Chicken and Broccoli Meatballs
Soft, flavorful chicken and broccoli meatballs that are perfect for toddlers learning to self-feed. Easy to make, packed with nutrition, and freezer-friendly for busy parents.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 chicken breast cooked and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup steamed broccoli finely chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated cheese
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder optional
- 1/4 tsp salt optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, steamed broccoli, breadcrumbs, egg, grated cheese, garlic powder, and salt. Mix everything well until evenly combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs—about the size of a walnut—perfect for little hands. Place them spaced evenly on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the meatballs cool completely before serving to your toddler. For younger eaters, mash or cut into smaller pieces as needed.
Notes
Storage Tips: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Age Modifications: For younger babies (6–9 months), mash or finely chop the meatballs after baking for a softer texture. For toddlers, leave the broccoli in tiny pieces to encourage texture exploration.
Allergy-Friendly Options:
Egg-free: Use a flax or chia egg (1 tbsp ground seeds + 3 tbsp water) as a binder instead of the egg.
Dairy-free: Omit the cheese or swap with a dairy-free alternative. Nutrition Boost: Mix in ground flaxseed, chia seeds, or finely grated carrot or zucchini for extra fiber and vitamins. Parent Tip: Give these meatballs a fun name like “tiny power balls” or “little green bites” to make mealtime more exciting!
Egg-free: Use a flax or chia egg (1 tbsp ground seeds + 3 tbsp water) as a binder instead of the egg.
Dairy-free: Omit the cheese or swap with a dairy-free alternative. Nutrition Boost: Mix in ground flaxseed, chia seeds, or finely grated carrot or zucchini for extra fiber and vitamins. Parent Tip: Give these meatballs a fun name like “tiny power balls” or “little green bites” to make mealtime more exciting!
Nutrition
Calories: 136kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 16gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 84mgSodium: 322mgPotassium: 245mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 147IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 72mgIron: 1mg
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