Chicken Feast For A Large Family: How Many Pieces?

Chicken is a versatile and affordable dish, perfect for feeding a large family. But how much chicken do you need per person? The answer depends on several factors, including the cut of chicken, the appetite of your guests, and whether you're serving other dishes. As a general rule, the recommended daily intake of lean cooked poultry is 5.5 to 6 ounces for adults and 2 to 4 ounces for children. So, for a family of 21, you would need approximately 73.5 to 126 ounces of chicken, or 4.6 to 8 pounds. However, if you're serving chicken wings as the main dish, plan on 6 wings per adult, which would be 126 wings for a family of 21 adults. On the other hand, if you're serving chicken as part of a pasta dish or stew, 3 to 4 ounces per person may be enough.

Chicken thighs: 2 per adult, 1 per child

Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, and the amount of chicken you need depends on the cut of chicken and the occasion. For a family of 21, if you are serving chicken thighs, it is recommended to serve 2 per adult and 1 per child. This is based on the assumption that there are approximately 7 adults and 14 children in the family.

Chicken thighs are a popular choice for those who prefer dark meat and they offer a super-tender and flavourful protein source. They are also a more affordable alternative to other meat or fish products. A 3-ounce serving of skinless chicken thigh contains 18 grams of fat and 5.5 grams of saturated fat. A 3.5-ounce serving of chicken thigh provides 179 calories, 24.8 grams of protein, and 8.2 grams of fat.

When planning a meal for a large group, it is generally recommended to allow for a larger portion size per person, as some people may have a bigger appetite. In this case, providing 2 chicken thighs per adult ensures that there is enough food for everyone, with some possible leftovers.

For the children in the family, 1 chicken thigh per child is a suitable serving size. This takes into account that children typically have smaller appetites and will consume less food than adults. It is also in line with the recommended daily intake of lean cooked poultry for children, which is 2 to 3 ounces for children ages 7 to 10 and 4 to 6 ounces for teens, according to the USDA My Plate program.

By following this suggestion of 2 chicken thighs per adult and 1 chicken thigh per child, you can ensure that there is enough food to feed the family of 21 while also taking into consideration the nutritional needs and appetites of the group.

Chicken drumsticks: 2 per person, 3 for larger appetites

Chicken drumsticks are a great option for a family meal, and a good rule of thumb for serving them is to provide two per person, and three for larger appetites. This is because a single drumstick usually weighs around 2 to 4 ounces, so two drumsticks would equal 4 to 8 ounces, and three drumsticks would provide 6 to 12 ounces of chicken per person.

When planning a meal for a family of 21, it's important to consider the ages and appetites of those dining. For a family with smaller children, you may want to plan for one drumstick per child, as their appetites are likely to be smaller. In this case, you would need 18 drumsticks for the children and another 6 to 9 drumsticks for the adults, totalling 24 to 33 drumsticks.

On the other hand, if the family consists mostly of adults or teenagers with larger appetites, you may want to provide three drumsticks per person. In this case, you would need a total of 63 drumsticks, which is significantly more than in the previous scenario. This highlights the importance of considering the makeup of the family when planning your meal.

It's also worth noting that if chicken is the main dish, you may want to provide more drumsticks per person, but if you're serving other dishes as well, two drumsticks per person may be sufficient. In any case, it's always a good idea to have a few extra drumsticks on hand in case some people have larger appetites or particularly enjoy the dish.

When serving chicken drumsticks, you can also consider pairing them with sides and appetizers to ensure your guests are satisfied. This can help stretch the meal and ensure that everyone gets enough to eat without needing to provide an excessive amount of chicken. Some great side dish options include salads, roasted vegetables, potatoes, and bread.

Chicken wings: 6 per adult, 2-3 per child as a main

Chicken wings are a great choice for a family meal, but how many pounds of chicken wings you need depends on whether they will be the main dish or an appetizer. If chicken wings are the main dish, you should plan on about 4 to 6 whole wings (8 to 12 pieces) for each adult, and 2 to 3 whole wings for each child. This equates to about 1 pound of wings per person.

