopped or shredded
• 1/2 cup cooked broccoli florets, well-drained and finely chopped or mashed
• 1 small potato or 1/4 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed (binder and mild flavor)
• 1 egg (or 2 TBSP ground flaxseed mixed with 6 TBSP warm water for egg-free)
• 2–3 TBSP plain breadcrumbs or finely ground oats (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1–2 tsp olive oil or melted butter (optional, for moisture)
• A pinch of mild herbs like finely chopped parsley (optional)

Note: Do not add salt for babies under 1 year. If introducing eggs for the first time, follow your pediatrician’s guidance.

Equipment

• Food processor or blender (optional)
• Baking tray lined with parchment
• Small bowl for mixing

Method

1. Prepare the chicken: Poach, roast, or steam a small chicken breast until fully cooked, then finely chop or pulse in a food processor.
2. Cook the broccoli and potato: Steam broccoli until very tender. Boil or steam the potato/sweet potato until soft. Drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
3. Combine: In a bowl, mix chicken, broccoli, mashed potato, and egg (or flax mixture). Add breadcrumbs/oats a little at a time until the mixture holds together but remains soft. Add olive oil if needed.
4. Shape: Scoop teaspoon-sized portions and form into small nugget shapes appropriate for your baby’s hand size and chewing ability. Press gently so they stay together.
5. Cook: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until set and lightly golden. For crispier outside, turn and bake another 3–4 minutes. Alternatively, pan-fry in a nonstick skillet with a small amount of oil over medium heat, about 3 minutes per side, then finish in the oven if needed to ensure thorough cooking.
6. Cool and test: Cool completely and test texture by pressing between fingers — they should be soft and crumble slightly for easy gumming. Serve warm (not hot).

Texture & safety adjustments

• For 6–8 months: Make the mixture smoother by pureeing the chicken and broccoli, then spoon small amounts for semi-solid feeding. For guidance on age-appropriate recipes, see baby food recipes for 6–8 months.
• For 8–12 months: Leave a bit more texture and shape into small patties for self-feeding.
• For toddlers: Make slightly larger nuggets and allow light crisping for a familiar texture.

Food safety: Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cool before serving and discard leftovers kept at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Storage and freezing

• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 48 hours.
• Freezer: Arrange on a tray to flash-freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly and cool to a safe serving temperature before giving to baby.

Variations and additions

• Dairy-free: Omit any butter and use olive oil.
• Gluten-free: Use ground oats or gluten-free panko instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Extra veggies: Add finely grated carrot or zucchini (squeeze out moisture first).
• Cheese: For babies who have tried dairy, a small amount of mild cheese can add flavor and calcium.

Tips for success

• Keep nugget size appropriate to your child’s self-feeding skills — smaller for younger babies.
• Test texture by squashing: it should break apart under gentle pressure from your finger.
• Introduce one new ingredient at a time to watch for any allergic reactions.

Conclusion

For another tested version of this idea, you can compare techniques with Ashleigh Cooks’ chicken and broccoli nuggets, which offers a slightly different binder and seasoning approach. If you’re looking for a toddler-friendly take that hides more broccoli in every bite, see Rachael’s toddler chicken nuggets with hidden broccoli for inspiration.