Looking for some delicious chicken recipes for pregnancy? Look no further; we have you covered.
When those pregnancy cravings strike, few foods feel as comforting and versatile as chicken.
From soothing soups to easy tray bakes, chicken tends to show up on the dinner table with the reliability of a friend who never flakes on plans.
Here are some delicious and tantalising chicken recipes for pregnancy that you might want to try as an expectant mum.
Is Chicken Safe During Pregnancy?
In short, yes. Chicken is safe to eat during pregnancy as long as it is fully cooked.
Poultry needs to reach an internal temperature of 75°C, ensuring harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter are eliminated.
Properly prepared chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, vitamins and minerals that support healthy growth for your baby.
The key is avoiding anything undercooked, pink or raw. So if someone suggests sashimi-style chicken, it’s best to smile politely and walk away swiftly.
Tips for Cooking Chicken Safely While Pregnant
Staying safe doesn’t require a culinary degree, just a few simple habits.
Here’s what you need to know when handling chicken in the kitchen:
- Cook thoroughly: Ensure there are no pink juices. Slice into the thickest part to check.
- Avoid cross-contamination: Keep raw chicken separate from vegetables, cooked foods and utensils.
- Maintain hygiene: Wash hands immediately after handling raw poultry.
- Store chicken properly: Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume leftovers within 48 hours.
- Reheat until piping hot: Not “warm-ish”, not “kind of hot”. Properly hot.
These habits help you enjoy chicken without unnecessary risks.
Top 5 Healthy Chicken Recipes for Pregnancy
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
Equipment
- frying pan, spatula, bowl, spoon
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, herbs and garlic in a bowl.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill on medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Equipment
- frying pan or wok, spatula, cutting board, knife, spoon
Ingredients
- 200 g chicken breast sliced thinly
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce low sodium
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 carrot sliced
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a pan or wok.
- Add chicken and cook until no longer pink.
- Toss in garlic and ginger.
- Add vegetables and stir for 3–4 minutes.
- Add soy sauce and oyster sauce. Stir well and cook another 2 minutes.
Nutrition
Baked Chicken with Sweet Potato
Equipment
- Bowl, baking tray, cutting board, knife, spoon
Ingredients
- 2 chicken thighs boneless
- 2 medium sweet potatoes cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C.
- Toss sweet potato cubes in olive oil, paprika and rosemary.
- Place chicken thighs on a baking tray and season.
- Add sweet potatoes around the chicken.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until cooked through.
Nutrition
Chicken Soup with Ginger and Carrot
Equipment
- pot, spatula, ladle, cutting board, knife,
Ingredients
- 200 g chicken breast cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 thumb-sized knob of ginger sliced
- 2 carrots sliced
- 1 litre chicken stock low sodium
- 1 small onion diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pot and sauté onion and ginger.
- Add chicken and cook until sealed.
- Add carrots and stock.
- Simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Season to taste.
Nutrition
Chicken and Brown Rice Casserole
Equipment
- frying pan, spatula, cutting board, knife, baking tray
Ingredients
- 300 g chicken breast cubed
- 1 cup brown rice uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 onion diced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C.
- Sauté onion and chicken in olive oil until browned.
- Add rice, broth, mushrooms and thyme.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Cover and bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Stir in spinach before serving.
Nutrition
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken for Pregnant Women
Chicken is more than just a convenient and versatile protein source that goes with so many dishes.
It’s also packed with nutrients that support prenatal health. Chicken is chock-full of:
- High-quality protein for baby’s tissue development
- Iron to support red blood cell production
- Vitamin B6 for brain development
- Niacin (B3) for energy metabolism
- Selenium for immune health
Lean cuts, such as breast meat, help maintain healthy weight gain while supporting growth.
Common Chicken Dishes to Avoid
Some dishes are best skipped during pregnancy, no matter how tempting. Here are some:
- Undercooked chicken (anything pink or raw)
- Chicken liver (too high in vitamin A)
- Street food satay if hygiene is questionable
- Cold chicken salads from buffets
- Chicken stored too long or reheated multiple times
When in doubt, choose freshly cooked. Reserve the above dishes until after your delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I eat fried chicken?
Yes, occasionally. But keep it moderate due to high fat and sodium.
Q: Is chicken breast better than thigh?
Breast is leaner; thigh is more flavourful. Both are safe when fully cooked.
Q: Can I eat chicken every day?
You can, but variety is ideal. Mix in fish, beans and tofu for balanced nutrition.
Undercooked Chicken Risks
Undercooked poultry may contain harmful bacteria, leading to food poisoning, dehydration and high fever.
These are all risky conditions to have during pregnancy.
Severe infections can affect both mother and baby, so always prioritise fully cooked chicken and proper food handling.
So, when you’re preparing chicken recipes for pregnancy, make sure to fully cook your chicken (this is easier when you cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces instead of large chunks) – pro tip for you.
How Much Chicken Should You Eat While Pregnant?
A balanced guide is around 2 to 3 servings of lean protein per day, which may include chicken, fish, eggs or plant proteins.
One cooked chicken portion is roughly 90 to 120 g, which fits comfortably within pregnancy nutrition guidelines.
Enjoy These Tasty Recipes
Choosing healthy chicken recipes for pregnancy doesn’t have to feel like a chore.
With the right preparation and a few flavourful recipes in your pocket, your meals can be both nourishing and genuinely enjoyable.
Whether you’re craving something zesty, comforting or hearty, chicken offers a reliable source of protein and essential nutrients for this important phase of life.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!
