Chicken is a tender, nutritious protein that can be safely introduced when your baby starts solids at 6 months of age. Here’s how to offer it in developmentally appropriate ways.
How to offer chicken to babies at 6–8 months
At this stage, babies benefit from larger, graspable pieces of soft food.
Here are some baby-led weaning–friendly ways to offer chicken:
- Homemade patties, meatballs, or nuggets made from ground chicken
- Grilled chicken breast cut into 2-inch strips
- Roasted chicken wing drumette: serve on the bone, removing only the skin and cartilage
- Roasted chicken thigh: serve on the bone, removing the skin and cartilage on the ends
- Roasted chicken drumstick: remove meat from the bone before serving
Note: Chicken drumsticks contain a thin, needle-like bone (called the fibula) that can pose a choking hazard. Always remove meat from the bone before serving.
Other great options:
Homemade chicken patties, nuggets, or meatballs, cut into small pieces. Check out our recipes section in BLW Meals app!
Spoon-Feeding Option (6–8 Months)
If you’re not starting with finger foods, you can offer moist ground chicken on a spoon. By 7–8 months, try transitioning to soft pieces as your baby’s chewing skills improve. Learn more in the Foods section of BLW Meals app.
How to Prepare Chicken Safely
Thawing Frozen Chicken
According to the USDA, these are the safest methods:
1. Microwave (defrost setting): Cook immediately after thawing.
2. Cold water bath: Place the chicken in a leak-proof bag, submerge in cold water, and change the water every 30 minutes. Thaws in 2–3 hours.
3. Refrigerator: Place chicken in a leak-proof bag or container and allow to thaw over 24+ hours.
Cooking Chicken
Grilling:
- Heat a non-stick pan with olive oil
- Cook chicken over medium heat, covered, adding water as needed to avoid dryness
- Flip when browned; cook until fully done
Roasting:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C)
- Season chicken and place in a roasting pan
- Roast uncovered for 75 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 180°F (82°C)
- Let rest for 15–30 minutes before serving
Additional Tips for Preparing Chicken for Babies 6 months+
- Don’t wash raw chicken—this can spread bacteria around your kitchen
- Always cook to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C)
- Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat
- Season with baby-friendly herbs and spices like garlic, onion, cumin, paprika, chives, and parsley
Storage and Shelf Life
Refrigerated, uncooked chicken: Up to 3 days in a sealed container
Frozen chicken: Follow packaging guidelines
Cooked chicken: Up to 3 days in the fridge, 30 days in the freezer (airtight container)
Nutrition & Characteristics
Nutritional Value: High in protein, B vitamins, vitamin A, and minerals like selenium. Supports growth, tissue repair, and immune health.
Digestive Impact: Neutral—does not bind or loosen stools.
Allergy Risk: Rare
Did You Know?
There’s often confusion about the types of chicken available. Here’s a breakdown:
- Organic chicken is raised with access to pasture, fed 100% organic feed, and not given antibiotics or hormones.
- Free-range chicken has some outdoor access but isn’t necessarily fed organic food or raised without chemicals.
- All organic chickens are free-range, but not all free-range chickens are organic.
Don’t worry if organic or free-range chicken isn’t available—conventionally raised chicken is still a nutritious choice.
What About Chicken Liver?
Chicken liver is extremely nutrient-dense and can be offered occasionally. It’s rich in vitamin A, which is vital for your baby’s immune system, skin, and vision. However, due to its high concentration of vitamin A and its role in filtering toxins, opt for organic liver and serve in moderation.
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