Chicken is a rich source of protein, containing all of the essential amino acids. These have a structural function in the body and are therefore essential to encourage your baby’s growth. The leg meat of chicken is darker than the breast meat. It, therefore, contains higher amounts of iron and has greater nutritional value as part of your baby’s diet.  Iron is needed to carry oxygen through the body, and an inadequate intake can cause iron deficiency anaemia. Cooking the chicken with the skin on increases the energy content of the meat as the skin fat is absorbed by the meat. Babies cannot eat large portions of food in one sitting, but they do have a high demand for dietary energy, especially if they have started to crawl or walk.

Preparation Time: 10 mins
Stove Top Time: 15 mins
Oven Time: 30 – 45 mins
Wonderbag Time: 1½ hours
Serves: 6 portions
Age: From 8 months

Ingredients:
500g / 4 Chicken thighs with skin and bone
100ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
0.5tsp Freshly minced garlic
1tsp Fresh or dried thyme

Method:
Lightly oil the base of a 20cm diameter cast iron pot.
Pour the lemon juice into the pot.
Place the chicken thighs in the base of the pot. Do not place them on top of each other, they must all be touching the base of the pot.
Sprinkle the garlic and thyme over the top of the chicken pieces.
Place the pot on the stove top and bring to a boil. Allow to cook for 15 minutes at a medium heat with the lid on.
Place the pot into a pre heated oven at 180 degrees and allow to continue cooking for 30-45mins.
Alternatively, place the pot inside your Wonderbag and leave to continue cooking for 90 minutes.
Once cooked remove the chicken pieces from the Wonderbag and pot and place on a chopping board.
Remove the chicken meat from the bone being careful to ensure that no cartilage or small bones are attached to the meat. The bones and skin can be discarded.

To Serve:
From 8 months – Finely shred the chicken meat using two forks. Add some mashed butternut and mashed potato and serve as a meal for your child for lunch or dinner.
From 10 months – Cut the chicken meat into small bite size pieces. Add some steamed baby tomatoes and steamed sweet potato pieces and serve as your child’s lunch or dinner.

Tip: The chicken can be served immediately or stored in the fridge or freezer for future use.

Recipe Credit:
Kerryn Gibson, Dietitian Durban (Kerryn is a registered dietitian in private practice in Durban and Ballito working as a paediatric dietitian and a sports dietitian).

Photo Credit: Nic Ferreira