How Many Ounces are in a Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast?

Chicken breast is a very popular and useful food that can be used in many different ways. It’s low in fat and high in protein, and you can cook it in a million different ways. But how many ounces of meat should you use when a recipe says “1 boneless, skinless chicken breast”? Here’s everything you need to know about chicken breast sizes and slices.

What is Considered a Chicken Breast?

The chicken breast refers to the pectoral muscle of the chicken This is the paired muscle found on both sides of the breastbone Chicken breasts are sold whole or cut in half,

A whole chicken breast contains both the left and right pectoral muscles connected by a thin fat line and sometimes a portion of the wishbone. When you buy a package of “boneless skinless chicken breasts” at the grocery store these are usually the breast halves.

Average Ounces in a Chicken Breast

The amount of meat on a chicken breast can vary quite a bit based on the size and breed of the chicken Here are some general guidelines on sizing

• A whole chicken breast (both halves together) averages 8-12 ounces.

• A chicken breast half averages 4-6 ounces.

• According to the USDA, one boneless, skinless chicken breast half is 4 ounces (113 grams).

You can guess that “1 boneless, skinless chicken breast” means 4 ounces of meat if a recipe says so. But the chicken breasts you can buy at most grocery stores are bigger than the USDA standard.

Why Are Chicken Breasts So Big Now?

Over the years, chicken breeding has focused on producing chickens with larger breast meat. Through selective breeding and changed farming practices, chickens are now grown to have extra large, meaty breasts that can weigh 1-1.5 pounds each!

Some brands do sell small chicken breasts, but most of the box sizes at the store have 8–12-ounce pieces. You may need to cut these bigger pieces in half if you need a 4 ounce chicken breast for a recipe.

Tips for Portioning Chicken Breasts

• Weigh chicken breasts on a food scale for the most accuracy. 4 ounces of chicken is about the size of a deck of cards or a hockey puck.

• Cut larger chicken breasts in half crosswise to get roughly even 4-6 ounce portions.

• Pound thick chicken pieces to an even thickness so they cook evenly. Aim for an inch thick or less.

• Make long, thin cutlets out of breast meat that has been cut against the grain. These cook quickly and give you more options for portioning.

• For stir fries or fajitas, slice chicken into thin strips. Cut each breast half into 3-4 portions.

• Dice or cube chicken breasts for salads, kebabs, or casseroles. Cut each half into 8-12 pieces.

How Many Ounces per Serving?

A 4-6 ounce chicken breast provides a good-sized portion for most adults. Here are some serving size guidelines:

• Main chicken dish: 1 breast half per person (4-6 ounces)

• Chicken salad or sandwich filling: 3-4 ounces chicken

• Soups, casseroles, pasta: 2-3 ounces chicken per serving

• Stir fries, fajitas: 2-4 ounces chicken with veggies and grains

• Snacks like lettuce wraps: 2-3 ounces chicken

For children’s servings, offer 2-3 ounces of chicken. Add a starch and vegetable to round out the meal.

Converting Breasts to Pounds

Here are some quick conversions to help when shopping and meal prepping:

• 1 pound chicken = About 2 small breast halves or 3.5 ounces each

• 2 pounds chicken = About 4 regular sized breast halves or 7 ounces each

• 3 pounds chicken = About 6 large breast halves or 10 ounces each

• 4 chicken breasts (any size) = About 1 pound

No, 4 ounces of chicken breast is generally considered a standard serving size, not a large amount.