How to serve, by age
6–8 mo
Steam skinless chicken with a splash of liquid and blend to a smooth purée; stir into rice cereal or congee.
9–11 mo
Fine mince, or shredded strips braised until very soft for gnawing.
12 mo+
Tender small pieces and soft meatballs.
Choking risk: Moderate
Chicken comes in fiber bundles, and a clump of unchewed shreds is a choking source. Tear with the grain, mince across it, cook to softness.
If choking ever happens: act immediately — call emergency services (911 in the US) and seek emergency care. Do not wait.
Allergens
Chicken is not among the eight most common food allergens (milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish). Any food can cause a reaction in principle — introduce new foods one at a time, during the day, and watch your baby.
Common questions
- Thigh or breast?
- Thigh is fattier and purées smoother; breast is coarser but works after long stewing. Either way, blend it fine.
Practical tips
- Start in cold water with lemon or ginger slices to mellow the smell.
- Blend a batch into purée, freeze in ice-cube trays, use within two weeks.
Sources
This page is general guidance assembled from the public sources above. It is not medical advice. For questions about your baby — including allergies, prematurity and any health condition — ask your pediatrician. See our medical disclaimer.