Ways To Cook & Serve Chicken To Babies, Toddlers (BLW) By Age
ThrivingNest
Introducing chicken to babies can be a great option as first baby food starting at around 6 months of age, when they are ready for solid foods. Whether you choose purées or the baby-led weaning method as finger foods, there are plenty of chicken baby food ideas to choose from. The tips below (with pictures) can help you determine how to cook and serve chicken to babies at different stages.
1/4tspsea salt or Himalayan pink salt(for older babies and toddlers)
Optional (For Flavor)
1clovegarlic
1/2smallonion
2sprigsparsley
seasonings for roasting(oregano, sage, coriander, paprika etc.)
Instructions
Poach The Chicken
Heat the broth/stock or other liquid and bring to a boil. Add the chopped chicken meat (it should be fully submerged) and cover with a lid. Simmer on low constant heat ( between 170° and 180°F) for about 15 minutes until is cooked through inside. The smaller the meat pieces the faster they will cook.
You can also use water instead of stock, but you might need to add aromatic herbs and vegetables like, onion, garlic, celery, parsley and black pepper in order to flavor the chicken meat.
This method of cooking yields the most tender and moist chicken meat. Once cooked through inside, remove from liquid and use in recipes like: chicken puree, chicken soup, chicken salad or serve as finger food cut into sizes appropriate to the age (see details in the post above.)
Roasting Chicken
Preheat oven to 425°F | 220°C. Line a baking pan with parchment/baking paper, or use glass / ceramic baking pans. Place the chicken breasts (or other chicken parts, equal sizes) in the pan and toss with the desired seasonings and drizzle with olive or avocado oil (high heat resistant).
Rub the seasonings all over to evenly coat. Bake chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature is 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer. To avoid crust forming, cover with foil while baking or keep the skin as a shield.Use in recipes like: chicken puree, chicken soup, chicken salad or serve as finger food cut into sizes appropriate to the age (see details in the post above.)
Crockpot Chicken
Here you can use larger pieces (and even the whole chicken). Add the chicken to the crockpot, cover with stock and set to low. You can also add some lemon juice aromatics and seasonings. Simmer for 4-6 hours. If using whole chicken cook for about 8 hours. Use in recipes like: chicken puree, chicken soup, chicken salad or serve as finger food cut into sizes appropriate to the age (see details in the post above.)
Notes
Ways To Serve Chicken To Babies
Chicken Puree: It’s great as stage 1 baby food (for 5-6 months old babies). You can use the poached chicken method described above and then use the meat and a little bit of pre-made chicken stock (in which the chicken was cooked) and blend in a blender or food processor until you reach the desired consistency. Or mix with other purees.
MakeSoft Chicken Meatballswith ground chicken – suitable for babies 6 months+, toddlers and baby led weaning method (BLW) as finger food.
Chicken Soup – serve as it is or puree it to a smoother consistency. This recipe is suitable for babies 6 months+, toddlers and older kids.
Shredded/ cut/ cubed chicken meat - shred the cooked chicken using two forks (or your hands) while it’s still warm. You can also slice or cube the meat according to baby’s age (see post above for details and pictures).
Chicken Salad – shredded cooked chicken, avocado, soft boiled egg and diced onion – suitable for babies 10-12 months and older.