If you are serving chicken wings as an appetizer or side dish, a pound of wings should feed about 4 people. That means that 10 pounds of wings should be enough for 40 people.

It's important to note that these estimates are for people with average appetites. If you think you have some heavy eaters coming to your gathering, you may want to increase these numbers. Similarly, if you are serving other proteins or lots of sides, you may want to reduce the number of wings per person.

Chicken wings are typically sold in 10-pound bags, which contain approximately 40 to 50 whole wings or 100 buffalo-style wings (where the drum and wing are separated). A whole wing can be separated into three parts: the drumette (which looks like a little drumstick), the wingette or flat (the flat part of the wing), and the wing tip (which is often cut off and discarded as it doesn't have much meat).

When planning your meal, keep in mind that a whole chicken leg (a drumstick and thigh) will yield approximately 4 to 5 ounces of meat without the skin. A whole 3 to 4-pound chicken will feed 4 to 6 people, depending on ages and appetites.

Chicken breasts: 4-6 oz per person

When planning a meal for a family of 21, it's important to consider the appetites and ages of those dining, as well as whether the chicken will be the main dish or part of a larger meal.

If you're serving chicken breasts, the recommended portion size is 4 to 6 ounces per adult. This can be adjusted depending on the sides and other dishes served alongside the chicken. For instance, if you're serving chicken alongside pasta or in a stew, 3 to 4 ounces per person is likely sufficient.

For children, the recommended serving size is generally half that of adults, so around 2 to 4 ounces per child.

To feed 21 people with chicken breasts, you would need approximately 63 to 84 ounces of chicken if everyone was an adult with a hearty appetite. However, if there are children in the group, you may need less chicken overall. It's always a good idea to err on the side of having too much rather than too little, and leftovers can always be used in sandwiches, casseroles, or other meals.

When cooking for a large group, it's worth considering the practicality of your menu. A whole chicken weighing 3 to 4 pounds can feed 4 to 6 people, so you may find it easier to plan your meal around a few whole chickens rather than individual chicken breasts. Alternatively, you could consider other chicken cuts, such as legs or wings, which can add variety to your meal and may be more cost-effective.

Chicken legs: 1 per person

Chicken is a versatile dish, and the amount you need will depend on the cut of chicken and the occasion. A whole chicken leg, which is a drumstick and a thigh, will yield approximately 4 to 5 ounces of meat without the skin. This means that for a family of 21, you will need 21 chicken legs. This is a good option if you are cooking in bulk and want to adapt the recipe to suit a large group. Chicken legs are also a good choice because they are usually cheaper and don't dry out as easily as chicken breasts.

If you are serving other dishes alongside the chicken, a general rule of thumb is to allow for 4 to 6 ounces of chicken per adult. This equates to around 1/4 of a chicken per person. So, for a family of 21, you would need around 5 to 6 whole chickens. This calculation is based on the assumption that the family consists of adults only and that there will be other food served alongside the chicken.

However, if chicken is the only dish being served, you should allow for 1/2 a chicken per person. In this case, you would need around 10 to 12 whole chickens for a family of 21. It is always better to have too much than too little, so if you are unsure, it is best to round up your calculations. Leftovers can always be repurposed into another meal, such as soup.

When cooking for a large group, it is important to consider the different preferences and dietary requirements of your guests. Some people may be picky about what parts of the chicken they eat, so it is a good idea to have a variety of options available. Additionally, young people and children may eat more or less than adults, so it is worth taking this into account when planning your meal.

In summary, for a family of 21, you will need around 21 chicken legs or 5 to 12 whole chickens, depending on whether you are serving other dishes and the ages of your guests. It is always better to round up your calculations to ensure you have enough food, and leftovers can always be repurposed.

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