These chicken veggie rice fritters are one of my favorite baby-led weaning recipes – soft, nourishing, and full of flavor from real, simple ingredients. They’re made with cooked rice, shredded chicken, egg, finely chopped carrots, and broccoli. Every bite is packed with protein, healthy carbs, and vitamins to help your baby grow strong and healthy.
Perfect for 8 months and up, these fritters are easy for tiny hands to hold and chew, even with few or no teeth. They make a great lunch, dinner, or snack, and they’re freezer-friendly – ideal for busy days when you want something wholesome and quick.
Why These Fritters Are So Nourishing
Each ingredient in these rice fritters plays an important role in your baby’s nutrition:
- Chicken – a great source of iron, zinc, and high-quality protein that supports muscle growth and brain development.
- Egg – adds protein, healthy fats, and choline, which is essential for brain and nervous system health.
- Rice – provides energy through healthy carbohydrates and gives the patties a soft, easy-to-chew texture.
- Carrots – rich in beta carotene (vitamin A), which supports healthy vision and immune function.
- Broccoli – full of vitamins C and K, fiber, and plant-based iron, helping strengthen immunity and digestion.
Why I Love These For Baby-Led Weaning
One of the most rewarding parts of baby-led weaning is watching your little one explore new textures and flavors. These fritters are soft but not mushy, flavorful without salt or seasoning, and have just the right amount of grip for babies to pick up on their own.
They also help encourage self-feeding – something that builds confidence and fine motor skills. I like to offer them as a main protein at lunch or dinner, paired with soft fruits, mashed avocado, or yogurt.
Together, these ingredients make a balanced, nutrient-dense meal that’s easy for babies to eat and parents to feel good about serving.
Feeding Tips
- Serve these fritters alongside mashed avocado, steamed fruit, or plain yogurt for a balanced plate.
- For younger babies (8–9 months), crumble them into smaller pieces or mash slightly.
- For older babies or toddlers, serve whole as finger food.
- Always supervise your baby during meals and offer water in an open cup or straw cup.
Feeding your baby doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s about offering real, nourishing food that helps them explore new textures and flavors with confidence. These chicken veggie rice fritters are simple, wholesome, and great for little ones. Whether you’re serving them fresh off the pan or pulling a few from the freezer on a busy morning, you’ll know your little one is getting a balanced, homemade meal made with love!
Chicken and Veggie Rice Fritters (Baby-Led Weaning)
Ingredients
- ½ cup cooked rice soft and slightly sticky works best
- ¼ cup shredded cooked chicken finely shredded or minced
- 1 egg
- 2-3 tbsp grated carrot steamed until soft
- 2-3 tbsp finely chopped broccoli florets steamed until soft
- 1 tsp olive oil or avocado oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prep the veggies. Steam the carrots and broccoli until soft, then finely chop or mash them.
- Mix it all together. In a bowl, combine the rice, shredded chicken, egg, and cooked veggies. Mix until the ingredients stick together.
- Form small fritters. Use about 2 tablespoons of mixture per fritter and flatten slightly.
- Cook on a nonstick pan. Warm a drizzle of oil over medium-low heat and cook each side for about 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and firm.
- Cool and serve. Let them cool completely before offering to baby. You can serve whole, cut into strips, or crumble for younger babies.
Notes
- For younger babies (8–9 months): crumble or mash lightly with a fork.
- For older babies/toddlers: serve whole as finger food alongside avocado or yogurt.
- Storage: keep in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a pan or microwave until warm.
- Freezer tip: freeze on a tray first so they don’t stick, then store in a bag for easy access.
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