Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets for Baby: Easy Infant Meal Prep

Introducing wholesome, bite-sized chicken and broccoli nuggets is a great way to add protein, iron, and vitamins to your baby’s diet while keeping textures and flavors mild. These nuggets are soft enough for infants progressing to finger foods and sturdy enough to freeze for convenient meal prep. If you’d like more ideas that focus on chicken-based baby foods, check out 10 easy chicken baby-food recipes for additional inspiration.

Why this recipe works for babies

• Balanced nutrition: lean protein from chicken, vitamin C and fiber from broccoli, and optional whole-grain binder for complex carbs.
• Baby-friendly texture: steamed broccoli and finely processed chicken yield a tender nugget that’s easy to gum or chew.
• Freezer-friendly: makes multiple batches to save time on busy days.

Ingredients (yields about 24 small nuggets)

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed until tender
• 1 small carrot, steamed (optional for color and extra nutrients)
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, oats, or whole-wheat breadcrumbs (for binding)
• 1 egg (or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water as egg substitute)
• 1–2 tablespoons grated mild cheese (optional, for flavor and calcium)
• Pinch of mild spices like paprika or garlic powder (optional; avoid salt for babies under 1 year)
• Olive oil spray or a little oil for baking sheet

Age note: For babies under 9–10 months, ensure pieces are appropriately small and texture soft enough for your child’s chewing ability. Consult your pediatrician regarding allergens.

Equipment

• Steamer or saucepan to steam veggies
• Food processor or finely chopped knife
• Muffin tin or baking sheet (mini muffin tin yields uniform small nuggets)
• Parchment paper

Method

1. Prep and cook: Steam broccoli (and carrot, if using) until very soft. Poach or fully cook chicken until no pink remains, then cool.
2. Combine: In a food processor, pulse chicken and veggies until finely chopped but not pureed — you want some texture. Transfer to a bowl.
3. Mix binders: Add cooked quinoa/oats or breadcrumbs, egg (or flax egg), cheese, and mild spices. Stir to combine. The mixture should hold together when pressed; add a little more binder if too wet.
4. Shape: Use a small scoop or your hands to form tiny nugget shapes (about 1–1.5 inches). Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a lightly oiled mini muffin tin.
5. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake 12–18 minutes, turning once if on a sheet, until golden and firm. For extra crispness, broil 1–2 minutes while watching closely.
6. Cool & serve: Let cool slightly and test a piece to ensure it’s soft enough for your baby. Cut or mash further as needed.

Alternative cooking: Pan-sear gently in a nonstick skillet with a little oil over medium heat, or air-fry nuggets at 360°F (180°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping once.

Storage and meal prep tips

• Refrigerator: Store cooked nuggets in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Flash-freeze nuggets on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–12 minutes or thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly.
• Batch-size: Double the batch and freeze portions in toddler-sized containers for grab-and-go meals.

Safety and allergen notes

• Introduce common allergens (like eggs or dairy) one at a time and watch for reactions. If using eggs, wait until your pediatrician recommends introducing them if there’s family history of egg allergy.
• Avoid added salt and honey for babies under one year.
• Always supervise your baby while eating, and adjust nugget size and softness to your child’s chewing abilities.

Variations and flavor ideas

• Veggie boost: Add finely shredded zucchini, sweet potato, or peas.
• Grain swap: Use rice, millet, or mashed potato as a binder for gluten-free options.
• Herb options: Mild parsley or basil can add flavor without heat.
• Make them meatless: Substitute cooked lentils or mashed chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

Serving suggestions and activities

Serve nuggets with mashed avocado, plain yogurt for dipping (for older infants), or soft steamed veggie sticks. For a relaxed mealtime routine, consider pairing meal prep with a short, supervised creative activity before eating — it can help kids stay engaged and make mealtime more fun. You might like these ideas for simple crafts to do with older siblings: fun and easy crafts for kids.

Tips for success

• Texture is everything: adjust the processor pulses and binder amount so nuggets are cohesive but soft.
• Taste test: try one nugget unseasoned for your baby and adjust seasonings for the rest of the family.
• Label and date frozen portions for easy rotation.

Conclusion

If you want another tested version of this idea, try the recipe for Chicken and broccoli nuggets – Ashleigh Cooks for a slightly different take. For more vegetable-forward nugget inspiration, see Healthy Chicken Nuggets (with veggies) – MJ and Hungryman.