How Much is 8oz of Chicken? A Complete Guide

Chicken is one of the most commonly consumed meats worldwide. It’s versatile, lean, and an excellent source of protein But when cooking chicken at home, many find themselves wondering – how much is 8oz of chicken?

Understanding chicken portion sizes and weights is key for meal planning, budgeting, and getting the nutrition you need. In this complete guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about 8oz of chicken.

What Does 8 Ounces of Chicken Look Like?

Visualizing portion sizes can be tricky. So what does 8oz of raw chicken look like? Here are some common references:

• 1 cup diced or shredded chicken
• 4 chicken cutlets or 1 large breast
• 2 decks of playing cards side by side
• Size of a small fist or tennis ball

While visualizing portions works decently for rough estimates, using a kitchen scale provides the most accuracy. Weighing out 8oz ensures you have the exact right amount for recipes.

Average Chicken Breast Weights

On average, a whole raw chicken breast weighs between 4-8oz. However, chicken breast sizes can vary:

• Small/medium breast: 4-6oz
• Large breast: 6-8oz
• Jumbo: 8-10oz

Boneless skinless chicken breasts (BSCB) are typically on the smaller end averaging 5-6oz. Bone-in and skin-on breasts are larger.

The breed, age, diet, and gender of the chicken impact size. Broiler chickens bred for meat tend to have larger breasts.

How Many Chicken Breasts in 8oz?

• 8oz raw chicken is equivalent to 1 average sized boneless, skinless chicken breast.
• For bone-in chicken breasts, you’ll need around 11⁄4 breasts to get 8oz of meat.
• When working with smaller chicken breasts, it may take 2-3 breasts to equal 8oz.

Always weigh chicken for accuracy, since breast sizes vary. Planning meals for a family? Estimate around 1 pound of chicken per person.

Cost of 8 Ounces of Chicken Breast

The price of chicken fluctuates but here are some averages:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: $3.25/lb ($1.63 for 8oz)
• Bone-in Chicken Breast: $1.72/lb ($0.86 for 8oz)
• Organic Chicken Breast: $4.99/lb ($2.50 for 8oz)

You can save money buying chicken in bulk when meal prepping. Chicken thighs and legs are also cheaper than breasts, usually costing under $2/lb.

Nutrition Information

Here are the nutrition facts for 8oz of cooked chicken breast

• Calories: 231
• Fat: 3.5g
• Carbs: 0g
• Protein: 43g

Chicken breast is one of the leanest protein options. An 8oz serving provides over half the recommended daily protein but under 250 calories.

Chicken thighs have slightly more fat and calories but pack more flavor. Opt for thighs to save money while still getting high-quality protein.

Tips for Getting 8oz Portions

• Invest in a kitchen scale for accuracy. Weigh chicken raw.
• Visually, 8oz of chicken is about the size of a small fist or 1 cup diced.
• Purchase around 1 pound of chicken per person when cooking for a crowd.
• Buy a package of 4-6 chicken breasts and portion into 8oz servings.
• Cut larger chicken breasts in half to get closer to 8oz portions.
• To reduce waste, use small odd-sized pieces for stir fries, skewers, etc.

Getting comfortable with estimating and measuring 8oz chicken portions takes practice. But it gets easier over time and helps create balanced meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much protein is in 8oz of chicken breast?

There are approximately 43g of protein in 8oz of cooked chicken breast. This offers around 80% of the recommended daily value.

What is considered a serving size of chicken breast?

The recommended healthy portion size for chicken breast is 3-4oz for adults or about the size of a deck of cards. An 8oz chicken breast would be considered two servings.

How many chicken breasts are in a pound?

On average, there are 3-4 chicken breasts in one pound. Since chicken breasts vary in size, the exact number can range from 2 to 5 breasts per pound.

Can I freeze 8oz portions of raw chicken breast?

Yes, freezing 8oz portions of raw chicken breast is a great way to meal prep and reduce waste. Raw chicken can be frozen safely for 9-12 months. Just wrap tightly in freezer bags or plastic wrap.

What’s the difference between chicken tenderloins and chicken breast?

Chicken tenderloins are strips of meat that come from the underside of the chicken breast. They are long, thin, and tend to cook quicker than a whole breast. Flavor and nutrition are similar.

How long does it take to cook an 8oz chicken breast?

The ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F. To cook an 8oz boneless, skinless chicken breast on the stove or grill, allow around 15-20 minutes depending on thickness. Oven cooking takes 25-35 minutes at 375°F.

Can I substitute 8oz chicken thighs for breasts in recipes?

In most recipes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts. Thighs have more fat and flavor. Keep in mind they may need 5-10 extra minutes of cook time. Adjust seasonings since thighs are more flavorful.

What’s a fast and healthy chicken breast dinner?

Some easy and healthy chicken breast meals include sheet pan fajitas, lemon garlic chicken with vegetables, chicken parmesan over zucchini noodles, chicken tikka masala, chicken fajita bowls, and chicken pesto pasta.

What are some low carb options for cooking chicken breast?

Try coating chicken in almond flour instead of bread crumbs. Serve chicken over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or a salad instead of pasta or grains. Avoid sugary sauces and marinades.

How can I add more flavor to plain chicken breast?

Marinate chicken in oil, acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar, and herbs/spices for added flavor. Cook chicken in flavorful sauces like curry, salsa, pesto, or teriyaki. Up the flavor with rubs and spices like paprika, garlic, pepper, cumin, oregano, etc.

Conclusion

Determining chicken portion sizes like 8oz isn’t always straightforward. But with the right tools and knowledge, you can easily learn to eyeball and measure out the perfect chicken breast for dinner. Getting comfortable with 8oz portions takes your cooking skills to the next level.