AGE
11m+
Baby Shredded Chicken with Scallion Oil (Baby · 11m+)
From our parent community · Tender chicken · Share with adults
Baby Shredded Chicken with Scallion Oil
Tender chicken thigh × fragrant scallion oil — hand-shredded into one-bite pieces, full of lean protein, healthy fats and great flavour 🍗
By 11 months, baby is starting to appreciate more layered flavours. This shredded chicken with scallion oil uses New Zealand Hormone-Free Chicken Thigh, steamed until tender and hand-shredded into one-bite pieces, then dressed in a homemade garlic-ginger-sesame scallion oil — the meat is soft and juicy, the oil fragrant without being sharp, and lean protein and healthy fats come together in one dish. Best of all: one pan, two ways — set aside baby's portion, lightly salt the rest, and the grown-ups can share it too.
Ingredients
Main
- New Zealand Hormone-Free Chicken ThighShop ↗ (or chicken drumsticks 1–2 pcs)1–2 pcs
For steaming
- Ginger (for steaming)2–3 slices
- Spring onion, cut into large sections (for steaming)1–2 stalks
Scallion oil sauce
- Garlic, minced1 clove
- Ginger, minced1 tsp
- Spring onion, finely chopped1 tbsp
- White sesame seeds1 tsp
- Neutral oil (e.g. walnut oil)1 tbsp
Method
- Prepare for steamingPlace the ginger slices and spring onion sections on a heatproof plate, then lay the chicken thigh on top.
- Steam the chickenPut the plate into a steamer over cold water, cover, turn on the heat and steam about 30 minutes from the start. Steam until the chicken is cooked through, no pink, juices run clear — never underdone.
- Shred the chickenRemove the chicken and let it cool slightly. Discard the skin, bones and any cartilage, then hand-shred the meat into small, age-appropriate pieces.
- Prepare the sauceIn a small heatproof bowl, combine the minced garlic, minced ginger and white sesame seeds.
- Make the scallion oilHeat the neutral oil in a small pot until very hot and just shimmering. Carefully pour the hot oil over the ingredients in the bowl — it will sizzle — then stir in the chopped spring onion to release the aroma.
- CombinePour the finished scallion oil sauce over the shredded chicken and mix well. Serve once cooled to a safe temperature.
Safety notes
- Cook the chicken fully — cooked through, no pink, juices run clear; if you see any pink or red juices when you shred it, return it to the steamer until fully cooked.
- Allergens: none of the common allergens. If anything is new (e.g. sesame), introduce one new food at a time and watch for 2–3 days for any reaction.
- No added salt, sugar or honey under 1. The garlic, ginger and sesame in the scallion oil give plenty of flavour, so no salt or soy sauce is needed.
- Seasoning is for adults / 1y+ only: after you've set aside baby's portion, the grown-ups' share can be salted or soy-seasoned; any soy sauce is for 1 year and older and in tiny amounts.
- Skin, bones and cartilage must be completely removed, and the meat hand-shredded to one-bite size; serve warm — baby seated upright and supervised.
Why it's great for baby
New Zealand Hormone-Free Chicken Thigh is tender and juicy with just-right fat, easier to bite and swallow than breast, and a great source of quality protein to support muscle and overall development. Steaming keeps the juices and nutrients in, and hand-shredding into fine pieces makes it ideal for chewing practice. A little neutral oil and sesame add healthy fats that help absorb fat-soluble nutrients, while ginger, spring onion and garlic build aroma — gently introducing baby to more layered flavours and a smooth transition to the family table.
Quality protein
Healthy fats
Tender & easy to bite
Share with adults
Tips
Share with adults: set aside baby's portion first, then season the grown-ups' share with a little salt, light soy or a touch of chilli oil — one steamed chicken, two ways to eat it.
Batch & freeze: steam a few extra pieces, shred, then chill for 1–2 days or freeze. Re-steam to reheat and dress with fresh scallion oil.
Texture by age: for younger babies, shred the chicken finer and use less scallion oil; for older babies, leave slightly larger strands to practise chewing.
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Recipe card (save it)
Tender, share-with-adults chicken, starting with one good thigh 🍗
iBuddies' New Zealand Hormone-Free Chicken Thigh is tender and juicy — steam and hand-shred it soft and easy to bite, for protein-rich meals the whole family can share.
Shop New Zealand Hormone-Free Chicken Thigh More baby recipes