Chicken Puree for Baby
Incorporating iron-rich and protein-packed foods when you start offering baby solids can be a challenge, but this easy puree is a great option to have in the mix. It’s fast to make, stores easily, and can have a variety of flavors according to what you have on hand or prefer. And you only need a few ingredients to make this baby food, so you don’t need to worry about spending a lot of money on ingredients you won’t be able to use up. This chicken puree can be made super smooth and offered as a Stage 1 baby food, combined with other purees as a Stage 2 baby food, or pureed less smooth (or not at all) as a Stage 3 baby food. You can even spread it onto toast or offer it on a preloaded spoon if you’re doing baby-led weaning. (You may also like my Salmon for Baby post.)
Ingredients You Need
To make this recipe, you’ll need these ingredients: Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Ground chicken: This usually contains a mix of white and dark meat, so it’s a good source of iron. Olive oil Dried thyme, oregano, or cumin, optional: You can add a spice for more flavor. Chicken broth: I use reduced-sodium chicken broth for flavor but less sodium. You can also use salt-free if you prefer. Additional baby food puree, optional: Add flavor and nutrients by mixing it with Sweet Potato Puree, Butternut Squash Puree, Avocado Puree, or Carrot Puree.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at how to make this baby food recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full recipe. TIP: You can use water, breastmilk, or formula in place of the chicken broth if you prefer.
Chicken Puree for Baby Led Weaning
You can serve large pieces of chicken using the baby-led weaning, or you can spread some of this puree onto a finger-size piece of toast. This is a good option since it’s so easy for baby to eat. You can also put some of the puree onto a baby spoon and hand the spoon to baby so they can feed it to themselves. This is a great option for feeding baby, no matter which style of starting solids you’re doing.
How to Store
Let the puree cool, then divide into small storage containers and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Heat briefly before serving. Or you can freeze in an ice cube tray overnight, transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw 1-2 cubes in a small container overnight in the fridge or for about an hour at room temperature. (Find more on storing baby food.)
Best Tips for Success
Start with ground chicken for the easiest process of cooking this puree. Use reduced-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth. You can also use water, breastmilk, or formula if you prefer. Combine the chicken puree with Carrot Puree, Pea Puree, Butternut Squash Puree, Sweet Potato Puree, Broccoli Puree, or even Avocado Puree. Try any other baby food combination you think sounds good. Puree very smooth to serve as a Stage 1 baby food. Puree less smooth to serve as a Stage 2 and 3 baby food. You can also break up the pieces of cooked chicken, stir with the optional additional baby food, and serve to baby as a finger food. You may also like Baked Chicken Meatballs, Instant Pot Butter Chicken, Chicken Noodle Soup for Kids, and Easy Baby Soup.
I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe if you try it, so please rate and comment below!
