Introducing wholesome, nutritious meals to your baby is both an exciting and important milestone. One of the best ways to ensure your little one gets the right balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals is through simple homemade recipes that are gentle on their developing digestive system.
This chicken and vegetable recipe for baby is crafted with tender chicken and a variety of colorful vegetables, perfect for introducing new flavors and textures. It’s easy to prepare, packed with essential nutrients, and designed to appeal to your baby’s budding taste buds.
Whether you’re just starting solids or looking to expand your baby’s menu, this recipe will be a go-to for healthy, tasty meals that you can feel confident about serving.
This recipe is also a great foundation to customize with different veggies or grains as your baby grows, making mealtime both fun and nutritious. Plus, it’s easy to store and reheat for busy parents on the go.
Let’s dive in and explore why this chicken and vegetable mix is a winner for both you and your baby!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baby-friendly chicken and vegetable recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and nutrition. It uses fresh, natural ingredients and avoids any added salt, sugar, or artificial additives, making it ideal for your baby’s sensitive palate.
The gentle steaming and slow cooking method preserves the vitamins and minerals, ensuring every bite is packed with wholesome goodness.
Additionally, this recipe introduces your baby to a variety of textures and flavors, which is important for developing healthy eating habits early on. The combination of protein-rich chicken and vitamin-loaded vegetables supports your baby’s growth and immune system.
Plus, it’s versatile and can be adapted as your baby progresses to more solid foods.
Parents will appreciate how easy it is to make and portion out for future meals, saving time without compromising on quality. For more wholesome baby food inspiration, check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or try other family-friendly dishes like our Pcos Chicken Recipes.
Ingredients
- 100 grams boneless, skinless chicken breast, finely chopped or shredded
- 1 small carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1/4 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small potato, peeled and diced
- 1/2 apple, peeled and diced (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth (homemade or store-bought without added salt)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional, for added healthy fats)
Equipment
- Steaming basket or steamer pot
- Small saucepan
- Blender or food processor (for pureeing)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays (for storing portions)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash, peel, and dice the carrots, zucchini, potato, and apple (if using). Trim and finely chop the chicken breast into small pieces suitable for your baby’s eating stage.
- Steam the vegetables and chicken: Place the diced vegetables and chicken in a steaming basket or steamer pot. Steam over boiling water for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Check for doneness: Ensure the chicken is no longer pink inside and vegetables are soft enough for easy mashing or pureeing.
- Blend or mash: Transfer the steamed ingredients to a blender or food processor. Add about 1 cup of water or low-sodium chicken broth to achieve a smooth consistency appropriate for your baby’s age. For older babies, you can mash the mixture coarsely for texture.
- Add olive oil: Stir in 1 teaspoon of olive oil if desired to introduce healthy fats essential for brain development.
- Cool and serve: Allow the mixture to cool to a safe temperature before serving to your baby.
- Store leftovers: Portion any extra into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for convenient future meals.
Tips & Variations
“Always introduce one new ingredient at a time to monitor for any allergic reactions.”
To keep mealtime exciting, feel free to swap out the vegetables depending on what’s in season or your baby’s preferences. Sweet potatoes, peas, or green beans are excellent alternatives.
For babies ready for more texture, lightly mash instead of pureeing.
If your baby enjoys a bit of variety, try adding a small pinch of mild herbs like parsley or basil after consulting with your pediatrician. Avoid salt, sugar, honey, and strong spices until your baby is older.
For more creative baby-friendly dishes, you might also enjoy our Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese or our savory Chicken Friand Recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per serving (approx. 150g) | Benefits |
---|---|---|
Calories | 110 kcal | Provides energy for growth and activity |
Protein | 14 g | Supports muscle and tissue development |
Vitamin A | 3500 IU | Essential for vision and immune function |
Vitamin C | 15 mg | Helps with iron absorption and healing |
Iron | 1.5 mg | Vital for brain development and blood health |
Healthy Fats (Olive Oil) | 5 g | Supports brain development and energy |
Serving Suggestions
This chicken and vegetable blend can be served alone or mixed with other baby-friendly grains like rice, quinoa, or oats for added texture and nutrition. You can also pair it with mashed avocado or a small dollop of plain yogurt to introduce new flavors and healthy fats.
For older babies transitioning to finger foods, try turning the mixture into small patties and lightly pan-frying them with a bit of olive oil for a fun and tasty meal. Always supervise your baby closely during mealtime.
Planning ahead? Freeze portions in ice cube trays and thaw as needed for quick, nutritious meals on busy days.
Conclusion
Starting your baby on solid foods is a wonderful journey filled with discovery and growth. This chicken and vegetable recipe is a simple yet nutrient-dense option that introduces your little one to a variety of flavors while providing essential nourishment.
Its gentle ingredients and easy preparation make it an ideal choice for busy parents who want the best for their baby without the fuss.
Remember, each baby is unique, so feel free to adapt the recipe to your child’s preferences and developmental stage. Introducing wholesome homemade meals early on can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy eating habits.
For more delicious and family-friendly recipes, explore our other tasty creations like the Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe or the delightful Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe.
Happy cooking and bon appétit to your little one!
📖 Recipe Card: Chicken and Veg Recipe for Baby
Description: A simple and nutritious chicken and vegetable puree perfect for babies starting solids. Packed with protein and vitamins, it's gentle on little tummies.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 3 servings
Ingredients
- 100g boneless chicken breast
- 1 small carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 small potato, peeled and chopped
- 50g peas
- 1/4 small apple, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp olive oil
- A pinch of mild herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and chop all vegetables and apple into small pieces.
- Cut chicken breast into small chunks.
- In a pot, add chicken, carrot, potato, peas, apple, and water.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken and vegetables are tender.
- Drain excess water, reserving some for desired consistency.
- Blend the mixture until smooth, adding reserved water if needed.
- Stir in olive oil and mild herbs if using.
- Let cool before serving to baby.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 12 g
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