Wholesome Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets for Baby Meal Prep (9 Months & Up)

Looking for healthy, homemade baby food that’s easy to prep and packed with nutrients? These Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets for Baby Meal Prep (9 Month Old) are the perfect answer for busy parents who want to offer their little ones real, nourishing food. Ideal for baby-led weaning (BLW), these nuggets are soft, easy to hold, freezer-friendly, and filled with protein and veggies — without any added sugar or salt.

Whether you’re prepping meals for a 9-month-old, searching for easy baby recipes food ideas, or trying to come up with BLW snacks 9 months can enjoy, these nuggets hit all the right notes.

Save

Why Parents Love This Chicken and Broccoli Nugget Recipe

These baby nuggets are designed with your baby’s needs in mind. They’re:

• Soft and safe for babies 9 months and up
• Made with simple, whole food ingredients
• A great way to introduce textures and finger foods
• Perfect for meal prep and freezing
• Free from added salt, sugar, or unnecessary additives

If you’re juggling feeding a toddler while planning meals for a younger sibling, you’ll also love how easy these are to adapt for older kids too — just check out these healthy snack ideas for kids for more inspiration.

---

Ingredients for Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets (Baby-Friendly)

Here’s everything you’ll need to make about 18-20 small nuggets – ideal for freezing and batch prepping:

• 250g chicken breast, boneless and skinless (roughly 1 cup chopped)
• 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
• ½ cup grated cheddar cheese (or mozzarella for a milder option)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole grain or oat-based for extra fiber)
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional, skip if baby is sensitive)
• Olive oil spray for baking

These ingredients are safe and appropriate for babies 9 months and older, but always consult your pediatrician if introducing allergens like egg or dairy for the first time.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make prep smoother, have the following tools ready:

• Food processor or blender
• Steamer basket or pot
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl

For additional baby-friendly meal prep ideas, visit our make-ahead breakfast bowls for easy mornings.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets for Baby (Step-by-Step)

1. Steam the Broccoli
Steam the broccoli florets until soft and vibrant green, about 5–7 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly before blending.

2. Blend the Chicken & Broccoli
In a food processor, pulse the chicken breast until finely minced. Add the steamed broccoli, cheese, egg, and optional garlic powder. Pulse again until well mixed.

3. Stir in Breadcrumbs
Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Add breadcrumbs and stir until the mixture holds together. If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon more breadcrumbs.

4. Shape the Nuggets
Using your hands or a small scoop, form into baby-sized oval nuggets. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray.

5. Bake the Nuggets
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly spray the nuggets with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway. Bake until golden and cooked through.

6. Cool and Serve
Let nuggets cool completely before serving or freezing. For babies practicing self-feeding, cut into smaller bites if needed.

Save

Storage & Freezing Tips for Baby Nugget Meal Prep

These nuggets are perfect for baby meal prep. Here’s how to store them:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to bags. Keeps well for 2 months
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 160°C (320°F) until warm. Avoid microwaving directly for best texture.

Pair with soft veggie sticks or sweet potato mash for a complete baby meal.

Smart Substitutions & Allergy Tips

• Dairy-Free? Use a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip cheese altogether
• Egg-Free? Try mashed sweet potato or applesauce as a binder
• Gluten-Free? Use oat flour or crushed rice cereal instead of breadcrumbs

For more allergy-conscious ideas, try protein-packed cottage cheese egg bake — perfect for older babies and toddlers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using raw broccoli: This can result in a bitter taste and grainy texture.
• Skipping breadcrumbs: These help bind everything together — without them, nuggets can fall apart.
• Not flipping nuggets while baking: This ensures even crisping on both sides.

What to Serve With Chicken & Broccoli Nuggets

Make it a meal with:

• Mashed pumpkin or vegetable casserole
• Soft rice or couscous
• Steamed carrot or zucchini sticks
• Fruit dip with banana or apple slices (for older babies)

Looking for baby breakfast ideas? These pumpkin cottage cheese pancakes are a family favorite!

Best for BLW Snacks (9 Months and Up)

These nuggets are soft enough for early baby-led weaning snacks and can be:

• Cut into strips for grip
• Served whole for practice
• Paired with dipping sauces like plain yogurt or mashed avocado

They’re also a great addition to your meal prep for 10 month old or even as a finger food for toddlers. Try alongside these toddler-friendly cheesy mashed potato puffs for a hearty lunchbox option.

Save

FAQ: Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets for Babies

Can I give this to a 7-month-old baby?
If your baby has started solids and can handle finger foods, you may offer smaller, softer pieces without the optional garlic.

How do I know the nuggets are cooked through?
They should be golden on the outside and firm. Internal temp should reach 74°C (165°F).

Can I make these with ground chicken?
Yes! Ground chicken speeds up the process and blends well with steamed broccoli.

Can older kids eat these too?
Absolutely. Add a pinch of salt and serve with ketchup or yogurt dip for toddlers.

Final Thoughts: Simple, Nutritious Nuggets for Every Baby Meal Plan

These Chicken and Broccoli Nuggets for Baby Meal Prep (9 Month Old) are more than just a finger food — they’re a smart, parent-approved way to nourish your little one with real ingredients. Whether you’re exploring BLW snacks for 9 months, need dinner ideas for a 7 month old, or are simply looking to make healthier, freezer-friendly meals for your baby, this recipe fits beautifully into your routine.

Explore more easy and nutritious baby food ideas here, and don’t forget to try our no-bake peanut butter bars for toddler-approved snacks too!

Print