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Making homemade chicken nuggets for your baby doesn't have to be complicated! These easy baby-led weaning chicken nuggets are made with simple ingredients, including chicken mince, olive oil and a light garlic seasoning, then coated in crushed breadsticks for a delicious homemade finish. I love how straightforward this recipe is to prepare, especially when you want something that works for your baby, toddler and the rest of the family. With 11–12 nuggets per batch, they are perfect for little lunches, family dinners and preparing ahead for busy days. Suitable from 6 months when your baby is ready for solids, these dairy-free chicken nuggets are a handy alternative to shop-bought versions, with the added benefit of knowing exactly what goes into them. You can also adapt the coating to suit your family's needs, making this a useful recipe to keep in your baby-led weaning collection.
Is This Recipe Right for Your Baby?
- Suitability: Suitable from 6 months+ for baby-led weaning, when your baby is ready for solids. These homemade chicken nuggets are made with chicken mince, olive oil and a mild garlic seasoning, then coated in breadcrumbs for a softer, homemade alternative to shop-bought nuggets. Chicken provides protein and iron to support your baby's growth and development.
- Dietary Tags: Dairy-Free | Nut-Free | High-Protein | Contains Egg | Contains Gluten (unless using suitable alternatives)
- Time & Yield: 15 minutes prep + 35 minutes cook | Makes 11–12 nuggets | Ideal for batch cooking and freezing.
- Storage: Store cooled chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, cool completely and store in a labelled, freezer-safe container. Defrost thoroughly overnight in the fridge and reheat until piping hot throughout. Reheat only once after defrosting and do not refreeze.
Can Babies Eat Chicken Nuggets
Yes, babies can eat chicken nuggets for baby led weaning, but it is best if they are homemade without any added nasties like this recipe. Store-bought chicken nuggets or McDonalds chicken nuggets often contain high levels of salt, preservatives, and other unhealthy additives that are not ideal for babies.
By preparing homemade ground chicken nuggets, parents can control the ingredients, helping a healthier option for their little ones.
When making the best chicken nuggets for babies, it is recommended to avoid using excessive salt or spices and to opt for lean cuts of chicken like shredded chicken breast or chicken mince.
This way, babies can enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal without the unnecessary additives found in shop bought varieties. The perfect finger food for picky eaters.
Baby Led Weaning Chicken Recipe
When it comes to baby-led weaning chicken ideas, there are plenty of nutritious and tasty options to introduce to your little one. You can try offering small pieces of oven baked chicken breast, shredded chicken in a mild curry, or soft chicken meatballs.
Remember to cook the chicken thoroughly and ensure it is cut into manageable sizes to prevent choking hazards.
Incorporating chicken into your baby's diet can provide them with essential protein and nutrients for healthy growth and development.
Celebrate their milestones with these simple yet delightful chicken recipes suitable for baby-led weaning.
How To Cook Chicken For Baby
To cook chicken for a babies following the Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) approach, start by ensuring the chicken is boneless and skinless. Cut the chicken into small, manageable pieces suitable for your baby to hold.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the chicken pieces on a baking tray. Drizzle a little olive oil over the chicken for moisture and flavour.
Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Let it cool before serving to your baby. Always ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly with no pink meat remaining.
Ingredient information
Chicken mince (ground chicken) - I have used chicken mince, but you could use shredded chicken, you may just need to add in an egg instead of the olive oil to bind the mixture correctly.
Garlic granules - I have added a little garlic granules but you could leave this step out if you did not want to include within the recipe.
Black pepper - I have added a little black pepper for seasoning, with no added salt.
Olive oil - I like to add a little olive oil to add a little moisture to the nuggets, and also it works as a little bit of a binder too.
Breadsticks - I have used breadsticks, but you could use panko breadcrumbs or plain bread crumbs from a slice of bread blitzed into breadcrumbs. You can used what you have.
Egg - I have used an egg to coat the nuggets before rolling in the breadcrumbs, you could cook the nuggets without the egg and breadcrumbs for gluten-free babies.
Serving suggestion
The chicken nuggets would be great served with sweet potato wedges, skinny fries with some homemade baked beans. This would be a great evening dinner for a toddler and beyond.
Other similar recipes: Mini meatloaf, Spaghetti bolognaise or salmon nuggets.
Storage instructions
The nuggets can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, stored in an airtight container.
If you wanted to freeze the nuggets, you will need to make sure that the nuggets have cooled down 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. A great freezer meal option, that is needed most nights!
To defrost the nuggets, leave in the fridge overnight and make sure that they are fully defrosted, before re heating.
To reheat, place the nuggets in a oven proof dish and reheat 180C/350F for 4-5 minutes. They can be eaten at room temperature.
Once the nuggets have been defrosted you will not be able to reheat or refreeze.
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.
Nutri bullet - I have found a blender to be an invaluable tool in the preparation of many of my baby led weaning recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions: Chicken Nuggets For Baby Led Weaning
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Yes, when made at home they make a great finger food for baby.
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You can leave these chicken nuggets whole, or you can cut into strips.
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Yes they can be, the coating I have made for these chicken nuggets is soft not like a store bought chicken nugget.
Recipe | Healthy Chicken Nuggets For Baby Led Weaning and Kids
Healthy Chicken Nuggets For Baby Led Weaning and Kids
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180C or 350F. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the chicken mince to a large bowl along with the garlic granules, black pepper and olive oil.
- Mix together using your hands, until its all fully combined. Set aside.
- Blitz the bread sticks in a food processor or Nutri bullet. Pour onto a plate or bowl. You could also use panko breadcrumbs.
- Shape the chicken mince into a nugget shape (approx a tablespoon) and set aside.
- Once you have used all of the chicken, take each chicken nugget and coat in the beaten egg in a small bowl and then into the blitzed breadsticks on a plate.
- Place them all on the prepared baking sheet, and pop into the oven for 30-35 minutes.
Notes
You could use panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free bread, blitzed in the food processor for these homemade chicken nuggets with ground chicken.
©The Petit Spoon
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