Chicken & Carrot First Bites Purée
A gentle introduction to meat for babies, this purée combines mild chicken with sweet carrot for a nutritious and palatable first food. It's packed with protein, iron, and vitamins.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (about 4 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup water (or unsalted chicken broth)
- 1-2 tablespoons breast milk or formula (optional, for thinning)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken and Carrot: Thoroughly wash the chicken breast or thigh. Peel and slice the carrot into 1/4-inch thick rounds for even cooking.
Combine Ingredients: Place the sliced carrots and chicken in a small saucepan.
Add Liquid: Pour 1 cup of water (or unsalted chicken broth) over the chicken and carrots, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged. If using broth, ensure it is sodium-free.
Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (no longer pink inside) and the carrots are very tender.
Check for Doneness: Use a fork to check if the chicken flakes easily and the carrots are easily pierced. If not, continue simmering for a few more minutes.
Remove and Chop: Carefully remove the cooked chicken and carrots from the saucepan using a slotted spoon. Place them on a clean cutting board. Reserve the cooking liquid.
Chop Chicken: Chop the chicken into small pieces to facilitate blending. Safety Note: Ensure no bones are present.
Blend/Purée: Place the chopped chicken and cooked carrots into a blender or food processor.
Add Liquid: Add 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved cooking liquid to the blender. Begin blending on low speed.
Purée Until Smooth: Gradually increase the speed and purée until the mixture is completely smooth. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even blending.
Adjust Consistency: If the purée is too thick, add more cooking liquid (or breast milk/formula) one tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, easily swallowable consistency. Babies may prefer different textures, so adjust accordingly.
Cool and Serve: Allow the purée to cool slightly before serving. Always test the temperature before feeding to your baby.
Storage: Store any leftover purée in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays and thaw as needed.
Safety Notes
- Adult supervision required for all steps.
- Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked to prevent foodborne illness.
- Check for any bones in the cooked chicken before blending.
- Test the temperature of the purée before feeding to your baby to avoid burns.
- Introduce new foods one at a time, waiting a few days between each new food, to monitor for any allergic reactions or sensitivities.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 80 kcal per serving
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 5g
Fat: 3g