If your baby is a fan of finger foods, homemade chicken nuggets are a fun and tasty option! These crispy chicken nuggets are perfect for baby-led weaning (BLW), and they’re a great way to introduce your little one to lean protein in a kid-friendly way. Unlike store-bought nuggets, these are made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making them a healthier option for your baby.
In this blog post, we’ll share how to make delicious, crispy homemade chicken nuggets that are easy for babies to pick up and eat. They're baked, not fried, so they’re a lighter alternative, and they’re packed with protein to support your little one’s growth and development.
Recipe: Homemade Chicken Nuggets for Babies
Why It’s Great for BLW:
These chicken nuggets are soft on the inside with a crispy exterior, making them ideal for little hands. They're easy for babies to hold, bite, and chew, and you can customize the seasoning to suit your baby’s taste. Plus, they’re baked, making them a healthier option compared to fried nuggets!
Ingredients:
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1/2 lb), cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use whole wheat for added nutrition)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or basil (optional)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- A pinch of salt (optional for babies over 1 year old)
- A pinch of garlic powder (optional)
- A pinch of black pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water or milk (if needed for binding)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Cut the chicken breast into small, bite-sized chunks that are easy for your baby to grab and chew. You can also cut them into nugget shapes if you prefer. -
Make the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), oregano or basil, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together. -
Egg Wash:
In another bowl, crack the egg and whisk it lightly. Add a tablespoon of water or milk if you find the mixture too thick. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash and then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick. -
Bake the Nuggets:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. Place the coated chicken pieces on the baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top to help them crisp up. -
Cook the Nuggets:
Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the nuggets are golden brown and fully cooked. You can check the internal temperature to ensure it’s at least 165°F (74°C) for safety. -
Serve:
Let the nuggets cool slightly before serving. They’re perfect for little hands to grab and dip into their favorite sauce, like homemade ketchup or a yogurt-based dip.
Serving Tip:
These homemade chicken nuggets are great on their own or paired with a side of roasted veggies or fruits like apple slices or avocado. They also make a fun snack or meal option for toddlers who are more independent in self-feeding.
Why Moms Love This Recipe:
- Kid-Friendly & Fun: The crispy coating and bite-sized pieces make these nuggets easy and fun for your baby to eat. They're also visually appealing for toddlers.
- Healthy & Nutritious: By baking instead of frying, these chicken nuggets are a healthier option, and the addition of Parmesan cheese and herbs boosts their flavor and nutritional value.
- Simple & Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your baby’s preferences or add some hidden veggies into the chicken mixture (like finely grated carrots or zucchini) for extra nutrients.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These chicken nuggets can be made in batches and frozen for easy future meals. Just bake them from frozen when you need a quick meal!
Homemade chicken nuggets are a fun, healthy, and easy-to-make meal for your baby. This recipe is perfect for introducing your little one to protein in a tasty and satisfying way. With a crispy exterior, soft inside, and the ability to dip in sauces, these nuggets will become a hit at your baby’s mealtime!
Have you made homemade chicken nuggets for your baby? What seasoning combinations have you tried? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow us for more easy, healthy, and fun baby-led weaning recipes!