
Sunny Chayote & Carrot Chicken Bites
dairy-free · 6 months+ · en
Bright green chayote and sweet carrots steamed until melt-in-the-mouth soft, tossed with tender shredded chicken. Perfect as a smooth puree for beginners or squishable finger food for toddlers!
- Mature chayote can have a tough skin, so be generous when peeling.
- Save the leftover cooking broth! It is full of water-soluble vitamins and can be added to family soups or rice.
- For toddlers over 18 months, sprinkle a tiny amount of toasted sesame seeds on top for texture, supervising closely.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Age
- 6 months+
Ingredients
Steps
Prep the veggies: Peel the chayotes, remove the tough seeds in the middle, and cut them along with the carrots into long, thin strips or small 1 cm cubes.
Steam the vegetables: In a medium pot, bring the broth (or water) to a gentle boil. Add the chayote and carrots, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until completely fork-tender.
Prepare the protein: While the vegetables are cooking, finely shred the cooked chicken breast so it is easy for little gums to chew and swallow.
Combine the ingredients: Drain the vegetables, but reserve the cooking liquid. Toss the warm vegetables with the finely shredded chicken, olive oil, and a pinch of cumin.
Adapt for your baby: For babies 6-9 months, transfer the mixture to a blender with a splash of the reserved broth and blend into a smooth puree. For toddlers, serve the soft cubes directly on their tray.
Frequently asked questions
Is chayote safe for a 6-month-old?
Yes! When peeled, seeded, and cooked until very soft, chayote is a gentle, low-allergen first food that is easy on a baby's tummy.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply replace the shredded chicken with very soft, cooked lentils or mashed beans, and use water or vegetable broth.
How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Purees can also be frozen in ice cube trays for up to 1 month.
What you'll need
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