Everybody loves a chicken nugget. This spin on the classic toddler favourite is friendly for even the littlest babes too.
Quick Recipe Snapshot
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Makes: roughly 20 nuggets
Freezer friendly: Yes
Texture: Soft, finger-food
Age & Texture Guidance
Suitable from around 8 months, but always be guided by your bub's own abilities.
6–9 months: shape into finger-length logs so they are easy for little hands to grab, and squish-test each one to make sure it is soft.
9–12 months: offer nugget shapes or halved fingers as the pincer grasp develops.
12 months+: serve whole nuggets cut into bite-sized pieces.
Allergens Present
Egg and wheat (breadcrumbs).
Allergen Substitutions
Swap the egg for a chia egg (1 tbsp chia + 3 tbsp water), and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal in place of regular breadcrumbs.
Why We Love This Recipe
• Veggie-packed with hidden broccoli and carrot
• Soft enough for little gums
• Freezer friendly for busy days
• A family favourite the whole table can share
Chicken Nuggies
Ingredients
- 500g Chicken Mince
- 1 Carrot
- 1 Head of Broccoli
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- 1/2 Cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg
- Olive Oil Spray
Directions
- Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius.
- Grease a large baking tray.
- Place broccoli, carrot and garlic cloves into food processor and pulse until diced into a mince consistency (you could also dice finely if you don't have a food processor)
- Add chicken mince, egg and onion powder to the food processor and mix until combined.
- Roll mixture into desired shape (you can do nugget shape or fingers for younger babies), roll into crumb to coat and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Spray with olive oil spray.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes turning once after 15 minutes.
Storage Instructions
Store cooked nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, lay cooled nuggets on a tray to firm up, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven until piping hot all the way through, then allow to cool to a safe temperature before serving to bub.
Nutrition Notes
Chicken provides protein and iron to support your growing bub, while the broccoli and carrot add fibre and a gentle veggie boost. Pairing these nuggets with a vitamin C–rich side such as capsicum or tomato can help the body take up the iron from the chicken.
Parent Tip
Make a double batch and freeze half — these are a lifesaver on the days when there is no time to cook from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without a food processor?
Yes. Finely grate or very finely chop the broccoli, carrot and garlic by hand, then mix everything together in a bowl.
Can I pan-fry instead of bake?
You can lightly pan-fry in a little olive oil over medium heat, turning to brown each side, until cooked through. Baking is a hands-off option that uses less oil.
How do I know they are cooked through?
Cook until there is no pink remaining in the middle and the juices run clear. Always cool to a safe temperature before offering to bub.
My bub is doing baby-led weaning — what shape is best?
Roll the mixture into finger-length logs rather than rounds so they are easy for little hands to pick up and self-feed.