Baked Chicken Veggie Nuggets
Every toddler loves nuggets — these just happen to be packed with vegetables. Blending the chicken with carrot and broccoli keeps them tender, and a crunchy panko coating makes them irresistible.
- Prep20 min
- Cook18 min
- Total38 min
- Makesabout 20 nuggets
- Age12 months+
Ingredients
Makes about 20 nuggets. Tap to check off as you go.
Contains: egg, wheat, milk.
Instructions
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1Toast the crumbs
Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the panko with olive oil and toast in a dry skillet until golden.
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2Pulse the chicken
Pulse the chicken, broccoli, carrot, Parmesan, egg and garlic powder in a food processor until finely ground.
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3Shape the nuggets
With damp hands, shape tablespoon-size portions into flat nugget shapes.
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4Coat in crumbs
Press each nugget into the toasted panko to coat on all sides.
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5Bake until golden
Arrange on a lined sheet and bake 15–18 minutes until cooked through (165°F / 74°C).
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6Dip and enjoy
Cool slightly and serve with plain yogurt ranch or no-salt-added ketchup.
How to serve by age
9–12 months
Best saved for after 12 months, since the crunchy coating can be hard for new eaters. For babies, skip the breadcrumbs and bake the mixture as soft finger-length logs until they reach 165°F (74°C).
12–24 months
Cut each nugget into halves or strips, and serve with a little plain yogurt for dipping.
2–3 years
Serve whole nuggets with a yogurt dip and soft-cooked vegetables.
Allergy & diet swaps
- Egg-free
- Leave out the egg and add 2 tbsp plain yogurt to help the mixture bind.
- Dairy-free
- Leave out the Parmesan and add 1 tbsp nutritional yeast for flavor.
- Gluten-free
- Use gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for the coating.
Tips
- Using chicken thighs makes extra-juicy nuggets.
- Use star or dinosaur cookie cutters on a flattened sheet of mixture for fun shapes.
- Freeze baked nuggets and reheat at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
Storage & safety
Storage: Fridge: 3 days. Freezer: 3 months.
Suggested age: 12 months+. Every child is different — serve textures and sizes that match your toddler's chewing skills.
Always seat your toddler upright and stay close while they eat. Cut round foods into small pieces and spread nut butters thinly. Read our toddler food safety guide for more.
Questions parents ask
Are homemade chicken nuggets healthier than store-bought?
Usually, yes. These are baked instead of fried, have vegetables blended in, and contain no added salt, while many frozen nuggets are high in sodium.
How do I know the nuggets are cooked through?
Use an instant-read thermometer: chicken must reach 165°F (74°C) in the center. Color alone isn't a reliable test.
Can I make them in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and 165°F (74°C) inside.
Can I freeze homemade chicken nuggets?
Yes. Freeze the baked, cooled nuggets on a tray, then bag them for up to 3 months. Reheat at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes.
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