Introducing kids to pasture raised chicken—and meat in general—can be a fun adventure, but it’s one that comes with its own set of challenges. Young children are often wary of trying new foods, especially those with textures or flavors they’re not used to. The good news is that with a few tricks, a pinch of patience, and a dollop of creativity, you can help them warm up to the idea of pasture raised chicken on their plates. From involving their favorite cartoon characters to using statistics that show the benefits, here’s a roadmap to make chicken a kid-approved meal.

 1. Set the Scene: Get Creative with Stories and Cartoons

Children’s cartoons can be surprisingly helpful when it comes to food. When kids see their favorite characters chomping down on tasty meals, it piques their interest. Did you know that in SpongeBob SquarePants, the famous Krabby Patty supposedly has a “crusty crunch” that keeps kids guessing about what it might taste like? Now, while SpongeBob doesn’t specifically feature chicken, kids love guessing how the "crustiness" would feel with different foods. You can even bring up examples from cartoons like Paw Patrol where the pups have “snack time,” giving a relatable context for kids and helping them imagine chicken as a tasty, crunchy meal option. Try making a story around the meal. Something like, chicken is a “superpower food” for your little superhero or something to that effect could really make eating chicken fun for your kids.

2. Start Small: Bite-Sized Introductions

Experts agree: the best way to introduce new foods to kids is in small portions. One study on children’s eating habits showed that offering bite-sized portions of new foods increased the chances of them trying it by nearly 30%. A nugget, a tiny drumstick, or even a fun, easy-to-hold strip are great starting points. This way, they won’t feel overwhelmed by a large portion of unfamiliar food, and they’re more likely to reach out for a taste when they feel in control. You could even call it a “taste test” to make it sound like an adventure! 

3. Make It Fun

Letting kids participate in food preparation has been shown to increase their willingness to try new foods by around 40%. Next time you’re making dinner, let them “decorate” their chicken. They could sprinkle on herbs, add a sauce, or even choose fun dipping options. Pasture raised chicken is incredibly versatile, so get creative!

You can try cutting the chicken into star shapes or using cookie cutters for fun presentations. You can also turn on a cooking show and cook an online recipe from it. By the way, HBO Max users have a large selection of cooking shows. Don’t worry if your access is limited. You can unlock streaming libraries from any region. You can choose from titles such as: Julia, Chef, The Menu, as well as The Pioneer Woman, Unique Eats, and Cheap Eats. You can also find some funny tutorials and online recipes for cooking chicken with your kids that make cooking fun!

4. Use Familiar Flavors to Make It More Comfortable

Sometimes, it’s the unknown taste of meat that holds kids back. But here’s a trick: try seasoning the chicken with flavors they already enjoy. Whether it’s a hint of honey, a bit of cheese, ranch, or another familiar sauce, this familiarity can ease them into trying it. For example, many kids love the flavor of ketchup—why not offer it as a dip? According to food research, kids are more likely to try new meats when paired with a sauce they recognize, and ketchup increases willingness by up to 20%.

5. Offer Choices: Different Textures, Same Meat

Texture can be a make-or-break factor for picky eaters. Chicken comes in a range of textures that might appeal to different kids’ preferences. Some kids love crunchy textures (think baked chicken nuggets), while others might prefer something softer (like shredded chicken in a taco). You could even offer both types and let them choose. This way, they’ll feel empowered, and it adds a bit of excitement since they get to “choose” their adventure with pasture raised chicken.

6. Turn It into a Game

Make eating chicken an event, like a mini taste-testing game. You can prepare different styles—grilled, baked, or pan-fried—and encourage them to try each one, scoring them based on “crispiness,” “juiciness,” or “superhero points.” They get to decide which one they like best, and it makes them feel like food critics. Studies show that this type of gamification encourages kids to engage with food in a fun way, boosting their interest by almost 40%.

7. Provide Positive Reinforcement

Once your child takes that first bite, be sure to cheer them on! Positive reinforcement works wonders for kids, especially when it comes to trying new foods. A study revealed that when kids receive praise for trying new foods, they’re more likely to try again. So, every time they take a bite, tell them they’re doing a great job or give them a high-five! Although, in our experience kids seem to crave pasture raised chicken so they might even be high-fiving you in the end. 

8. Highlight the Health Benefits of pasture raised chicken with Fun Facts

If your child is a bit older, you can share some fun facts about why pasture raised chicken is good for them. Kids love learning “secret powers” about food, like how chicken helps them grow strong muscles or boosts energy for playtime. Chicken is packed with protein and essential vitamins like B6, which help their little bodies stay active and grow. With the popularity of “superfoods” in the media, children enjoy associating their meals with strength, agility, and other positive qualities.

9. Stay Consistent and Patient

Finally, consistency is key. A lot of kids need repeated exposure—around 10 to 15 times—to become familiar with a new food. Keep offering chicken in different ways and stay positive, even if they don’t bite right away. Studies from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlight that kids develop preferences through repeated exposure, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries.

Wrapping It Up

Helping kids explore new foods, especially pasture raised chicken, is a journey. You’re teaching them how to be open to new experiences, and that takes time. By tapping into familiar flavors, making meals playful, and inviting their favorite characters or cartoons into the process, you’re creating a fun, relaxed environment. Eventually, those tiny bites will grow into bigger bites, and your child will be on their way to enjoying pasture raised chicken as part of a balanced diet.