Chicken Balls With Apple & Carrot

9-12 Months Recipes

Get kids eating chicken by adding apple to these moreish balls, which can be eaten hot or cold. A great finger food for on the go.

Ingredients

1. 250 g/9 oz chicken breast, cut into chunks
2. 250 g/9 oz boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
3. 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and grated
4. 1 onion, finely chopped
5. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
6. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or sage, or a pinch of mixed dried herbs
7. 1 egg yolk
8. 1 low-salt chicken stock cube, crumbled (for babies over one year)
9. 50 g/2 oz fresh white breadcrumbs salt and freshly ground pepper (for babies over one year) plain flour, for coating vegetable oil, for frying

Method

1. Put the chicken in a food processor and pulse for a few seconds
2. Using your hands, squeeze out a little excess liquid from the grated apple
3. Mix the apple with the chicken, onion, herbs, egg yolk, stock cube (if using) and breadcrumbs and roughly chop in a food processor for a few seconds
4. Season with a little salt and pepper (if using)
5. With your hands, form into about 20 balls, roll in flour and fry in shallow oil for about 5 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through
6. Alternatively, preheat the oven to 180oC/350oF/Gas 4 and arrange the chicken balls on an oiled baking sheet
7. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, turning halfway through cooking

Makes 20 balls