Chicken for babies, by age.

6–8 months

Fully cooked, puréed or finely shredded and moistened; dark meat is softer and richer in iron. A large drumstick-shaped strip to gnaw also works (no loose skin, no bone splinters).

Texture purée / moist shreds

9–11 months

Fully cooked — finely shredded or minced, kept moist.

Texture shredded

12 months+

Fully cooked — small soft pieces.

Texture small pieces

Sources

Every recommendation shows its source. We cite our sources so you can check them.

• — CDC — When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods
• — WHO Guideline for Complementary Feeding of Infants and Young Children (2023)
• — USDA WIC — Reducing the Risk of Choking in Young Children

Keep reading

• — The Starting Solids program (Beta) — the whole first-year arc, one calm step at a time.
• — Iron deficiency in toddlers
• — Baby feeding schedule, 6–12 months