Lemony Chicken and Greens

Written by: Jeanette Blandford | Published on May 28, 2025
Buttery, lemony chicken baked over potatoes and loads of greens — a two pan family dinner with a creamy sauce that babies and toddlers love.

This is a wonderful recipe that can be shared with the whole family. Delicious lemony, buttery flavours will be a hit with babies and toddlers alike. Mix up the vegetables. All cooked in 2 pans means minimal washing up for busy parents!

"What an easy mid week dinner full of delicious flavour" - Kim (Baby Mumma)

Quick Recipe Snapshot

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: About 40 minutes
Serves: 4–6
Freezer friendly: Yes
Texture: Tender chicken and soft veg in a creamy sauce

Age & Texture Guidance

Suitable for 9 months+ when served as pictured.
6–9 months: shred the chicken finely and mash or blend with the soft veg and a little sauce to a texture that suits your bub.
9–12 months: offer small soft pieces of chicken and veg coated in sauce.
12 months+: serve as a plated family dinner.

Allergens Present

Milk (butter and cream). Check your stock label for other allergens.

Allergen Substitutions

Use a dairy free spread and coconut cream in place of the butter and pure cream — the flavour will be a little different but still lovely.

Why We Love This Recipe

• Just 2 pans — minimal washing up
• Bright lemony, buttery flavours the whole family enjoys
• Packed with green veg in one meal
• The creamy sauce helps little ones accept new veggies

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Lemony Chicken and Greens

Ingredients

  • 3 White potatoes
  • 150g Green Beans
  • 150g Brussels Sprouts
  • 150g Broccoli heads
  • 100g butter
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 2-3 Lemons juiced
  • 300ml pure cream
  • 250ml chicken stock
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp ground paprika
  • 1 Cup baby spinach
  • 1kg Chicken Breast Fillets
  • 2 tbsp corn flour (optional)

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 200 degrees.
  2. Chop potatoes and lay in bottom of a baking dish. Add to oven to start cooking.
  3. Chop broccoli, beans and Brussels sprouts.
  4. Heat a medium saucepan over low heat. Add butter and garlic. Stir to cook.
  5. Add lemon juice, cream, chicken stock, thyme, stir whilst cooking for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add baby spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
  7. Chop chicken breast fillets in half.
  8. Remove potatoes from oven. Add vegetables and layer chicken on top. Sprinkle paprika on top of chicken. Pour sauce on top of chicken.
  9. Place back into oven and cook for 30-35 minutes.
  10. Remove from oven and remove chicken and vegetables from pan.
  11. Place the pan with sauce back over medium to high heat and add cornflour to sauce. Whisk until cornflour dissolves and allow sauce to thicken.

Storage Instructions

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze portions for up to 2 months. Cream-based sauces can separate a little when frozen — stir well while reheating until steaming hot, then cool and check the temperature before serving to bub.

Nutrition Notes

Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, while the green beans, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and spinach bring folate, fibre and vitamin C. The cream adds energy and fats, which growing bubs need plenty of.

Parent Tip

The thickened lemony sauce is your secret weapon — coating new or less-loved veggies in a familiar creamy sauce can make them much more appealing to cautious little eaters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lemon OK for babies?

Yes — cooked into a creamy sauce like this, lemon is gentle and perfectly fine for babies. It's a great way to build a love of bright flavours.

How do I serve it to a younger baby?

For 6–9 month olds, finely shred the chicken and mash or blend it with the soft veg and a little sauce. Always supervise bub while eating.

Can I make it dairy free?

Yes — swap the butter for a dairy free spread and the cream for coconut cream.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, for up to 2 months. The cream sauce may separate slightly — just stir well while reheating until steaming hot.

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