Protein

Chicken

Chicken is a wonderful first protein for your baby, offering a mild flavor and tender texture that many little ones enjoy. It's packed with essential nutrients that support your baby's growth and development, including iron for healthy blood cells¹ and zinc for immune function². Plus, it's versatile and easy to prepare in baby-friendly ways.

PPippin Feeding TeamReviewed by feeding specialists · Updated January 2026

First age6m+

CategoryProtein

Common allergenNo

Choking riskMedium

When can babies eat Chicken?

You can introduce chicken around 6 months when your baby starts solids, as it's a great source of iron and protein. It's often recommended as one of the first meats because it's easy to digest and less allergenic than other proteins.

Storage tip

Store raw chicken in the coldest part of your refrigerator for 1-2 days, or freeze for up to 9 months. Cooked chicken can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen in small portions for 1-2 months.

How to serve Chicken by age

6 to 9 months

For 6-9 months, serve chicken as large, soft strips or shreds that your baby can palm and gnaw on. Cook it until very tender—poached, slow-cooked, or pressure-cooked—so it easily mashes with gums, and avoid adding salt or seasonings.

Cook chicken until it shreds easily with a fork
Cut into strips about the size of two adult fingers
Remove all bones, skin, and gristle
Serve plain without added salt or spices
Offer alongside easy-to-grip veggies like steamed carrot sticks

9 to 12 months

For 9-12 months, cut chicken into small, bite-sized pieces or thin slices as your baby develops a pincer grasp. You can lightly season with herbs like thyme or oregano, but continue to cook it until tender and easy to chew.

Dice cooked chicken into pea-sized pieces
Mix shredded chicken into soft foods like mashed potatoes or oatmeal
Introduce mild herbs for flavor variety
Ensure pieces are soft enough to squish between fingers
Combine with other finger foods for balanced meals

12 months +

For 12 months and up, you can offer chicken in more varied forms like small chunks, ground in patties, or mixed into dishes. Season lightly with family-friendly flavors, but still avoid excessive salt and ensure it's cooked to a safe temperature.

Serve as part of family meals, cut into small, manageable pieces
Try ground chicken in meatballs or patties
Incorporate into soups, stews, or casseroles
Monitor for any signs of chewing difficulty
Encourage self-feeding with utensils as skills develop

Safety & allergens

Choking risk: Medium

Chicken can be a choking hazard if not prepared properly. For babies, always serve it shredded, finely minced, or pureed to avoid large chunks. Make sure it's cooked thoroughly until no pink remains and is soft enough to mash with your fingers.

Not a common allergen

Chicken is not a top allergen. As with any new food, offer it on its own and watch for any reaction.

Vitamins & minerals

Chicken is rich in iron, which helps prevent anemia and supports brain development in babies¹. It also provides zinc for a healthy immune system² and B vitamins like B6 and B12 that are crucial for energy metabolism and nervous system function³. The protein in chicken supports muscle growth and overall development.

Vitamins

Vitamin B3Vitamin B6Vitamin B12Vitamin B5Vitamin B2

Minerals

IronZincPhosphorusSeleniumPotassium

Nutritional synergy

Pair chicken with vitamin C-rich foods like sweet potatoes or bell peppers to enhance iron absorption⁴. This combination helps your baby get the most nutritional benefit from their meal.

Common questions

How should I cook chicken for my baby?

Cook chicken thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and no pink remains. For young babies, poaching, steaming, or slow-cooking works well to keep it tender and moist. Avoid adding salt, sugar, or strong spices.

What if my baby doesn't like chicken at first?

It's common for babies to need multiple exposures to accept new foods. Try mixing small amounts of shredded chicken into familiar foods like mashed vegetables or oatmeal. Keep offering it without pressure—it can take 10-15 tries for babies to develop a taste for new foods.

Can I use canned or processed chicken?

It's best to use fresh or frozen plain chicken without added salt, preservatives, or sauces. Processed chicken products often contain high sodium levels and additives that aren't suitable for babies. Stick to simple, homemade preparations for the healthiest option.