Tired of mealtime battles and picky eaters? Get ready to transform your toddler's dining experience with these mouthwatering chicken and sweet potato bites that are not just nutritious, but incredibly delicious! These homemade finger foods are designed to capture your little one's taste buds while sneaking in essential nutrients that growing bodies need. Imagine watching your toddler gobble up vegetables and protein without a single complaint - sounds like parenting magic, right?
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked and diced chicken
- 1 cup sweet potato, cooked and cubed
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Ensure the chicken is cooked and diced into small, toddler-friendly pieces. If you haven't already, cook the sweet potato until tender, then cube it into small chunks.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked and diced chicken, cubed sweet potato, peas, shredded cheese, and whole wheat breadcrumbs. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into small, bite-sized patties or balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each piece.
- Once all the patties or balls are formed, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the finger foods are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- After baking, remove the finger foods from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help prevent burns and make them easier for toddlers to handle.
- Serve the finger foods warm. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of your toddler's favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup or yogurt. Make sure to supervise your toddler while eating to ensure they are safe and enjoying their meal!
Tips
- Always cut ingredients into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking hazards.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform-sized patties to ensure even cooking.
- Let the mixture rest for a few minutes before forming patties to help ingredients bind together.
- Consider using silicone muffin cups for perfectly shaped finger foods.
- Experiment with different cheeses and vegetables to keep meals interesting.
- Cool foods thoroughly and test temperature before serving to prevent mouth burns.
- These finger foods can be prepared in advance and frozen for quick future meals.
- Always supervise toddlers during mealtime and encourage slow, careful eating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg