Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Mini Muffins
Recipe Introduction
Ever wondered how to sneak more veggies into your little one's diet? These Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Mini Muffins are your secret weapon. We're talking tasty goodness.
Quick Hook
Honestly, I was struggling with picky eaters myself. Then, boom! Cheesy Broccoli Snacks arrived. They're savoury, cheesy, and packed with Broccoli Cheddar Bites .
Plus, they actually like them! These muffins are a surefire way to Bring Out the Mini Muffin pan and get cooking!
Brief Overview
This recipe is inspired by classic comfort food. Think of a mini chicken pot pie. Originating from my quest to hide veggies.
These Savory Mini Muffins are easy, taking only 45 minutes. This recipe yields 24 mini muffins. Perfect for snacks or Kid Friendly Lunches .
Main Benefits
The biggest win? Sneaking in those greens. Each bite is packed with nutrients from the broccoli. These are great for lunchboxes.
My favourite part is how versatile this Chicken Broccoli Muffins Recipe is. Perfect for Toddler Food that's also adult approved. They make awesome Lunchbox Muffins , I tell ya! Healthy Mini Muffins for Kids is the name of the game!
Time to gather your ingredients and start making these Cheesy Chicken Appetizers ! These Kid Food gems won't last long.
Ingredients & Equipment
Okay, so you wanna Bring Out the Mini Muffin , right? Here's what you need. I'm keeping it simple. We're making Broccoli Snacks , and no one has time for complicated.
Honestly, I’ve tried fancy recipes before and... nah.
Main Ingredients
Let's dive in. We're talking Chicken Broccoli Muffins Recipe time, folks.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) Use a decent one.
- Onion: 1 small , chopped About 1/2 cup .
- Cooked Chicken: 1 cup , shredded That's about 150g . Use leftover roast chicken for extra flavour.
- Broccoli florets: 1 cup , chopped Roughly 100g . Fresh is best, but frozen, thawed, and squeezed dry works in a pinch.
- Cheddar cheese: 1/2 cup , grated About 50g . Go for a strong cheddar. Adds flavour.
- Garlic powder: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Salt: A pinch. Adjust to taste.
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups ( 180g ).
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons .
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Egg: 1 large .
- Milk: 3/4 cup ( 180 ml ).
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup , melted That's 60 ml .
Seasoning Notes
Forget blandness. Let's talk Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics .
Garlic powder and pepper are essential. They boost the flavour. If you don't have garlic powder, minced garlic works too.
For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Seriously, Broccoli Cheddar Bites can be awesome!
Don't be afraid to experiment. I’ve tried adding a little smoked paprika, and wow!
Equipment Needed
Essentials only! Don't panic.
- Mini muffin pan: A 24 -cup one is ideal. Or you'll bake in 2 batches.
- Two mixing bowls: One large, one medium.
- Whisk and rubber spatula.
- Chopping board and knife.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
No fancy equipment needed. A fork can work instead of a whisk! The lunchbox muffins are the perfect Toddler Food or Kid Food .
They're also great Healthy Mini Muffins for Kids ! It's the perfect Savory Mini Muffins . These can be some cheesy Cheesy Chicken Appetizers too.
And great for Kid Friendly Lunches .
Cooking Method: Mini Muffin Magic!
Right, let's Bring Out the Mini Muffin ! Honestly, who doesn't love a mini muffin? They're like the perfect bite sized portion of happiness.
We're going to whip up some cheesy Chicken Broccoli Muffins Recipe that are awesome for kid food or even posh Broccoli Snacks .
I always feel like Nigella Lawson when I’m baking, minus the perfect eyeliner, haha!
Prep Steps: Muffin Mise en Place
First things first, let's get organised. This is your essential mise en place . Chop that onion, shred the chicken, and chop the broccoli .
I hate soggy broccoli, so make sure it's in tiny pieces. This is a winning strategy for toddler food , trust me! Grate the cheddar too.
Then, measure out all your dry and wet ingredients. This makes life so much easier, you know?
Safety wise, watch out for splashing oil when sauteing the onion.
step-by-step: Muffin Mania
Here's the lowdown:
- Heat olive oil, soften onion about 5 minutes .
- Add chicken, broccoli, cheese, garlic, salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, salt together.
- Whisk egg, milk, and melted butter in a separate bowl.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry, stir just until combined. Lumps are fine!
- Fold chicken and broccoli into the batter.
- Fill each muffin cup 3/4 full.
- Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes . They need to be golden brown.
Visual cue? A toothpick comes out clean. These are great Lunchbox Muffins
Pro Tips: Muffin Masterclass
Don’t overmix! Honestly, that's the key to tender muffins. I learned this the hard way. Use ready cooked chicken to save time or cook it ahead.
You can even make the batter a day before and store in the fridge!
A common mistake is putting too much mixture in each cup! If they are too full, they turn out a little messy.
And if they stick? Get a knife around the edges. It's also great for Kid Friendly Lunches ! You could even call them savoury mini muffins for Healthy Mini Muffins for Kids .
So, whether it’s a quick bite or Cheesy Chicken Appetizers , this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Recipe Notes: Your Muffin Making Mission Control
Right, before you dive headfirst into making these Cheesy Chicken Appetizers , let's run through some essential bits and bobs to make your baking experience smoother than a baby's.
.. well, you get the idea. Honestly, these little morsels are fantastic. They are great Broccoli Snacks .
Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy (or Not!)
Plating and presentation ideas: Honestly, the simplest way to serve these is piled high on a plate. The kids love it that way! For a slightly more "grown-up" vibe, arrange them artfully on a platter with a small bowl of dipping sauce think a dollop of sour cream or some sweet chilli sauce.
Or, if you want to Bring Out the Mini Muffin flavor, consider a small ramekin of marinara.
Complementary sides or beverages: These Savory Mini Muffins go brilliantly with simple sides. Carrot and cucumber sticks are a classic, offering a bit of crunch and freshness.
A small side salad also works wonders. As for drinks, milk is always a hit with kids, or maybe a refreshing glass of apple juice? I have found they make great Lunchbox Muffins as well.
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh
Refrigeration guidelines: Once cooled, these muffins will happily keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Perfect for prepping ahead for those manic weekdays.
Freezing options (if applicable): Yes! These Healthy Mini Muffins for Kids are freezer friendly. Once cooled, pop them into a freezer bag or container, and they'll keep well for up to 2 months.
Just make sure they're completely cool before freezing to avoid any sogginess.
Reheating instructions: You can reheat these in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or pop them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for around 5- 7 minutes.
Microwaving will be quicker, but the oven will bring back some of that lovely crispiness.
Variations: Let's Get Creative!
1-2 dietary adaptations: Need a vegetarian option? Swap the chicken for a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or some finely diced mushrooms.
A gluten-free Broccoli Cheddar Bites version? Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Honestly, it's that easy!
Seasonal ingredient swaps: If broccoli isn't your thing, or you just fancy a change, try finely chopped spinach or zucchini. Courgette works a treat, especially in summer.
Nutrition Basics: Sneaking in the Goodness
Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but each muffin rocks around 80 calories, 5g of protein, 4g of fat, 7g of carbs, and 1g of sugar.
It's like a mini powerhouse. Remember, it is only an estimate! The exact counts will vary depending on the exact ingredients.
Plus, you're sneaking in some Broccoli ! Who doesn't love these simple to make Kid Friendly Lunches ? These are great as Toddler Food or simply yummy Kid Food .
So, what are you waiting for? Get baking! These Chicken Broccoli Muffins Recipe are easier than you think, and they’ll be gone in seconds. Trust me, you've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Mini Muffins, and how long do they last?
Absolutely! These are perfect for batch cooking and freezing. Let them cool completely, then pop them into a freezer bag or airtight container. They'll keep well for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw them out at room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave.
Think of it as your secret weapon for those "hangry" moments!
My kids are fussy eaters! Any tips for getting them to eat the broccoli in these "Bring Out the Mini Muffin" treats?
Ah, the age-old question! Chop the broccoli really finely almost like broccoli rice. You can even steam it or blanch it for a minute or two to soften it up, which will help it blend in. The cheesy chicken flavour is pretty dominant, so they might not even notice!
You could also try sneaking in other finely grated veggies like carrots or zucchini. Think of it as a "stealth health" mission James Bond style!
What can I substitute for the chicken to make these vegetarian?
No worries, it's easy to make these veggie friendly. Tinned chickpeas, rinsed and drained, are a great substitute they add protein and a similar texture to chicken. Or, try using finely diced mushrooms. A little bit of smoked paprika will give them a lovely savoury depth of flavour.
It's like swapping out Sherlock Holmes for Miss Marple still a great detective!
Help! My mini muffins are sticking to the pan. What am I doing wrong?
Sticking muffins are a baker's nightmare! Make sure you're greasing your mini muffin pan really well. Use cooking spray, melted butter, or even a little shortening. Alternatively, use mini muffin liners they are cheap and cheerful and make life so much easier.
Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes before trying to remove them. This helps them firm up and release more easily. It is like trying to get Winnie the Pooh unstuck from a honey pot!
Can I adapt this recipe for regular sized muffins? How would that affect the cooking time?
You certainly can! This recipe can easily be adapted into regular muffins. You'll probably get around 12 muffins from this recipe. The cooking time will increase start checking them at around 25 minutes, and they may need up to 30-35 minutes.
Just insert a toothpick into the center to see if it comes out clean, that's your best indicator. Making bigger muffins is like turning a Mini into a full sized Cooper just more to love!
Are these mini muffins healthy? What's the nutritional breakdown like?
While these are more of a treat, they're certainly a healthier option than many pre-packaged snacks! They contain protein from the chicken, vegetables from the broccoli, and calcium from the cheese.
We've included an estimated nutritional breakdown (around 80 calories per muffin), but keep in mind that it can vary depending on the ingredients you use. You can reduce the fat content by using low-fat cheese and milk. Every little bit helps to balance the books of a healthy lifestyle.
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Mini Muffins
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 80 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 1g |
