Looking for an easy toddler rice recipe that is soft, colourful and simple to prepare? This chicken and vegetable rice is a comforting homemade meal made with rice, chicken, sweet potato, carrot, red bell pepper and green peas.
Everything is cooked until tender and gently mashed to create a soft, toddler-friendly texture. The sweet potato adds natural sweetness and helps bring the meal together beautifully, making this a lovely lunch or dinner idea for little ones.
INGREDIENTS
½ cup uncooked rice
½ cup cooked chicken, finely chopped or shredded
¾ cup sweet potato, diced
⅓ cup carrot, diced
⅓ cup red bell pepper, chopped
⅓ cup green peas
1 teaspoon olive oil
1½ cups water, plus a little extra if needed
INSTRUCTIONS
- Wash the vegetables thoroughly and chop them into small, toddler-friendly pieces.
- Rinse the rice well and drain.
- Heat a small pot over low-medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Add the carrot and red bell pepper. Cook gently for about 2 minutes without browning.
- Add the diced sweet potato and stir for about 1 minute.
- Add the washed rice and stir everything together.
- Pour in 1½ cups of water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover and cook until the rice and vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the green peas and cooked chicken. Stir well to distribute everything evenly.
- If the rice still needs more time to soften, add a small amount of water. Cover again and cook slowly on very low heat until everything is tender.
- While the food is still warm, gently mash the rice, sweet potato and vegetables together. Do not mash completely smooth; leave a little texture suitable for your toddler.
- Remove from the heat and allow your child’s portion to cool to a safe temperature before serving.
Easy Toddler Rice Recipe Tips
TODDLER TIP
This recipe contains no added stock cube, hot pepper or added salt. Always adjust the texture and serving size according to your child’s age and ability to chew.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how your little one enjoyed it.
For more simple family and toddler-friendly recipes, explore Diary of Merit Living and subscribe to our YouTube channel for step-by-step cooking videos.
If you’d like to make a larger batch, simply double each ingredient while keeping the same proportions. Using the exact measurements and doubling them evenly will help you get the same texture and result every time. For more guidance on foods to avoid for babies and young children, see the NHS feeding guidance.
Why This Easy Toddler Rice Recipe Works
This easy toddler rice recipe is a simple way to combine rice, chicken and colourful vegetables in one comforting meal. The sweet potato adds natural sweetness, while the chicken provides protein and the vegetables add different flavours and textures.
Cooking everything until soft makes the meal easier for little ones to eat. You can also gently mash the finished rice depending on your child’s age and ability to chew, while still leaving enough texture for them to enjoy.
How to Store Toddler Rice
Allow any leftover rice to cool before storing it in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. When serving it again, reheat it thoroughly and allow it to cool to a safe temperature before giving it to your toddler.
For the best texture and freshness, prepare smaller portions whenever possible. You can also adjust the vegetables according to what you have available while keeping the meal soft and toddler-friendly.
Serving Ideas for Toddler Rice
Serve this easy toddler rice recipe warm, not hot, and adjust the texture to suit your little one. You can gently mash larger pieces if needed. Offering a small portion first also makes it easier to see how much your toddler wants to eat.