If you’re wondering how to serve chicken to your baby you’ve come to the right place. Chicken is an important source of protein for your baby and pretty cheap to get buy too Find out here how to serve chicken to your baby, the answers to other commonly asked questions and a list of our favourite recipes that use chicken including bites, nuggets and burgers!
How to Serve Chicken to Baby
Chicken can be introduced to babies around 8 to 10 months old. Here’s how you can serve chicken to your baby:
Preparation: Cook boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh until it is fully cooked and tender. Avoid using seasoning or spices that may be too strong for your baby’s palate.
Shredding or Dicing: Once cooked, shred or finely dice the chicken into small, manageable pieces. You can also puree or blend it for younger babies.
Serving: Offer the cooked chicken pieces to your baby directly or incorporate them into meals like mashed vegetables or pasta. Ensure the chicken is served at an appropriate temperature and supervise your baby while they are eating.
What are the Health Benefits of Offering Chicken to Your Baby?
ntroducing chicken to your baby’s diet can offer a range of health benefits, thanks to its rich nutritional profile. Here’s why including chicken in your baby’s meals can be a nutritious choice:
- High-Quality Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for your baby’s growth, development, and overall health. Protein provides the building blocks for tissues, muscles, and organs.
- Amino Acids: Chicken contains essential amino acids that support various bodily functions, including immune system function, hormone production, and tissue repair. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and play a vital role in your baby’s growth.
- Iron: Chicken is a good source of heme iron, a type of iron that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for healthy blood development and helps prevent anemia, a condition characterized by low red blood cell count.
- Zinc: Chicken is rich in zinc, an important mineral that contributes to immune function, wound healing, and normal growth and development.
- Vitamins B6 and B12: These vitamins, found in chicken, play essential roles in brain development, nerve function, and red blood cell formation. They also contribute to a healthy metabolism.
- Niacin (Vitamin B3): Niacin is involved in energy production and supports the digestive system, skin health, and nerve function.
- Selenium: Chicken is a good source of selenium, an antioxidant mineral that helps protect cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system.
- Phosphorus: Phosphorus is essential for bone health, helping to form strong bones and teeth. It also plays a role in energy metabolism and various cellular processes.
- Choline: Chicken contains choline, a nutrient important for brain development and cognitive function. It also supports liver health and helps with nerve signaling.
- Low in Saturated Fat: Chicken, especially skinless, lean cuts, is low in saturated fat, making it a heart-healthy choice for your baby. It provides the essential nutrients without contributing to excessive unhealthy fats.
Our favourite baby led weaning products
Should I offer chicken as pureed meat or in small pieces?
As your baby progresses in eating solid foods, you can transition from pureed chicken to small, soft, and cooked chicken pieces that are easy to chew and swallow.
Can I mix chicken with other foods like vegetables or grains?
Absolutely! You can mix cooked and shredded chicken with mashed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or pasta for a balanced meal.
Should I season chicken when cooking it for my baby?
It’s best to avoid adding salt, spices, or seasonings when cooking chicken for your baby. Plain, cooked chicken is a nutritious option.
Our Favourite Recipes for Babies Using Chicken
Author: Nicola Hughes
Nicola has weaned both of her boys using the baby led weaning method. She loves nothing better than creating simple recipes that anyone can recreate, using as few ingredients as possible. All of her recipes have been tried and tested by both Dexter and Felix and have their seal of approval!