Chicken Quesadilla With Cheese - Baby Led Weaning
Table of Contents
Can My Baby Eat A Chicken Quesadilla?
Absolutely! A chicken quesadilla recipe can be a great option for baby led weaning, from 6 months of age. When preparing a chicken quesadilla for your little one, ensure that the chicken is well-cooked and shredded to prevent any choking hazards. Introducing different textures and flavours is a crucial part of baby led weaning, and a chicken quesadilla provides a blend of protein, dairy, and carbohydrates.
The introduction of mild spices like cumin or a hint of mild salsa can also help develop your baby's palate. Always be present and attentive during mealtime to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for your baby.
What To Serve With Quesadillas
When serving the best chicken quesadilla recipe to a baby, it is important to complement them with nutritious sides to create a balanced meal. Suitable options to serve alongside quesadillas for a baby could include avocado slices for healthy fats, steamed carrot sticks, and soft cooked peas for added nutrition.
These sides provide a variety of flavours, textures, and nutrients to support the baby's development and introduce them to a range of foods during their weaning journey.
Remember to always ensure that the food is cut into appropriate sizes for the baby to handle safely.
Can I Use Plant Based Chicken Instead of Regular Chicken?
Certainly! You can definitely use plant-based chicken as a substitute for traditional chicken in the quesadilla recipe for your baby. Plant-based chicken provides a great alternative for parents looking to introduce their babies to a variety of flavors and textures, especially when following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Just ensure that the plant-based chicken is finely chopped or shredded to a suitable consistency for your baby to safely consume. Additionally, check the ingredients to ensure there are no allergens that your baby may react to. With these considerations in mind, feel free to explore this delicious and nutritious twist on the classic quesadilla recipe for your little one!
Are Spices Ok To Include In This Quesadilla Recipe?
Yes! Using spices in this basic chicken quesadilla recipe can introduce them to new flavours and help develop their palate. However, it's important to be mindful of the spices you use. Opt for mild options such as a pinch of cumin, garlic powder, or paprika to add a subtle depth of flavour without overwhelming your baby's taste buds.
Always be cautious and introduce one new spice at a time, watching for any potential allergic reactions. With a delicate touch, spices can elevate your baby's culinary experience while contributing to a diverse and nutritious diet.
Pros and Cons of Making Chicken Quesadillas for Your Baby
When considering making chicken quesadillas for your baby, there are several pros to take into account. Firstly, chicken is a good source of protein and essential nutrients, which are vital for your baby's growth and development. Additionally, by incorporating a variety of vegetables and cheese into the quesadilla, you can introduce different flavours and textures to expand your baby's palate.
Quesadilla for kids are also a convenient finger food, making it easier for your baby to self-feed and practice fine motor skills. On the flip side, some potential cons to consider, the need for careful monitoring to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and cut into small, safe pieces for your baby.
As with any new food, it's important to watch for allergic reactions and introduce one ingredient at a time. Overall, with proper preparation and attention to your baby's individual needs, chicken quesadillas can be a nutritious and enjoyable addition to their diet.
Ingredient information
Onion - if you have 2 small shallots instead of the onion this would also work well for sweetness.
Cooked chicken - I use cooked chicken for ease, so great if you have leftover chicken from a roast dinner for example.
Roasted red pepper - I have used the roasted red peppers from the jar, which are a firm favourite. You can of course roast your own red peppers.
Tomato purée - Great if you need a “dry” sauce. Great for this recipe.
Oregano - Adds an earthy taste which is needed. You can use mixed herbs if you don’t have oregano.
Cumin - A great spice for this recipe that brings out all the flavours.
Smoked paprika -You can used paprika if you don’t have the smoked.
Cheddar cheese - I have used cheddar but a great alternative would be any hard pasteurised cheese. Mozzarella would be a great alternative, this is a good melting cheese too.
Olive oil - I have used olive oil but a good substitute is avocado oil.
Tortillas - I have used the mini soft tortillas as they are a perfect size for my toddler. You can use the large tortillas, or whole wheat tortillas for added nutrition. I would double the recipe if you’re going to use the large flour tortillas.
Serving suggestion
The great thing is the quesadillas can be eaten on their own as a complete easy meal and tasty lunch, or they can be served with other items to make a more substantial meal if needed. Refried beans are a great addition to the meal along with some cucumber and pepper batons for dipping.
For a sweet treat you could try serving a mango pot, strawberry dessert or a cheesecake! All BLW friendly, and a great way to include the whole family into a meal together.
Storage instructions
The chicken and cheese quesadilla can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and they can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
If you are wanting to heat them up from frozen, make sure they are fully thawed by leaving in the fridge overnight in an airtight container and then they can be reheated in the oven on 180C or 350F for 7-10 minutes (top with more cheddar cheese for extra ooziness!).
Recipe | Chicken Quesadilla With Cheese - Baby Led Weaning
Makes 2 Portions
1/2 small onion, diced
40g cooked chicken breasts, diced into small cubes
1/2 Roasted red pepper (from the jar), diced
1 heaped teaspoon Tomato purée
1/2 teaspoon Oregano
1/2 teaspoon Cumin
1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika
Handful grated mature cheddar cheese
Olive oil
2 mini tortilla wrap
Instructions
Makes 2 portions
Start my heating the olive oil in a saucepan and add the onion and cook for 10 minutes at least.
Add in the chicken and the pepper, stir and cook for 2 minutes.
Add in the tomato purée, oregano, cumin and paprika and cook for a further 1 minute.
Place the tortillas on a flat surface, and fill approx 3 teaspoons of the chicken mixture onto one side of the tortilla.
Sprinkle some of the cheese on top of the chicken mixture.
Fold over the other side of the tortilla, and set aside.
In a frying pan, wipe the frying pan with olive oil, I use some kitchen towel. Just to coat the frying pan.
Place the quesadillas in the frying pan folded, and cook on a medium heat for 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Hope you and your family enjoy!
Recipe notes
If you wanted to make this recipe Vegan and gluten free, you will need to substitute the chicken for pinto beans, black beans or any beans in water, (which I would mash slightly) to make bean quesadillas, Use a vegan cheese of your choice. Try adding some mashed avocado and a dollop of sour cream too.
You could also use coconut oil instead of the olive oil to cook the chicken quesadilla recipe.
To make the recipe gluten free, I would recommend a beetroot wrap!
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