Weaning Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
These chicken meatballs are a perfect weaning recipe, combining tender chicken with mild vegetables for a nutritious and tasty meal. They’re easy to prepare and can be adapted for the whole family to enjoy.
Ingredients
- ½ celery stick, cut into small chunks
- 1 small carrot, cut into small chunks
- 500g boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- A few chives, snipped
- Oil, for greasing
- Boiled rice, to serve
- Steamed broccoli, to serve
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6. Place the celery, carrot, chicken, and chives into a food processor and blitz until finely chopped, using a spatula to scrape down the sides if needed.
- Step 2: Shape the mixture into small meatballs. If freezing, arrange them spaced out on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge before cooking.
- Step 3: Grease a baking tray and place the meatballs on it. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Step 4: Serve warm alongside boiled rice and steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.
Tips & Variations
- For more flavor, adults and older children can enjoy these meatballs with a dash of soy sauce or a little chilli on the side.
- Use chicken breast instead of thighs if you prefer a leaner meatball.
- Adding finely grated apple can introduce a subtle sweetness and extra moisture.
Storage
You can freeze the uncooked meatballs by arranging them on a tray and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Once cooked, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used as a leaner option, but the meatballs may be slightly drier. Adding a little grated apple or a small amount of moisture can help keep them tender.
Are these meatballs suitable for babies starting solids?
Yes, these meatballs are designed as a weaning recipe with mild flavors and soft textures, making them suitable for babies beginning to eat solids. Always check with your pediatrician regarding food introductions.
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Weaning Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 small meatballs 1x
Description
A gentle and nutritious weaning recipe featuring tender chicken meatballs made with finely chopped chicken thighs, celery, carrot, and chives. These meatballs are oven-baked to perfection and served alongside boiled rice and steamed broccoli, perfect for introducing solid foods to babies and toddlers while offering a wholesome meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- ½ celery stick, cut into small chunks
- 1 small carrot, cut into small chunks
- 500g boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- A few chives, snipped
- Oil, for greasing
Sides
- Boiled rice
- Steamed broccoli
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6 to get the perfect temperature for baking the meatballs evenly.
- Prepare the meatball mixture: Place the celery, carrot, chicken thighs, and chives into a food processor. Blitz until finely chopped, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is evenly combined.
- Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into small, baby-friendly meatballs. If you’re planning to freeze them, space the meatballs out on a tray and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer bag. Remember to defrost them thoroughly in the fridge before cooking.
- Prepare for baking: Line a baking tray with foil and lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the meatballs evenly spaced on the tray.
- Bake the meatballs: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the meatballs are browned on the outside and cooked through internally.
- Serve: Plate the baked chicken meatballs with a side of boiled rice and steamed broccoli for a complete and balanced meal suitable for weaning children.
Notes
- For more flavor, adults and older children can enjoy the meatballs with a touch of chili or soy sauce.
- Ensure meatballs are thoroughly cooked to a safe internal temperature before serving to babies.
- Freezing the meatballs separately on a tray before storage helps prevent them from sticking together.
- Adjust vegetable size for younger babies to avoid choking hazards.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs to keep meatballs tender and moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Weaning, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Chicken meatballs, Baby food, Weaning recipe, Healthy baby meals, Oven-baked meatballs, Toddler meals
