Chicken Breast for Babies

Complete guide on how to prepare and serve chicken breast to your baby, by age.

Iron-RichHigh-ProteinLow-FatEasy to DigestB Vitamin SourceGrowth-SupportingBrain-Boosting Fats

Safety Information

Allergen Risk

Very Low (1/5)

Choking Hazard

Moderate (3/5)

6–9 Months 9–18 Months 18+ Months

How to Serve Chicken Breast to a 6–9 Months Old

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

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

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.