Chicken Breast for Babies
Can be served at every age once cooked through, prepared as described below. Moderate choking risk (3/5). Low allergen risk.
Find recipes with Chicken Breast in Dalo SolidsLast reviewed: October 2026
Safety Information
Always read the safety guidance before servingHow to Serve Chicken Breast to a 6–9 Months Old
Milestones for 6–9 monthsPrepare with care
Only if cooked through.
The UK Food Standards Agency advises cooking meat thoroughly to prevent food poisoning.
How to Cut
For babies 6-9 months, chicken breast should be cooked until fully tender and moist. Shred the meat into very fine, soft strands using clean hands or forks, making sure there are no small, tough, or stringy pieces, which can pose a choking risk. Alternatively, you can blend or mash cooked chicken breast with a little breast milk, formula, or water to create a smooth purée. Serve the shredded or puréed chicken alone or mixed into iron-rich pureed vegetables or grains. Avoid offering chunks or cubes at this age, as those can be difficult to manage for new eaters.
Serving Instructions
At 6-9 months, serve chicken breast as finely shredded or puréed and well-moistened. Offer 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml or about 0.5-1 oz) as part of a meal including iron-rich vegetables or grains and a source of healthy fat, such as olive oil or avocado. Always ensure chicken is fully cooked and moist. Balance with vitamin C-rich foods to help iron absorption.
How to Serve Chicken Breast to a 9–18 Months Old
Milestones for 9–12 monthsPrepare with care
Only if cooked through.
The UK Food Standards Agency advises cooking meat thoroughly to prevent food poisoning.
How to Cut
For children 9-18 months, chicken breast should still be cooked until moist and tender. Offer shredded chicken in slightly larger, soft pieces or continue serving as strips about the size of your finger (approximately 1.5 cm x 5 cm / ½ in x 2 in), allowing your child to practice self-feeding. You can also offer small, bite-size pieces if your child is confidently chewing. Continue to monitor for stringy or tough bits, and avoid dry, hard chunks. For kids still struggling with chewing, mashed or finely shredded chicken remains safest.
Serving Instructions
At 9-18 months, offer 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml or about 1-1.5 oz) of shredded, soft chicken breast as part of a balanced meal with vegetables, grains, and a healthy fat. If your child is chewing confidently, small bite-sized pieces are suitable. Continue to pair with vitamin C-rich foods for iron absorption. Serve alongside a variety of textures and colors to encourage adventurous eating.
How to Serve Chicken Breast to a 18+ Months Old
Milestones for 18–24 monthsPrepare with care
Only if cooked through.
The UK Food Standards Agency advises cooking meat thoroughly to prevent food poisoning.
How to Cut
By 18 months and up, chicken breast can be served in bite-sized cubes or strips, but it’s important to keep pieces soft and moist to reduce choking risk. At this age, continue to avoid dry or stringy pieces. Children can usually manage small chunks (about 1 cm / ⅓ in) if chewing skills are well developed. Encourage use of utensils but do not pressure, as self-feeding skill varies. For younger children in this age group, you may want to continue offering easy-to-handle strips or shreds. Always supervise meals and ensure your child is seated upright while eating.
Serving Instructions
At 18 months and beyond, provide 3-4 tablespoons (45-60 ml or about 1.5-2 oz) of soft, moist chicken breast, diced or in strips, as part of a meal with vegetables, grains, and healthy fats. Continue to serve a balanced plate, and encourage self-feeding with fingers or utensils. Pair with foods high in vitamin C for iron absorption, and offer a colorful, varied meal to support healthy eating habits.
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Important Safety Disclaimer
Every child develops chewing and swallowing skills at their own pace. The preparation methods shown are general guidelines; you must always evaluate your individual child's ability before serving. By offering this food, you agree to the following:
- Choking & Preparation: All foods can pose a choking hazard. You are strictly responsible for modifying food sizes and textures to match your child's skills. Always physically inspect this food for hidden hazards (e.g., bones, pits, seeds, splinters, or tough skins) before serving.
- Food Handling: Ensure all ingredients are properly washed, stored, and cooked to safe internal temperatures to prevent foodborne illness. Never serve raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs to an infant.
- Allergens: Introduce any new food one at a time. Observe your child closely for signs of an allergic reaction (hives, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing) and seek emergency medical care immediately if symptoms occur.
- Strict Supervision: 100% active, arm's-length adult supervision is required at all times while your child is eating or interacting with food.
- Talk to your pediatrician: If your baby has known allergies, was born prematurely, or has feeding difficulties, check with your pediatrician before introducing new foods.
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Age and preparation guidance informed by the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the World Health Organization's complementary feeding guidelines, ESPGHAN's (European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) position paper on complementary feeding, and EFSA's (European Food Safety Authority) scientific opinion on the introduction of complementary feeding. This content is independently created by Dalo Baby for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with any of these organizations.
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