Cooking delicious, balanced meals for kids can be challenging, but with this Chicken Steak with Vegetables & Mushroom Sauce, your little ones are sure to be delighted! The tender chicken, colorful veggies, and rich mushroom sauce make a meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. This recipe is designed to keep things simple, so you can involve your kids in the cooking process. With a few family-friendly twists, you can make dinnertime both fun and nourishing!
Ingredients of Chicken Steak with Vegetables and Sauce mushroom
The Chicken Steak:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and mild spice)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or thyme)
The Vegetables:
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup baby carrots, cut in halves
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Mushroom Sauce:
- 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced thinly
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (or for a richer flavor, use cream)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Instructions of Chicken Steak with Vegetables and Sauce mushroom recipe
Instructions step by step
Step 1 : Preparing the Chicken Steak
Slice the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into strips, making it easier for kids to eat.
Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. If your kids enjoy a little bit of color in their food, the paprika adds a mild spiciness and lovely hue to the chicken.
Heat the Pan: In a skillet or non-stick frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to help achieve a nice golden crust.
Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is no longer pink inside. You should see a nice golden crust on each side.
Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes. Resting allows the juices to settle, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables
Assemble the Vegetables: Arrange the steamed broccoli and carrots alongside the sautéed bell peppers on the plate, giving kids a colorful variety of textures and tastes.
Steam the Broccoli and Carrots: Fill a pot with an inch of water and place a steamer basket inside. Bring the water to a boil, then add the broccoli and carrots. Steam for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still bright in color.
Sauté the Bell Peppers: In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and sauté them for about 3 minutes, or until they are slightly softened but still crisp.
Season the Vegetables: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the vegetables for flavor.
Step 3: Making the Mushroom Sauce:
Finish the Sauce: Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat. You can add a bit more cream or milk if the sauce is too thick for your taste.
Prepare the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring frequently, until they become soft and release their juices (about 3-4 minutes).
After Add the Broth and Cream: Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir well. Add the chicken broth and mix well to incorporate it, allowing the sauce to thicken and absorb the mushroom essence. Gradually pour in the heavy cream or milk, stirring constantly until the sauce achieves a creamy, slightly thickened texture.
Season the Sauce: Add salt, pepper, and dried thyme or parsley (if desired) for a bit of extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Tips for Serving Chicken Steak with Vegetables and Sauce mushroom
- Cut the Chicken into Strips: For younger kids, consider slicing the chicken steak into smaller, bite-sized strips before adding the mushroom sauce on top. This makes it easier for kids to eat and more fun to dip into the sauce.
- Add Fun Shapes with Veggies: Use small cookie cutters to cut the carrots into stars or heart shapes, adding an element of play to the plate.
- Serve with a Kid-Friendly Drink: Pair this dish with a simple fruit-infused water or a fresh juice like apple or orange. The mild sweetness of the drink complements the savory chicken and veggies.
Additional Tips for Cooking with Kids
Involving kids in the cooking process can help them develop a taste for healthy meals. Here are a few kid-friendly tasks:
- Measuring Ingredients: Let kids measure out the ingredients for the sauce and seasonings. They can learn basic math while helping in the kitchen!
- Stirring the Sauce: With supervision, kids can help stir the mushroom sauce while it’s cooking. Make sure to use a long-handled spoon and keep the heat low to avoid splashes.
- Arranging the Vegetables: Allow kids to arrange the vegetables on the plate. They can create their own patterns or even design faces with the veggies for a fun twist.
Why Kids and Parents Will Love This Dish
This Kid-Friendly Chicken Steak with Veggies and Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a hit because it offers a blend of tender chicken, a creamy This dish brings together tender chicken, a rich mushroom sauce, and vibrant, nutritious vegetables in one meal. The chicken provides a mild, kid-friendly protein, while the mushroom sauce adds a creamy touch that is flavorful without being overpowering, With broccoli, carrots, and corn on the side, you’re introducing a variety of flavors and textures to keep kids interested.
For parents, this meal is straightforward to make and packed with nutrients. Chicken offers a source of lean protein, the mushroom sauce contributes healthy fats and rich flavors, and the vegetables supply essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This dish is also versatile, allowing you to switch up the vegetables or pair it with rice or mashed potatoes for variety.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken and Vegetables for Kids
Including chicken and vegetables in meals offers many health benefits for growing children. Here’s a quick look at the nutrition provided by each:
| Ingredient | Nutritional Benefits |
|---|---|
| Chicken | – High in Protein: Essential for muscle growth and repair. – Rich in B Vitamins: Supports energy production and brain development. – Low in Fat (when skinless): A lean protein option, great for maintaining a healthy weight and promoting muscle health. Discover more about the health benefits of chicken in this Wikipedia article on chicken |
| Broccoli | – High in Fiber: Supports digestive health. – Rich in Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system and helps with skin health. – Contains Calcium: Supports healthy bones and teeth. |
| Carrots | – Rich in Beta-Carotene: Supports vision and a healthy immune system. – High in Fiber: Helps with digestion. – Good Source of Vitamin A: Essential for growth, immune function, and skin health. |
| Mushrooms | – Source of Antioxidants: Protects cells and supports immunity. – Rich in B Vitamins: Helps with energy production and brain health. – Low in Calories: Keeps the meal light while adding a unique flavor. |
| Corn | – High in Fiber: Supports digestion and keeps kids full. – Contains Vitamin C and Folate: Essential for immune support and growth. – Good Source of Carbohydrates: Provides energy for active kids. |
By combining chicken with a colorful variety of vegetables, this dish delivers a balanced meal that supports growth, energy, and overall wellness in children.
Healthy Side Dishes and Pairings for Kids
When serving a hearty chicken steak and vegetable meal, pairing it with balanced side dishes can enhance both the taste and nutrition. Here are a few simple, kid-approved side ideas:
- Whole-Grain Options
Serve the chicken and vegetable dish with whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, or whole-wheat rolls. These grains are high in fiber, helping kids feel full longer and supporting digestion. - Mini Fruit Cups
Add a small side of seasonal fruits like apple slices, grapes, or berries. Fruits add a naturally sweet touch and are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which support immune health and energy. - Smoothies or Yogurt-Based Dips
A yogurt-based dip or a simple smoothie can round out the meal, adding protein and probiotics. A yogurt dip with cucumber or a mild smoothie can make kids excited about trying new flavors while adding creamy texture. - Sweet Potato Fries or Baked Veggie Chips
Instead of traditional fries, try oven-baked sweet potato fries or veggie chips made from zucchini or carrots. These alternatives are lower in fat and add valuable nutrients like fiber and Vitamin A.
Serving balanced side dishes keeps meals interesting and nutrient-dense. These sides can make a complete, satisfying meal that will fuel kids’ activities and growth while keeping mealtime fun and varied.
Thank you for reading our post! We hope this recipe helps make mealtime fun and nutritious for your family. If you enjoyed this, check out more kid-friendly meal ideas on our website – from easy snacks to creative dinners. Every recipe is designed to make healthy eating easy and enjoyable for both parents and kids. Involve your little ones in the cooking process to create fun and lasting memories!
Visit easykidbox.com for more recipes and inspiration. Happy cooking!