Chicken nuggets are a great choice for parents introducing solid foods to their babies using the baby-led weaning approach.
They are easy for babies to pick up and chew, making them a perfect finger food for little ones who are just starting to explore solid foods. Kids love chicken nuggets, so they will surely be a hit with the whole family.
In this article, we’ll explore how to make healthy homemade chicken nuggets suitable for BLW, as well as the benefits of including them in your baby’s diet.
Key takeaways
Homemade chicken nuggets are a great choice for BLW because they are soft, easy to pick up, and a good source of protein.
- A 4-ingredient recipe for healthy chicken nuggets includes sugar-free corn flakes, spices, chicken breast, and eggs.
- The best spices for BLW are curry, pepper, sweet paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary.
- Store raw chicken properly in the refrigerator or freezer, and keep cooked chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
How to make a healthy chicken nuggets recipe for BLW
Only four ingredients are needed to make this recipe.
When you start offering solids to your baby, it is always best to keep the food combinations as simple as possible.
In any recipe we make a little more elaborate, it is advisable to reduce the amount of ingredients as much as possible. This way, if any allergy should appear, we can pinpoint it.
That said, it is always recommended to use in our recipes foods that we have already introduced previously, or at least to have introduced most of the foods of the recipe.
If this recipe uses four foods, having previously introduced three is optimal.
Sugar-free corn flakes
Corn flakes are a better choice than bread crumbs or flour, as they provide more nutrient density and corn is a complex carbohydrate.
Variations: Using whole wheat bread crumbs is also a good option. It does not have the same nutrient density as corn, but it has more fiber and vegetable protein.
Spices
Spices are a perfect alternative to salt since we know that we should not add salt to our baby’s food until he is 2 years old.
It is essential that when choosing spices, they are natural and not a mix with multiple mixtures, as these usually have too many added products, including salt.
Spices should be treated like any other food, so it is essential to add 1 by 1.
The best spices for Baby Led Weaning are curry, pepper, sweet paprika, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary.
Chicken Breast
Chicken breasts are perfect for making chicken nuggets because of their convenience.
However, we can choose to use chicken thigh or wing meat as they have a higher fat content and can be juicier.
Whichever cut of chicken we choose, it is essential that it be of good quality. If it is ground chicken or organic from free-range hens, all the better. We should avoid giving extra hormones to our baby.
Eggs
As with chicken, choosing number 0 or 1 eggs is better and healthier, since we avoid being exposed to the hormonal treatments the hens undergo to enlarge them and make them lay more eggs.
The purer and more natural, the better, even if it entails an extra cost.
Why are chicken nuggets or fingers a great BLW food?
| “Chicken Nuggets or Fingers are a Great BLW Food” |
|---|
| “They are soft and easy to chew” |
| “They are easy for babies to pick up” |
| “They are a good source of protein” |
| “They can be flavored in a variety of ways” |
| “They are a family-friendly food” |
They are soft and easy to chew
Babies can chew and swallow soft, cooked chicken nuggets or fingers.
They are easy for babies to pick up
Chicken nuggets or fingers are easy for newborns to grasp, making them ideal for BLW.
They are a good source of protein
Chicken is a good source of protein, which is important for babies’ growing bodies.
Always keep in mind that we cannot offer large amounts of protein while following Baby Led Weaning.
In our article on how to structure toddler and baby meals we discuss this in more detail.
They can be flavored in a variety of ways
Chicken nuggets or fingers are adaptable and enjoyable for babies since they may be seasoned with herbs and spices.
They are a family-friendly food
Kids love chicken nuggets, so they are a food that the whole family can enjoy together.
When can babies start eating homemade chicken nuggets?
Your 9-month-old can eat chicken nuggets.
Once your infant can eat soft chicken, you can give them homemade chicken nuggets.
Starting around 6 months, feed chicken strips or shredded.
