What size whole chicken for 4 adults

What size whole chicken for 4 adults

What size whole chicken for 4 adults

It is sometimes difficult to know just how much chicken to buy to have the proper amount for a particular recipe or to serve to a specific number of people. Some of the information that will determine the quantity needed are the number of people being served, whether or not it will be served in controlled portions, or if the meat will be served on a "help yourself" basis. The following information may be helpful in determining your needs.

Bone-in with skins: One pound of raw chicken will serve approximately two or three people.
Boneless and skinless:

One pound of raw chicken will serve approximately four people.

Cornish hens: A 1 to 2 pound hen is generally served as a single serving but can feed up to two people.
Broiler/Fryer: A 2 ½ to 4 pound whole chicken will serve approximately three to four people.
Roasting Chicken: A 4 to 7 pound chicken will serve approximately five to seven people.
Capons: A 5 to 9 pound chicken will serve approximately six to nine people.
Chicken Wings: One pound of raw chicken wings will serve approximately 1 ½ people.
Drumsticks: One pound of raw chicken drumsticks will serve approximately 2 ½ people.
Cooked - Boneless: One pound of raw boneless, skinless chicken produces approximately 3 cups of diced cooked chicken.
Cooked - Bone-in: One pound of raw bone-in chicken produces approximately 1 cup of diced cooked chicken.
Cooked - Whole: Raw whole chicken with bones-in produces approximately 1 cup cooked chicken per pound.

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Roast chicken is always a good idea. I don’t think I’ve ever regretted making it — especially never on a Sunday when I’ll have some that night for dinner and then plan for a week of meals that make the most of it. And if you’re not cooking your roast chicken over a bed of veggies … well, you’ve got something delicious to look forward to trying!

But one of the most important lessons I’ve learned about roast chicken comes from Ina Garten (if you haven’t heard — she’s got a way with chicken). This lesson is on what size chicken to buy.

A 5-Pound Bird Makes the Best Roast Chicken

Ina only cooks birds that are five to six pounds, with five pounds being best. This is a helpful piece of advice when you find yourself looking at the case of poultry trying to decide which is going to make the juiciest and most flavorful roast chicken dinner. A five-pound chicken is usually categorized as a “roaster.” These birds are usually less than 8 months old, extremely flavorful, and are less likely to cook up tough like a larger, likely older (in age) bird.

I’ve noticed that even smaller birds (think around four-and-a-half pounds) make for an even better roast chicken — but they can be particularly tricky to find at grocery stores. They’re always the first to go at my Whole Foods and Hannaford. (The odds of tracking them down from my local coop is better.) Chickens that weigh around five pounds are easier to get your hands on and still make for a better roast chicken than those closer to six pounds.

From there you can spatchcock, truss (or not!), brine, butter, and baste your way to whatever your idea of the perfect roast chicken is — but start with a five-pound bird and see the difference it makes!

What size chicken do you buy for roast chicken? Do you notice a difference? Can you find smaller birds at the grocery store?

It's easy to cook too much or too little chicken or turkey, especially if you are feeding guests and you don't know their eating habits. You might also have difficulty calculating amounts if you're cooking for many more—or fewer—people than usual. A wide variety of vegetables and side dishes can also make a difference in how much protein you serve.

According to the American Heart Association, a serving size of meat or poultry is 3 to 4 ounces for adults—or a portion that is about the size of a computer mouse or deck of cards. Some people are heavier meat-eaters than others, so if you aren't sure, you should err on the side of more. Also, consider whether or not you want leftovers for sandwiches, snacking, or subsequent casseroles and meals.

If you are feeding children, allow about 1 ounce of cooked poultry for children ages 1 to 6, and about 2 to 3 ounces for children ages 7 to 10. For an average family of four, plan on about 1 pound of chicken or turkey (without bone or skin). 

Following are some averages for specific chicken and turkey pieces, but keep in mind that the size of chicken parts can vary greatly. For instance, some boneless chicken breast halves can weigh as much as 12 ounces! If you can't find smaller chicken breasts—4 to 5 ounces—you might have to slice the large ones horizontally to make two serving-size cutlets. Or cut the larger chicken breasts into smaller strips. Stuffed chicken breasts, such as chicken cordon bleu, are best made with 6-ounce chicken breast halves.

