Baked Chicken Meatballs For Babies And Toddlers
Table of Contents
Meatball Recipe For Kids
When it comes to introducing solid foods to your baby, especially at 6 months of age, healthy chicken meatballs can be a nutritious option, they are also a great food for 1 year olds too. Here are some benefits:
Protein Source: Chicken is a good source of protein essential for your baby's growth and development.
Iron Content: Chicken meat contains iron, which is crucial for healthy blood development and overall growth.
Easy to Chew: Chicken meatballs are soft and easy to chew, making them suitable for babies who are still learning to chew solid foods.
Versatile: Chicken meatballs can be prepared in various ways, offering versatility in taste and texture for your baby.
Homemade Option: Making baby meatballs at home gives you control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier option for your baby.
Egg Free and Wheat Free Chicken Meatballs
Look no further than these homemade chicken meatballs that are not only nutritious but also allergen-friendly, using just a few simple ingredients.
Made without breadcrumbs or eggs, these chicken meatballs offer a safe and delicious alternative for babies with dietary restrictions. The absence of these ingredients does not compromise the taste or texture of the meatballs. Instead, they are packed with flavour, ensuring that your little one will enjoy every bite.
Whether you are introducing solids to your baby for the first time or looking for a new recipe to add to their meal rotation, these homemade chicken meatballs are a versatile choice. They are a great food for 9 month old babies as the meatballs can easily be picked up. You can serve them as a finger food for baby-led weaning or as part of a meal with other dishes. They are great for older kids too, and a great recipe that the entire family can enjoy.
By opting for this egg and wheat-free recipe, you can provide your baby with a wholesome and satisfying meal that meets their dietary needs. Give these homemade chicken meatballs a try and watch your little one enjoy every bite!
The full recipe can be found below.
Ingredient information
Chicken mince (ground chicken) - This is a great option for baby led weaning, and making the mince into mini meatballs is a great finger food option for babies and toddlers. You could also use turkey mince (ground turkey) too, to make turkey meatballs. This is also a great recipe for double batch cooking.
Oregano - I have use fried oregano for added flavour which works really well.
Mixed Herbs - I had also added in mixed herbs for extra flavour, dried mixed herbs work so well as seasoning to white meat.
Basil - I have used dried basil and this is a great herb to add sweetness and an Italian flavour to the meatballs.
Garlic granules - You could use 1 clove of fresh crushed garlic too if you did not want to use the dried garlic granules.
Olive oil - The olive oil acts as the egg replacement, and binds the mince together really well.
Black pepper - I just use a grind of black pepper for flavouring, feel free to leave this out.
Serving suggestion
The chicken meatballs would be great served with spaghetti and a tomato sauce, or dipping sauce such as a homemade ketchup. Alternatively, the meatballs can be served on their own as a stand alone finger food perfect from 6 months old and beyond.
Sweet potatoes are another great option to serve with, you could make them into mash, or wedges.
Other great finger food recipes: Pork patty, Mini meatloaf or potato and carrot hash browns.
Storage instructions
The chicken meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, stored in an airtight container.
If you wanted to freeze the chicken meatballs, you will need to make sure that the meatballs have cooled down at room temperature before transferring to either a freezer bag or airtight container. Ensure that the bag/airtight container is labelled with the item and the date. I use masking tape to label the airtight container.
To defrost the meatballs, leave in the fridge overnight and make sure that they are fully defrosted, before re heating.
To reheat, place the defrosted meatballs in a preheated oven (180C/350F) and reheat for 10-15 minutes.
Once the meatballs have been defrosted you will not be able to reheat or re freeze.
Equipment used to help with this recipe
Large bowl - Definitely choose a stainless steel one - they are lighter than the stone or glass ones and very easy to clean.
Baking tray - I have chosen to use a non-stick and BPA free baking sheet - they are easy to clean and, if you buy more than one, easily stackable and easily stored.
Airtight container - I much prefer the click-shut lids on these containers compared to others. They are also dishwasher and freezer safe and BPA free, so very suitable for food use.
Recipe | Baked Chicken Meatballs For Babies And Toddlers
Ingredients
Makes 7-8 meatballs
500g chicken mince
1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic granules
1 tablespoon olive oil
Grind of black pepper
Instructions
Start by pre heating your oven to 180C or 350F. Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper.
Pop all the ingredients into a large bowl, and mix/combine the ingredients using your hands. You could also use a food processor if you wish.
Take approx a tablespoon amount of the meat mixture and roll the chicken mine between your hands until you have formed a ball shape (golf ball size is good). Place on the prepared baking sheet.
Repeat until you have used all of the chicken mince.
Place the chicken meatballs in the oven and cook for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Hope you and your family enjoy!
Recipe notes
This baby meatball recipe is great, especially if your little one is following a gluten free or dairy free diet.
Instead of the olive oil, you could add in an egg instead if you prefer.
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