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Vegetable Chicken Fingers for Babies and Toddlers Recipe

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3.8 from 86 reviews

Delicious and nutritious Vegetable Chicken Fingers perfect for babies and toddlers. These homemade chicken fingers combine ground chicken with shredded carrots, zucchini, and quinoa for a healthy twist on a classic favorite. Baked to golden perfection, they are tender, flavorful, and packed with veggies, making them an ideal finger food for little ones.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 chicken fingers

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/3 cup shredded carrots (about 1 medium carrot)
  • 1/3 cup shredded zucchini (about 1/2 or 1 small zucchini)
  • 1/3 cup cooked quinoa
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 small yellow onion
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional

  • Breadcrumbs for coating
  • Cooking spray or oil for greasing

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it using cooking spray.
  2. Prepare Quinoa: Cook the quinoa according to package instructions until fluffy and let it cool.
  3. Shred Vegetables: In a food processor, finely shred or chop the zucchini, carrots, onion, and garlic into small, uniform pieces to ensure even texture and flavor blending.
  4. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded vegetables, cooked quinoa, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  5. Shape Chicken Fingers: Take small portions of the mixture and form them into finger-sized pieces about 2-3 inches long. If the mixture is sticky or delicate, lightly coat your hands with cooking oil to help shape. Optionally, coat each finger in breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
  6. Arrange and Bake: Place the shaped chicken fingers on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Lightly spray or brush the fingers with avocado or olive oil to promote browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through if desired, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and golden brown.
  7. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve with your child’s favorite dipping sauce like ketchup, BBQ sauce, or a creamy yogurt dip.

Notes

  • Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken fingers in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.
  • Using breadcrumbs is optional, but they add a nice crispy texture if desired.
  • Adjust seasoning lightly for toddlers or babies if you want to avoid added salt.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat