Chicken and Veggie Rice Bowlettes

Tender shredded chicken tossed with soft-cooked white rice, sweet diced carrots, and bright green peas. A drizzle of olive oil and a whisper of garlic powder bring everything together without overwhelming little taste buds. Shaped into toddler-friendly portions that are easy to scoop with a spoon or grab with tiny fingers. Naturally dairy-free and soy-free, this is simple, nourishing food that even picky eaters tend to enjoy.

By TasteBuds

Recipe details

Yield
4 toddler portions (or 2 adults)
Prep time
15 minutes
Cook time
25 minutes
Total time
40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • ½ cup white rice, uncooked
  • 1 cup water (for cooking rice)
  • 1 medium carrot
  • ⅓ cup frozen peas
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • ⅛ tsp garlic powder (just a pinch)
  • pinch salt (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Rinse ½ cup (95 g) white rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 1 cup (240 ml) water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
  3. While the rice cooks, place 8 oz (225 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast in a medium skillet or sauté pan. Add enough water to just cover the chicken. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and poach for 12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
  4. While the chicken poaches, peel and finely dice 1 medium carrot (about 60 g) into very small, toddler-safe pieces (about ¼-inch cubes).
  5. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 3 minutes.
  6. Using two forks, shred 8 oz (225 g) cooked chicken breast into fine, bite-sized pieces.
  7. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
  8. Add the shredded chicken, 1 medium carrot, finely diced, and ⅓ cup (50 g) frozen peas to the bowl with the rice.
  9. Drizzle 1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil over the mixture, then sprinkle with ⅛ tsp garlic powder and a pinch of salt if desired.
  10. Gently toss everything together with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until the chicken, vegetables, and rice are evenly combined and lightly coated with oil.
  11. Divide the mixture into small toddler-friendly portions on a plate or in a bowl, letting it cool to a safe temperature before serving.