9-Month MPASI Recipe: Lime Leaf Chicken - Savory Aroma, Texture-Safe & Family-Friendly!

At 9 months and above, babies begin to explore textures and flavors . This is the perfect time to introduce the flavors of family foods—without excess salt and without spiciness. One safe and adaptable dish is Chicken Daun Jeruk (Lime Leaf Chicken).

This meal:

🌿 Provides the experience of the distinctive aroma of Indonesian cuisine
🍗 Using animal protein rich in iron & zinc
💛 Can be enjoyed by babies and other family members , just differentiate the texture & seasoning

💡 With the right technique, one dish can become Baby Weaning + family menu :

• Aromatic lime leaves are used whole & removed for babies

• Seasoning is added only after the baby's portion is taken.

• The texture is adjusted to each person's chewing ability.

Here are the principles of healthy family eating:
✨ One dish. Different texture. Same nutrients.

🥣 Ingredients (±120–150g / 1 baby portion)

• 25–30 g finely chopped chicken / skinless chicken fillet, cut into small pieces

• 10–15 g carrots (finely chopped/grated)

• 1 whole kaffir lime leaf (not cut)

• ½ clove garlic (finely grated)

• ½ tsp unsalted butter / olive oil

• 35–50 ml water / homemade chicken stock

Optional aromatics for >12 months (after baby portion is taken):

• Lime leaves can be finely sliced

• You can add a little ground pepper

Nutritional enrichment options (optional, not mandatory):

• Chop long beans very finely

• Finely chopped mushrooms, cooked thoroughly

• Chopped semi-young corn

• Mild grated cheese (for >1y)

👩🍳 How to Make

1. Heat unsalted butter/oil, sauté garlic briefly (don't let it brown).

2. Add the minced chicken/small pieces of chicken, stir until it changes color.

3. Add whole lime leaves for aromatics.

4. Add carrots and additional vegetables (if any).

5. Pour in a little water or stock, cook until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are soft.

6. Once cooked, remove the lime leaves before serving to the baby .

7. Serve according to a safe texture based on age.

🍽️ Adult/Family Version Option (Indonesian Flavor)

After the baby's portion has been taken , the following may be added to the remaining dishes:

• a little low sodium soy sauce

• sliced lime leaves

• fried onions

• sliced chili/chili sauce for adults

❌ Not given to infants & toddlers <2 years.

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🍴 Texture Adjustment

🍼 Age 9–12 months (texture exploration phase)

• Use finely chopped or mini cut & tender chicken

• Texture can be:
  ✔ lumpy mashed
  ✔ finely chopped

• Carrots should be very soft and easily crushed by pressing with 2 fingers.

• Can be served as small finger food if the child is able to pick up soft foods.

👶👦 Age 12–24 months (self-feeding practice)

• The texture can be more chunky (roughly chopped)

• Can practice eating with a spoon by yourself

• You can add light seasoning (a little salt/home stock)

• Lime leaves can be sliced very finely after the baby's portion is taken.

🧠 Nutritional Benefits

• Chicken → high source of protein, iron, zinc, helps muscle growth & immune system

• Lime leaves → source of antioxidants, provide aroma without salt/MSG

• Carrots → rich in beta-carotene for eye health & immunity

• Unsalted butter/healthy oil → additional energy source (BB booster)

💡 Additional Tips

🛡️ Safety & Allergies

• Not all babies are suited to strong aromatics → start with small portions

• Orange leaves should not be eaten by babies (risk of hard fiber & choking)

• Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly, there are no red parts.

🧂 Seasoning for >12 months

• You can add light salt / low sodium soy sauce after the baby's portion is taken

• Avoid high salt sauces, concentrated MSG & chili for <2 years

🧊 Storage

• Can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of 2 days

• Reheat by adding a little water/broth

• For the freezer, it is safer to store the chicken base only , not the chicken + vegetables mixed together.

❓ FAQ

1. Are lime leaves safe for babies?
It is safe as an aromatic if not eaten , only to add fragrance and then thrown away.

2. Can I use coconut milk?
Yes, in small quantities & specifically for >9 months. Pay attention to allergic reactions & don't be too high in fat for sensitive digestion.

3. If the baby doesn't have teeth yet, can he/she eat chicken?
Yes, as long as the texture is very soft and finely chopped . Babies chew with their gums, not just their teeth.

4. Can it be frozen?
Yes, but it's better to freeze the stir-fried chicken base without vegetables , then mix in fresh vegetables when serving.

📚 Read Also

• 9-Month MPASI Recipe: Beef Garlic Butter Rice - Iron-Rich Butter Rice, Perfect for the Family!
• MPASI Recipe for 9+ Months: Gado-Gado - Delicious Nutritious Peanut Sauce & Vegetables for Your Little One

• Complete List of Baby Toothpaste Ingredients in Indonesia - Check the Ingredients Before Shopping for First Dental Supplies!