Illustration: Bailey Mariner. © The Spruce, 2019

Cooked Boneless Chicken

For each adult, count on having about 4 to 5 ounces of cooked chicken, 10 ounces of uncooked boneless chicken breasts will yield approximately 6 1/2 ounces cooked, while 10 ounces of uncooked boneless chicken thighs will yield about 5 ounces cooked. 

Split Chicken Breasts

A package of four split chicken breasts (with bone and skin) weighs about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds, and each will yield about 6 to 8 ounces of meat.

Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs on the bone can vary quite a bit in weight. The average package of four chicken thighs will weigh approximately 1 1/2 pounds. One chicken thigh will yield about 3 ounces of meat (without skin or bone), so for big meat eaters, count on two thighs per person. For kids and lighter eaters, one chicken thigh per person should be enough.

Chicken Drumsticks

An average drumstick weighs about 4 ounces, with roughly 1 1/2 ounces of meat (without skin or bone). Plan on two drumsticks per person or more for big eaters. One drumstick should be enough for children under 6.

Whole Chicken Legs

A whole chicken leg is essentially a drumstick and a thigh. One whole chicken leg will yield approximately 4 to 5 ounces of meat (without skin). Four whole chicken legs should be more than enough for an average family of four.

Chicken Wings 

If chicken wings are the main appetizer or main dish, you should plan on about 4 to 6 whole wings (8 to 12 pieces) for each person. 6 whole wings, on average, weigh approximately 1 to 1 1/4 pounds. If you are serving many more appetizers along with the wings, 2 to 3 whole wings should be enough for each person.

Whole Chickens and Cornish Game Hens

A whole 3 to 4-pound chicken will feed 4 to 6 people, depending on ages and appetite. For Cornish game hens, which are very small chickens, count on one small (1.25 pounds) game hen per person or half of a larger (2-pound) game hen.

Whole Turkeys

When choosing a whole turkey for your holiday meal for 8 or more people, plan on about 1 1/2 pounds per person to ensure there is enough meat for the heavy eaters and leftovers. Keep in mind; a smaller bird will have lower meat to bone ratio. For a smaller gathering of 4 to 6 people, plan on about 2 pounds per person.

Turkey Breast

Plan on 1 1/4 pounds per person when choosing a bone-in turkey breast. When buying a boneless turkey breast, plan on three-quarters of a pound per person.

Safe Cooking

There are many things that can affect poultry roasting time, from oven accuracy issues and a foil tent to the color of the roasting pan you're using. Learn tips for cooking a whole turkey or turkey breast along with some basic safety guidelines for stuffing and food handling.

A whole chicken is smaller than a whole turkey and takes less time to roast, but the temperature guidelines are similar. It's important to familiarize yourself with the times and temperatures for roasting chicken as well as other safety tips. These tips also vary with different types of meats and side dishes, as well as if you're working with leftovers.

How much chicken do I need for 4 adults?

A whole 3 to 4-pound chicken will feed 4 to 6 people, depending on ages and appetite. For Cornish game hens, which are very small chickens, count on one small (1.25 pounds) game hen per person or half of a larger (2-pound) game hen.

How many does a 6 pound chicken feed?

If you plan on one pound of raw chicken per person, you can expect a whole 6-pound bird to feed 6 people. That said, the total yield can vary, as can your estimated serving sizes. On average, a whole chicken should be sufficient for 4 to 8 people.

How many people will a 6.5 pound chicken feed?

Herb Fed Free Range Bronze Turkey Crown (allowing for some left overs).

How many pounds of chicken do I need for 3 adults?

When Meat Is the Main: When cooking something like steak, roast, chicken, or pork, where meat is the main feature of the meal and paired with a few side dishes, we recommend about 1/2 pound (eight ounces) per person, up to 3/4 (12 ounces) pound for bigger appetites and those who love leftovers.