Chicken Meatball one tray bake

Ingredients

Meatballs:

• 1 cup of breadcrumbs (can use gluten free)
• 500g of chicken mince
• 1 egg (can use flax egg if egg free)
• 1 tsp each of dried rosemary and sage
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 grated onion
• 1/4 cup parmesan*

Risoni Tray Bake:

• 1 teaspoon of dried sage, rosemary and oregano
• 1 tsp of olive oil
• Good crack of pepper
• 1 clove of garlic minced
• 500g of broccolini
• 1 cup of risoni
• 1/4 cup of parmesan*
• 1 cup of low sodium stock
• 1 cup of yogurt or cream mixed with ½ cup of water**

Directions

• For the meatballs, mix all of your ingredients together and then roll into balls
• Then preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius
• Pop an oven proof pan on the stove top and add in your chopped broccolini, olive oil, garlic and herbs. Cook until broccolini is softening.
• Add in everything else
• Pop your meatballs on top and put on the lid
• Transfer to the oven and cook for 20 minutes with the lid on, then a further 20 minutes with the lid off

Serving suggestions:

Meatballs suitable from 6 months

Risoni tray bake suitable for all ages - chop broccolini according to age. For younger babies long finger length spears. For older babies with pincer grasp smaller pieces may be appropriate. Risoni and broccolini can also be blended for babies on mashed textures.

*Can omit or swap for 1 tbs of nutritional yeast if dairy free. Can also use a lower sodium cheese for little bubs.

**If dairy free can swap for 1.5 cups of milk of choice or coconut cream

Storage Instructions

Store cooked portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The meatballs and tray bake both freeze well for up to 3 months — freeze in portions and thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat until piping hot all the way through, then allow to cool to a safe serving temperature.

Nutrition Notes

A balanced family meal with protein and iron from the chicken, slow-release carbohydrate from the risoni, and greens from the broccolini. Using a low sodium stock keeps the salt gentle for little ones.

Parent Tip

Make a double batch of meatballs while you're at it — they're a brilliant freezer-stash finger food to pull out for quick meals on busy days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I serve this to a baby new to solids?

Offer a soft meatball as a finger food from around 6 months, and chop the broccolini into long finger-length spears. The risoni and broccolini can also be blended for bubs on mashed textures.

Can I make this dairy free?

Yes. Swap the parmesan for a tablespoon of nutritional yeast, and use 1.5 cups of your milk of choice or coconut cream in place of the yogurt or cream.

Can I make it egg free?

Yes — use a flax egg in the meatballs instead of the egg.