First foods database
🍗 Chicken for babies: when and how to serve it
Can babies eat chicken? Yes, from about 6 months. Chicken is a gentle source of protein, iron and zinc, and the darker thigh meat has more iron than breast. Cook it through and keep it moist.
Good source of: Protein, Iron, Zinc, Vitamin B6
How to serve chicken by age
6 to 9 months
Cook chicken until there is no pink and juices run clear, then blend with vegetables or a little cooking liquid into a smooth or lumpy purée. For finger food, offer large strips of moist thigh meat about the size of an adult finger, or a drumstick with skin, loose cartilage and small bones removed for baby to gnaw.
9 to 12 months
Offer shredded chicken in small pieces, chicken meatballs or chicken mixed into rice, pasta and stews. Slow cooking keeps it tender.
12 months and up
Serve as the family eats: roast chicken, curries, wraps and stir-fries, cut into small pieces.
Choking safety
Dry, stringy chicken is hard to chew and can be gagged on. Keep it moist, shred it finely or offer large strips, and remove all small bones, gristle and loose skin.
Gagging is common and noisy while babies learn to eat. Choking is usually silent. Always stay with your baby while they eat, sitting upright. How to help a choking baby (NHS).
Good to know
- Skip stock cubes and gravy granules, or use very low-salt versions.
- Cook chicken thoroughly and wash hands and boards after handling raw meat.
Easy ideas
- Slow-cooked chicken and vegetable stew
- Shredded chicken thigh with sweet potato mash
- Mild chicken curry with rice
Goes well with
Recipes with chicken
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Questions parents ask
Can babies eat chicken?
Can babies eat chicken? Yes, from about 6 months. Chicken is a gentle source of protein, iron and zinc, and the darker thigh meat has more iron than breast. Cook it through and keep it moist.
Is chicken thigh or breast better for babies?
Thigh stays moister and has more iron, so it is often easier for babies.
Can babies eat chicken skin?
Small amounts of soft skin are fine, but remove crispy or rubbery skin for young babies.
Sources
OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).