HomeBlog › Can I Eat Chicken During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy diet

Can I Eat Chicken During Pregnancy?

✍️ Baby Circle Medical Team🗓️ Updated Jul 2026
👩‍⚕️
Medically reviewed by
Baby Circle Medical Board
Reviewed on 18 July 2026
🍗
Yes — well-cooked chicken is great lean proteinEvidence-based & doctor-reviewed

Yes — chicken is a healthy source of lean protein and iron. Cook it thoroughly until no pink remains and the juices run clear, and avoid undercooked or cold leftover chicken unless reheated until steaming hot.

Benefits

Chicken provides lean protein, iron and B vitamins, supporting your baby's growth and your energy.

Cook it thoroughly

Cook until no pink remains and juices run clear, to avoid salmonella and campylobacter.

Storage and leftovers

Refrigerate promptly and reheat leftovers until steaming. Avoid cold cooked chicken that has been sitting out.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know chicken is cooked?

No pink meat and clear juices; a thermometer should read 74°C/165°F.

Is cold or deli chicken okay?

Reheat until steaming; avoid cold cooked chicken left at room temperature.

Is chicken liver okay?

Limit liver — it is very high in vitamin A, which should not be excessive in pregnancy.

Eat well through every week 💜

See trimester-by-trimester nutrition in the complete 40-week guide.

40-Week GuideJoin The Circle

References

  1. WHO. Healthy diet in pregnancy. who.int
  2. ACOG. Nutrition during pregnancy. acog.org
  3. NHS. Foods to avoid & healthy eating. nhs.uk
  4. FSSAI / FOGSI (India).
  5. CDC. During Pregnancy. cdc.gov

Related reading

Can I Eat Eggs During Pregnancy?Can I Eat Fish During Pregnancy?What Foods Should I Avoid During Pregnancy?📖 40-Week Pregnancy Guide
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or dietitian about your pregnancy diet, especially if you have any condition such as gestational diabetes or allergies. Reviewed by the Baby Circle Medical Board.