Chicken Veggie Hug in a Bowl
A tender chicken and vegetable stew made with soft, bite-sized pieces perfect for little ones to explore new tastes and textures.
Ingredients
- 1/2 boneless, skinless chicken breast (or 1 boneless thigh), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 small potato, peeled and diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 small carrot, peeled and thinly sliced or diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- Pinch of dried thyme (optional)
Instructions
Gather all ingredients and prepare them according to the ingredient list. Having everything prepped will make the cooking process smoother.
In a small pot or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the cubed chicken to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns opaque on all sides. It does not need to brown.
Add the diced potato and carrot to the pot. Stir to combine with the chicken.
If using, add the bay leaf and/or dried thyme to the pot for added flavor.
Pour the low-sodium chicken broth (or water) into the pot. Ensure the broth covers the chicken and vegetables. Add more water if needed.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, add the frozen peas to the pot. Stir to combine.
Continue to simmer, covered, for another 5 minutes, or until the carrots and potatoes are very soft and the chicken is cooked through. The peas should be tender and bright green.
Remove the bay leaf from the stew, if used.
Carefully remove the pot from the heat and allow the stew to cool slightly.
For younger toddlers, you can mash the stew slightly with a fork or potato masher to create a smoother consistency. Leave some small chunks for older toddlers to practice chewing.
Before serving, ensure the stew has cooled to a safe temperature for your toddler. Test a small spoonful to be sure.
Serve the stew in a bowl. You can offer the broth separately in a small cup or spoon. Encourage your toddler to explore the different textures and flavors.
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Safety Notes
- Adult supervision required for all steps.
- Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Cool the stew completely before serving to avoid burns.
- Cut all ingredients into small, age-appropriate pieces to prevent choking.
- Check the temperature of the food before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 150 kcal per serving
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 15g
Fat: 5g