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

Chicken breast is one of the most popular and versatile ingredients used in cooking. It’s a lean, protein-packed option that can be prepared in endless ways. But when a recipe calls for “1 boneless, skinless chicken breast” how many ounces of meat should you use? Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about chicken breast sizes and portions.

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).

So if a recipe calls for “1 boneless, skinless chicken breast” you can assume it means 4 ounces of meat. However, the chicken breasts sold at most grocery stores are larger than the USDA standard size.

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!

While some brands do sell small chicken breasts, most package sizes at the store contain 8-12 ounce pieces. If you need a 4 ounce chicken breast for a recipe, you’ll likely need to cut these larger pieces in half.

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.

• Try cutting breast meat against the grain into long, thin cutlets. 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.