Chicken and fennel sticks with watermelon
Chicken and fennel sticks with watermelon A recipe suitable for baby 12-36 months. Chicken and fennel sticks with watermelon. SAFETY: ensure chicken is well-cooked (no pink), and remove all watermelon seeds.
A recipe suitable for baby 12-36 months. Chicken and fennel sticks with watermelon. SAFETY: ensure chicken is well-cooked (no pink), and remove all watermelon seeds.
Difficulty Little dishes, big smiles!
🍽️ 60 g chickenAlternative: egg white 🍽️ 80 g fennelAlternative: red bell pepper 🍽️ 50 g corn starchAlternative: sweet potato 🍽️ 30 g watermelonAlternative: orange or kiwi 🫒 1 tbsp olive oilAlternative: rapeseed oil 🍽️ 3 g dillAlternative: cumin 🍽️ 50 g eggAlternative: fresh cheese 2 servings
Melting pieces, perfect for developing chewing safely.
No major allergen identified.
May contain traces of gluten.
per portion
Calories 127 kcal
Protein 11 g
Carbs 15 g
Fat 4 g 1
CHECK freshness of the chicken (smell, color, texture) Cut the chicken into regular 2 cm pieces (finer for 12-18 months) Wash and dice the fennel (remove tough outer layer and core) Cook the corn starch as a porridge (5 min) Remove all seeds from watermelon, cut into regular cubes
Take all ingredients out 20 min before (room temperature)
Cutting board Paring knife Kitchen scale Mixing bowl Steamer pot Do NOT buy pre-cut chicken without re-checking Do not cut too large: choking hazard Always remove fennel core Never leave watermelon seeds in the recipe Do not add salt: baby's immature kidneys NEVER serve undercooked chicken Cut ALL pieces the same size for even cooking For 12-18 months: thinner pieces (1 cm) Test cooking with a fork: fennel should be melting-tender Always cook chicken well (no pink flesh) CRITICAL: remove all watermelon seeds Take out 30 min before for better incorporation 2
Mix the cooked corn starch porridge and fennel in a large bowl Add the chicken pieces and watermelon cubes, mix well Add the beaten egg as binder Pour in the olive oil and half of the dill Mix with a wooden spoon Shape the sticks with damp hands (length 5 cm) Coat each stick with a thin layer of corn starch Place on a tray lined with parchment Let rest 5 min in the fridge Large bowl Wooden spoon Fork Clean hands Tray lined with parchment Do not overmix: elastic dough Do not add too much flour: sticks become too dense Do not forget to shape tightly: otherwise it crumbles Do not make sticks too big: max 6 cm length Do not leave air in the sticks Always check egg freshness If the dough is too sticky: add 1 tsp corn starch If too dry: add 1 tsp liquid (water or adapted milk) Shape with damp hands: the sticks won't stick Make uniform sticks for even cooking Vary sizes according to age For 24-36 months: bigger sticks 3
Preheat the oven to 180°C fan Lightly oil a baking sheet Arrange the sticks leaving 2 cm between each Bake in the middle of the oven for 18 min (chicken well-cooked) Check cooking halfway through Meanwhile, prepare the dill sauce: yogurt + chopped dill + 1 tsp olive oil Mix the sauce well and chill Remove the sticks when golden Let cool 3-4 min Test the temp with a finger: warm Serve immediately with the sauce on the side Baking sheet Pastry brush Fork Tongs Small bowl Timer Do not forget to preheat Do not overcrowd the sheet Do not open the oven in the first 8 min Do not overcook: chicken becomes dry Do not serve sauce too warm (kills probiotics) NEVER serve pink chicken Check cooking: chicken is white inside, no pink For 12-18 months: more moist cooking For 24-36 months: more golden cooking If browning too fast: lower to 160°C Test with a toothpick: should come out clean Sauce: serve cold to preserve probiotics 4
Prepare a fresh watermelon cube garnish (no seeds) Arrange the warm sticks on baby's plate Add small watermelon pieces around Serve the dill sauce in a small separate bowl Show how to pick up the sticks Serve warm Watch baby during the meal Monitor allergy signs (rash, swelling) Put leftovers in the fridge Baby plate Small bowl + suction cup Spoon Non-slip cloth Phone (emergency) Do not serve burning hot Always remove watermelon seeds before serving Do not leave baby alone Do not put too many watermelon pieces Do not reheat several times NEVER serve undercooked chicken Serve warm: flavors are more developed Watermelon adds color and natural sweetness For 12-18 months: cut sticks in half Silicone bowl with suction cup Offer 2-3 different sides Keep phone nearby in case of allergic reaction 
