Quick Answer
2 cups of chopped or shredded chicken breast is equivalent to about 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Since chicken breasts vary in size, a more precise estimate is 1 pound of raw chicken which yields around 2 cups chopped or shredded.
Calculating Chicken Breast Amounts
When a recipe calls for chopped or shredded chicken in cups instead of a number of chicken breasts, it can be tricky to figure out exactly how many you need to cook. Here are some helpful guidelines:
- 1 average boneless, skinless chicken breast (6-8 oz) = around 1 cup chopped or shredded
- 2 chicken breasts = around 2 cups chopped or shredded
- 3 chicken breasts = around 3 cups chopped or shredded
- 4 chicken breasts = around 4 cups chopped or shredded
So for 2 cups of chopped or shredded chicken, you’ll need approximately 4 average sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
However, chicken breast sizes can vary quite a bit. A small breast may only be 4 oz while a very large one could be 12 oz or more.
Weight to Volume Conversion
A more precise way to calculate the amount is by weight. Here is the general guideline:
- 1 pound (16 oz) raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts = around 2 cups chopped or shredded
So if you have a recipe that calls for 2 cups chopped chicken, you would start with 1 pound of raw chicken breasts, regardless of how many that ends up being.
Once cooked, chicken reduces slightly in volume so you may end up with a little less than 2 cups, but it should be close.
Volume of Cooked vs Raw Chicken
Keep in mind that 2 cups of cooked, chopped chicken does not equal 2 cups raw.
Chicken reduces by about 25% in size after cooking. So if your recipe calls for 2 cups cooked chicken, you would need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken = around 2 1/2 to 3 cups raw chicken chopped
This equates to about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds raw chicken breasts.
Cup to Ounce Conversions
For a more precise measurement, here is the conversion of chicken by weight versus volume:
- 1 cup raw chopped chicken = around 5 oz
- 1 cup cooked chopped chicken = around 4 oz
So for 2 cups raw chicken you would need:
- 2 cups raw chicken = 10 oz (around 1 1/4 pounds)
And for 2 cups cooked chicken:
- 2 cups cooked chicken = 8 oz (around 1 pound)
This lines up with the general guidelines that 1 pound raw chicken = around 2 cups chopped/shredded.
Typical Chicken Breast Sizes
To give a sense of the range, here are some typical chicken breast sizes:
- Small breast: 4-6 oz
- Medium breast: 6-8 oz
- Large breast: 8-12 oz
So for 2 cups chopped, you would need anywhere from 3 small breasts up to 2 large breasts.
On average, most grocery store chicken breasts fall into the medium 6-8 oz range. So 4 of those would give you 2 cups shredded.
Key Takeaways
- 2 cups chopped/shredded chicken = 4 average sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- More precisely, 2 cups chicken = 1 pound raw chicken breasts
- Cook 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds raw chicken for 2 cups cooked
- Chicken reduces by about 25% in size after cooking
So the next time a recipe calls for chopped or shredded chicken in cups, you can use these guidelines to easily figure out how many chicken breasts to cook up!
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken breast without skin:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Protein | 48g |
| Carbs | 0g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 160mg |
| Sodium | 130mg |
Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein without too much saturated fat. A 2 cup serving provides nearly half of the recommended daily value. Chicken breast is also an easy way to get protein without too many additional carbs or calories.
Cooking Tips
To end up with 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken, keep these cooking tips in mind:
- Start with 1 – 1 1/2 pounds raw chicken breasts, about 4 small or 3 large breasts
- Bake, grill, or pan fry until cooked through (160°F minimum internal temperature)
- Allow to cool slightly then chop or shred the chicken
- For chunkier pieces, cut across the grain into bite-sized strips
- For a finer shred, cut with the grain into thin slices then chop
- Use 2 forks to shred into smaller strands
Cooking the chicken breasts whole retains moisture better than dicing before cooking. Be sure not to overcook or the chicken may become dry.
Allowing the chicken to rest 5-10 minutes before chopping makes it easier to cut or shred. To get a consistent 2 cups chopped, pack the chicken lightly into a measuring cup to check the amount.
Recipe Ideas
Here are some recipe ideas that commonly use shredded or chopped chicken breast:
Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is a classic way to use up leftover chicken. Combine chopped chicken with mayonnaise, celery, seasonings, and other additions like grapes, pecans, or apple. Spoon onto bread, lettuce, or crackers for an easy lunch or light dinner.
Chicken Tacos
Spice up shredded chicken breast with taco seasoning and pile it onto warmed tortillas with toppings like shredded cheese, salsa, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream.
Casseroles
Chicken and rice casserole or chicken pot pie uses chopped chicken in creamy sauce and vegetables, topped with biscuits or mashed potatoes.
Stir Fry
Toss cubed chicken breast with stir fry vegetables and teriyaki or other Asian sauce for a quick and healthy dinner. Serve over rice or noodles.
Soups
Shredded chicken breast makes an excellent addition to soups like chicken noodle, chicken tortilla soup, or chicken and dumplings.
Buying Chicken Breasts
When purchasing chicken for chopping or shredding, look for:
- Boneless, skinless breasts
- No visible fat or cartilage
- Minimal bruising or blemishes
- Fresh, no off odors
- Within 1-2 days of use by date
- Packaged correctly and kept below 40°F
Chicken can be safely frozen for later use for up to 9 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
You can save prep time by buying pre-cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken and pulling off 2 cups for recipes. Check for seasoning if using in dishes where chicken flavor profiles matter.
Storing Leftover Chicken
Here are some tips for storing any leftover chopped or shredded chicken:
- Refrigerate in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking
- Use within 3-4 days for peak quality and safety
- You can freeze extra chopped chicken for longer storage
- Portion chicken into freezer bags, removing as much air as possible
- Frozen chicken keeps 4-6 months in the freezer
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before using
Properly stored, cooked chicken can be used in a variety of dishes like sandwiches, wraps, soups, and casseroles later in the week.
Conclusion
Knowing how to convert chicken breast amounts from cups to pounds or number of breasts makes recipes easier to follow. On average, 2 cups chopped or shredded chicken equals about 4 small boneless, skinless breasts or around 1 pound raw chicken. This versatile lean protein can be used in everything from chicken salads to casseroles and tacos. Follow proper cooking, storing, and food safety guidelines to get the most use out of purchased chicken. With this handy reference, you’ll never have to guess how much chicken to cook up for your next 2 cup recipe.