So a recipe calls for a cup of chicken? Or a pound of chicken is on your ingredient list and youre wondering what the exact amount of pieces of boneless chicken breasts you need is? The next time youre looking at a recipe and wondering “but how much chicken is that??”, this post is here to help you figure out the exact amount- no kitchen scale required. [feast_advanced_jump_to].
Chicken thighs are a versatile and flavorful cut of chicken that can be prepared in endless ways. When cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, it’s useful to know how many pounds of chicken thighs you need to purchase. So how much do 8 chicken thighs weigh?
On average, 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs will weigh between 2.5 to 3.5 pounds. 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs will weigh slightly less, around 1.5 to 2.5 pounds. However, the exact weight depends on several factors.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about determining chicken thigh weights, including:
- Key factors like bone-in vs boneless and skin-on vs skinless
- Practical weight ranges for boneless, boneless, and whole chicken thighs
- How elements like size, breed, and cooking method impact weight
- Answers to frequently asked questions on calculating chicken thigh pounds
Now that you know this, you can shop with confidence and cook recipes without any trouble. So let’s get thigh-deep into the details!.
Bone-In vs. Boneless Chicken Thighs
The first factor impacting chicken thigh weight is the bone. Bone-in chicken thighs include the thigh bone, while boneless thighs have the bone removed.
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Bone-in chicken thighs weigh more than boneless. An important part of the weight is actually the bone itself.
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On average, a boneless, skinless chicken thigh weighs 3-5 oz (019-031 lbs).
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A bone-in, skin-on thigh weighs 5-7 oz (0.31-0.44 lbs).
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For 8 thighs, boneless equals 1.5-2.5 lbs and bone-in equals 2.5-3.5 lbs.
Clearly, the presence of the bone makes a major difference in overall weight. Even for the same sized thigh, removing the bone cuts the weight nearly in half.
Skin-On vs. Skinless Chicken Thighs
Along with the bone, the skin also affects the total weight. The skin is still on skin-on chicken thighs, but it is taken off skinless thighs.
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Like the bone, the skin adds weight. Skin-on thighs weigh more than skinless.
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The skin contributes fat, flavor, and crispy texture when cooked.
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However, skinless thighs are lower in calories and fat.
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The skin accounts for 1-2 oz (0.06-0.12 lbs) of weight per thigh.
The skin adds a noticeable amount to the weight, though it’s not as important as the bone. Skinless is best if you want to cut down on fat and calories.
Chicken Thigh Size Matters
Chicken thighs vary in size based on the breed and age of the chicken. Larger thighs will naturally tip the scales compared to smaller ones.
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Older, larger chickens produce bigger thighs.
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Broiler chickens bred for meat have particularly large thighs.
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Small, free-range chickens have smaller thighs.
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Buying thighs of consistent sizing minimizes weight fluctuations.
When calculating expected poundage, allow for slightly more if using large, broiler chicken thighs. Smaller heritage breed thighs will be on the lighter end.
Practical Chicken Thigh Weight Ranges
Now that we understand what impacts thigh weights, we can provide reasonable estimates:
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A single bone-in, skin-on thigh = 5-7 oz (0.31-0.44 lbs)
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A single boneless, skinless thigh = 3-5 oz (0.19-0.31 lbs)
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8 bone-in, skin-on thighs = 40-56 oz (2.5-3.5 lbs)
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8 boneless, skinless thighs = 24-40 oz (1.5-2.5 lbs)
These ranges account for typical size variations. Weighing the thighs directly produces the most accurate poundage.
For a whole chicken leg (thigh and drumstick), expect around 7 oz per piece. Double the thigh estimates for poundage of whole legs.
FAQs on Chicken Thigh Weight
Let’s explore some common questions on calculating chicken thigh weights:
How much does an average single thigh weigh?
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Bone-in, skin-on: Approximately 6 oz
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Boneless, skinless: Approximately 4 oz
Does thigh weight change after cooking?
Yes, cooked thigh weight decreases due to moisture loss during cooking. Thighs cooked via methods that retain moisture (poaching, braising) will weigh more than drier methods like grilling.
Why are bone-in thighs cheaper than boneless?
More processing is required to produce boneless thighs, increasing costs. Bone-in prices reflect less labor.
Can I estimate protein from thigh weight?
Yes, estimate 26g of protein per 3.5 oz of cooked thigh. Multiply by weight in ounces to calculate protein content.
If a recipe calls for 2 lbs of thighs and I have 6, how do I adjust?
Weigh your 6 thighs. If less than 2 lbs, increase cooking time slightly. If more than 2 lbs, cut back other ingredients proportionally.
How does freezing affect weight?
Freezing alone doesn’t drastically alter weight. Freezer burn can cause slight dehydration and weight loss over time.
Key Takeaways on Chicken Thigh Pounds
- Bone-in and skin-on thighs weigh more than boneless and skinless
- Average single thigh weights: Bone-in, skin-on = 5-7oz, Boneless, skinless = 3-5 oz
- 8 bone-in thighs = 2.5-3.5 lbs, 8 boneless thighs = 1.5-2.5 lbs
- Size impacts weight. Larger thighs = more pounds
- Cooked thighs weigh less than raw due to moisture loss
- Precise scale weighing produces the most accurate poundage
Understanding the variables that affect chicken thigh weights allows you to accurately plan your shopping and recipes. Now you can confidently determine how many pounds is 8 chicken thighs!
How Much is One Serving of Chicken
A single serving of chicken meat is generally considered to be about approximately:
- 100 grams
- ¼ pound
- 4 ounces
- ¾ cup
While it can be easy to figure out with boneless chicken meat, it can be a bit trickier with bone in meat.
A good rule of thumb is that you need twice the amount (by weight) of bone-in chicken to yield the same amount of meat. So for bone-in chicken meat, one serving is equal to approximately:
- 200 grams
- ½ pound
- 8 ounces
Types of Chicken Meat
Lets first start off by talking about the most commonly used types of chicken in recipes.
Boneless chicken means that the bones (and usually the skin) have already been removed.
Therefore, the weight of chicken listed on the package is essentially what you will yield for meat.
Your options for boneless are:
- Chicken breasts (white meat)
- Chicken thighs (dark meat)
- Ground chicken (can be a combination)
The advantages of using boneless chicken are:
- Convenience
- Chicken cooks faster
- Can be added to recipes without much trouble, like this Yellow Thai Chicken Curry
However, it does tend to be more expensive.
When you buy bone-in chicken, the weight on the package includes the bone, so you won’t get as much meat as when you buy boneless chicken.
Your options for boneless are:
- Chicken breasts (white meat)
- Chicken thighs (dark meat)
- Drumsticks (dark meat)
- Wings (considered white meat)
- Whole Chicken (combination)
The advantages of using bone-in chicken are:
However, it does have a longer cook time and is a bit more work.