Best ways to store chicken and chicken nuggets
Raw Chicken
Raw chicken should be stored in a closed container or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
To avoid any liquids dripping onto other foods in the fridge, it’s also a good idea to place the chicken on a plate or in a container.
The bottom shelf or back of the refrigerator is typically the coldest place to keep raw chicken for the greatest results.
The raw chicken can be kept in the freezer until you’re ready to cook it if you won’t be using it right away. To avoid cross-contamination, simply keep the raw chicken separate from other items.
Additionally, remember to properly wash your hands both before and after handling raw chicken to maintain cleanliness and safety.
Chicken Nuggets
The best way to store cooked homemade chicken nuggets is to place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They will keep for up to 3-4 days when stored in this way.
It is better not to freeze them, as they contain eggs, thus we run the unnecessary risk of possible contamination.
Simply freeze the raw chicken and once you make the homemade chicken nuggets, consume them within a few days.
What does chicken provide for your baby?
Protein is crucial for growing bodies, and chicken is a wonderful supply of it.
Protein is required for the synthesis of enzymes, hormones, and other vital components for optimal health, as well as for the growth, repair, and maintenance of bodily tissues.
A wonderful source of additional minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins is chicken.
Baby Led Weaning Chicken Nuggets
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar-free corn flakes
- 1/2 tsp curry powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp thyme
- 1/4 tsp rosemary
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into nuggets
- 2 eggs beaten
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Crush the corn flakes in a plastic bag or food processor until they are finely crushed. Add the spices to the corn flakes and mix well.
- Dip the chicken nuggets into the beaten eggs and then into the corn flake mixture, pressing the mixture onto the chicken to coat.
- Place the chicken nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
- *You may also use the air fryer instead of the oven
Video
Notes
- Safety: Follow food safety guidelines when preparing chicken and watch for signs of allergic reactions in your baby.
- Texture and Size: Adjust the size and texture of the nuggets based on your baby’s age and ability to chew.
- Variations: Experiment with different spices and coatings to add variety to the chicken nuggets.
- Storage: Store leftover nuggets in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and avoid freezing them.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces and BLW-friendly foods.
Chicken Nuggets for BLW FAQ
1. Can I give my baby store-bought chicken nuggets?
No, it is generally best to avoid giving your baby store-bought chicken nuggets as they may contain additives and preservatives that are not suitable for young children. As we have said before, the less ingredients we use to cook for baby led weaning the better.
2. Can I use different types of protein in the nuggets?
Yes, you can use different types of protein in the nuggets such as turkey or tofu. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the type of protein you use.
3. Can I use different types of vegetables in the nuggets?
Yes, you can use different types of vegetables in the nuggets. Some good options to try include sween potatoe, carrots, parsnips, squash, or zucchini. Just mash them and add them to the corn and spices mixture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chicken nuggets are a great choice for parents who are introducing solid foods to their babies using the baby-led weaning approach.
With this easy Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe, you can make a healthy and delicious meal for your little one.
Chicken nuggets are soft, easy to pick up, and a good source of protein.
Make sure to store them properly and consider using different types of protein or vegetables for variety.
As always, when introducing new foods to your baby, follow the recommended guidelines and monitor for any allergic reactions.
Happy cooking!
We’re Maria and Alberto, a married couple and educators who are nutrition enthusiasts. Even before we had kids, we were already crazy about nutrition.
We’d read scientific articles, watch videos from nutritionists, and spend hours listening to nutrition podcasts.
Today, we continue doing this, but in a different way, as we’ve learned to sift through the noise and trends. Nutrition, like any other field of knowledge, the more you read and learn, the more you develop a comprehensive understanding of reality, and that’s what has happened to us.
Before having our first child, we focused on learning everything we could about child nutrition, using the same techniques we had already employed, backed by our extensive knowledge in nutrition.
Our mission is to help other parents with their children’s nutrition, to help them become the best versions of themselves.
If we are what we eat and drink, which is absolutely true, let’s do it right!
