A whole chicken can feed anywhere from 2 to 8 people depending on the size of the chicken and the appetite of those eating. On average, one 5-6 pound whole chicken will feed about 4 hungry adults or 6 light eaters. There are several factors that determine just how many a whole chicken will feed including:
Chicken Size
The most important factor is the size or weight of the chicken. A small 3-4 pound chicken may only feed 2-3 people while an extra large 8-10 pound chicken could feed 6-8. Here is a rough estimate for how many a whole chicken will feed based on weight:
| Chicken Weight | Servings |
|---|---|
| 3-4 lbs | 2-3 people |
| 4-5 lbs | 3-4 people |
| 5-6 lbs (average sized chicken) | 4-6 people |
| 6-7 lbs | 6-8 people |
| 8-10 lbs | 8-10 people |
As you can see, the bigger the chicken, the more people it will feed. A good rule of thumb is that one pound of raw chicken will provide about one 3-4 oz serving.
Side Dishes & Appetites
The number of side dishes served and the appetites of those eating also impact servings.
If serving just chicken with no sides, less people will be satisfied compared to serving it with 2-3 hearty side dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls etc. With plenty of sides, a 5 pound chicken could comfortably serve 6.
Smaller appetites like children and the elderly will get fuller faster so a chicken will go farther. Big eaters may barely be satisfied with just a serving or two each.
A good strategy is plan for 3-4 ounces of chicken per adult and 2-3 ounces for seniors and kids. More can be served if needed.
Leftovers
Don’t forget about leftovers! A whole chicken will likely provide leftovers which stretches your ingredients even further. leftover chicken can be used in sandwiches, soups, salads, and casseroles.
Remove any remaining chicken from the bones and store tightly sealed in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The leftover bones and carcass can be used to make delicious chicken stock too.
How to Make a Whole Chicken Feed More
If you need to stretch a whole chicken even further, here are some tips:
– Serve with 2-3 hearty side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, pasta or bread. Fill up on the sides.
– Use leftover chicken in sandwiches, tacos, salads, and casseroles the next day. Soup is a great way to use every last bit.
– Pair chicken with a simple green salad and/or vegetable side like roasted broccoli or carrots. The additional vegetables provide nutrients and fill you up.
– Remove the chicken from the bone and combine with broth, cream or gravy sauce over biscuits, rice or pasta. The sauce helps extend the chicken.
– Serve sliced chicken on top of pizza, nachos or baked potatoes for a whole new meal.
– Use the leftover chicken bones and scraps to make homemade chicken stock. Use the stock to cook rice, make soup or braise vegetables.
– Chop or shred chicken into smaller pieces and mix with mayo or Greek yogurt for chicken salad sandwiches and wraps.
– Consider cooking a whole chicken in an Instant Pot, Crockpot or Nesco roaster. The moist heat makes the meat very tender so it falls off the bone and feeds more.
– Stretch the chicken by combining it with beans, eggs, cheese or other inexpensive proteins. An omelet with chicken and veggies can feed a whole family.
– Use small amounts of shredded chicken to top tacos, enchiladas, empanadas, etc. where it mixes with cheese, beans, rice, etc. A little chicken boosts the nutrition and flavor.
With the right side dishes and creative ways to use leftovers, one whole chicken can feed quite a crowd!
Conclusion
So how many will one whole chicken feed? On average, a typical 5-6 pound grocery store chicken will feed about 4 hungry adults or 6 light eaters. For the best estimate, plan for 3-4 ounces of chicken per adult and 2-3 for children and seniors. Bigger chickens and more side dishes will increase the number fed, while small chickens may only feed 2-3. With creative leftover use and chicken stretching tips, you can make a whole chicken go even further. A good general rule is 1 pound of raw chicken = about 3-4 servings. With thoughtful meal planning focused on sides and leftovers, one chicken can feed a surprising number of people.