Introducing your little one to solid foods is an exciting milestone, and preparing homemade baby food ensures your baby enjoys fresh, nutritious, and delicious meals. This baby food chicken and vegetables recipe combines tender chicken with a variety of wholesome vegetables to create a balanced meal packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Perfect for babies starting on solids or those advancing to more textured foods, this recipe is gentle on tiny tummies and free from any added preservatives or salt.
Making your own baby food allows you to control exactly what goes into your baby’s meals, fostering healthy eating habits from the start. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple and cost-effective!
Whether you’re a seasoned parent or new to baby food making, this recipe will become a staple in your rotation, providing a tasty and comforting dish your baby will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a fantastic introduction to proteins and vegetables, helping your baby develop a broad palate early on. The chicken provides a great source of lean protein, essential for growth and development, while the vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness that keeps your little one interested in mealtime.
Easy to prepare and adaptable, you can switch up the vegetables based on seasonality or your baby’s preferences. The texture can be adjusted from smooth purees to chunkier mash as your baby’s chewing skills develop.
Plus, this recipe freezes beautifully, making meal prep for busy days a breeze.
If you enjoy making homemade baby food, you might also like our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating or try some creative flavors with Recipes with Hidden Vegetables Kids Will Love to Eat.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast | 1 medium (about 6 oz) | Fresh or thawed |
| Carrot | 1 medium | Washed, peeled, chopped |
| Sweet potato | 1 small (about 4 oz) | Peeled and diced |
| Green peas | 1/4 cup | Fresh or frozen |
| Water or low-sodium chicken broth | 1 cup | For steaming and blending |
Equipment
- Steamer basket or pot with lid – for gently cooking the chicken and vegetables
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for prepping ingredients
- Blender or food processor – to puree the food to your baby’s preferred texture
- Measuring cups – for precise ingredient amounts
- Storage containers or ice cube trays – to freeze portions for later
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Rinse the chicken breast and pat dry. Peel and chop the carrot and sweet potato into small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Steam the chicken and vegetables: Place the chicken, carrot, sweet potato, and peas in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
- Check doneness: Cut into the chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink inside and the vegetables are soft enough to mash easily with a fork.
- Blend the ingredients: Transfer the cooked chicken and vegetables to a blender or food processor. Add about half a cup of the steaming water or broth to start.
- Puree to desired texture: Blend until smooth for younger babies. For older babies, pulse to create a chunkier texture. Add more water or broth as needed to reach the consistency your baby prefers.
- Cool before serving: Let the puree cool to a safe temperature. Taste to ensure it’s not too hot before offering to your baby.
- Store leftovers: Portion any extra puree into airtight containers or ice cube trays. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw as needed for quick meals.
Tips & Variations
“Always ensure your baby’s food is fully cooked and cooled to a safe temperature before feeding.”
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on availability or your baby’s preferences. For example, try zucchini, butternut squash, or peas for different flavors and nutrients.
You can also add a small pinch of herbs like parsley or mild spices such as cinnamon for added variety once your baby is accustomed to basic flavors.
To introduce new textures, gradually reduce the amount of liquid when blending. Older babies often enjoy lumps and soft chunks to help them practice chewing and swallowing skills.
For a vegetarian alternative, check out our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas, which offers plenty of options packed with plant-based protein and nutrients.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx. 1/2 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 1500 IU (from carrots and sweet potato) |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg (from peas and vegetables) |
| Iron | 0.7 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken and vegetable puree on its own or mix it with breast milk, formula, or a little plain yogurt to add creaminess and enhance flavor. This also makes it easier for younger babies to swallow.
As your baby grows, you can offer the puree alongside soft finger foods like steamed apple slices or ripe avocado chunks to encourage self-feeding and sensory exploration.
For inspiration on pairing veggies in creative ways, try browsing our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or explore hearty, nutritious soups like our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.
Conclusion
Preparing homemade baby food like this chicken and vegetable recipe is a wonderful way to nourish your baby with natural, wholesome ingredients. Not only does it offer a balanced mix of protein and essential nutrients, but it also introduces your little one to real food flavors and textures that set the foundation for healthy eating habits.
With simple steps and basic equipment, you can create fresh meals that are customizable to your baby’s stage and preferences. Freezing portions ahead of time makes mealtime less stressful and more convenient, helping busy parents provide nutritious options every day.
We hope this recipe inspires you to continue exploring the joys of homemade baby food.
For more healthy, family-friendly recipes, don’t miss our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or check out some savory ideas like Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.
📖 Recipe Card: Baby Food Chicken and Vegetables
Description: A nutritious and easy-to-digest meal made with chicken and mixed vegetables, perfect for babies starting solids. This recipe is gentle and packed with essential nutrients.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup sweet potato, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup peas, fresh or frozen
- 1/4 cup zucchini, chopped
- 1/2 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (optional, for babies over 1 year)
Instructions
- Place chicken and vegetables in a steamer basket.
- Steam for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked and vegetables are soft.
- Transfer steamed ingredients to a blender or food processor.
- Add water or chicken broth and olive oil.
- Puree until smooth or desired consistency is reached.
- Let cool before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 12g | Fat: 3g | Carbs: 10g
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