What is a Good Price for Chicken Thighs? A Complete Guide

Chicken thighs are an increasingly popular and cost-effective alternative to chicken breasts. With rising food costs, many home cooks and restaurants are turning to chicken thighs for their great flavor and juicy texture at a budget-friendly price point. But with so much variance in chicken thigh costs, what exactly is considered a “good price” for chicken thighs? This complete guide examines the key factors that impact chicken thigh prices to help you determine good value

Current Chicken Thigh Prices

Raw, boneless, skinless chicken thighs currently range from $1.99 to $4.99 per pound in most U.S. grocery stores. Packages of 6-8 thighs may run $5.99 to $12.99. At the low end, thighs can sometimes be found on sale for $0.99 per pound. On the higher end, organic and free-range chicken thighs can cost over $6 per pound.

According to the USDA, the average price per pound for chicken thighs in 2022 is:

• Ground Chicken Thighs: $3.26 per pound
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: $3.07 per pound
• Bone-In Chicken Thighs: $1.77 per pound

So on average, boneless skinless chicken thighs cost between $3-4 per pound at most mainstream grocers.

Factors That Impact Chicken Thigh Prices

Several key factors account for pricing differences and fluctuations in chicken thigh costs:

1. Branding

Branding and special labeling can increase costs. Organic, free-range, natural, and air-chilled chicken thighs generally cost 20-60% more than basic store-brand conventional chicken thighs. Kosher and halal certification also increase pricing.

2. Bone-In vs Boneless

Bone-in chicken thighs are often about $1 less per pound compared to boneless skinless thighs Removing bones and skin takes more processing which adds to costs

3. Skin-On vs Skinless

Skin-on chicken thighs are usually 10-20% cheaper than skinless boneless thighs. Removing the skin adds prep time and yield loss.

4. Seasoned vs Plain

Seasoned and marinated chicken thighs normally cost slightly more than plain thighs without flavorings added.

5. Packaging

Individually packed thighs cost more than family pack bulk formats. Value pack trays can offer savings, but have shorter shelf-life once opened.

6. Retailer

Prices can vary significantly between grocery stores. Warehouse clubs like Costco offer lower rates but require membership fees. Local butchers and farmers markets may have fluctuating prices.

7. Geography/Region

Regional factors like local costs of living, transportation, and proximity to distributors impact pricing. Chicken thigh costs in New York City will differ from rural towns.

8. Season/Holidays

Chicken thigh prices may rise around major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas when demand spikes higher.

9. Sales and Promotions

Weekly sales, loyalty card discounts, and store promotions can all provide opportunities for savings on chicken thighs. Being flexible and buying thighs on sale can yield big cost savings.

10. Supply Chain Issues

Disruptions in transportation, processing, packaging, and ingredients can constrain supply and temporarily increase prices. Buying thighs frozen vs fresh can sometimes offset supply chain volatility.

How to Determine a Good Price

With so many variables at play, determining a “good price” for chicken thighs depends greatly on your needs and budget. Here are some tips:

• Check Unit Prices: Compare cost per pound or per thigh across brands, retailers, and packaging to find the best deal. Buying family packs in bulk often provides the lowest unit price.

• Consider Format: Bone-in and skin-on thighs are often the most budget friendly. Opt for boneless skinless only if you require that format.

• Buy Generic: Opt for store brand conventional chicken thighs instead of branded free-range and organic which can cost up to 60% more.

• Shop Sales: Check weekly circulars and be flexible – buy thighs on sale and freeze any extras for later use.

• Buy In Bulk: See if warehouse clubs like Costco offer lower unit prices on multi-pack family sized packs, even after membership fees.

• Compare Retailers: Chicken thigh prices can vary significantly between grocers and regions, so explore different stores.

• Use Loyalty Discounts: Check for digital coupons and loyalty card deals to save extra on thigh purchases.

Average Prices at Major Grocers

To give you a better sense, here are current average everyday prices for boneless, skinless chicken thighs at major national supermarket chains:

• Walmart: $3.28/lb
• Kroger: $3.98/lb
• Safeway: $4.49/lb
• Target: $3.99/lb
• Aldi: $2.29/lb
• Publix: $4.49/lb
• Whole Foods: $5.99/lb

So you can use about $3-4 per pound for boneless, skinless chicken thighs as a benchmark for typical pricing at most mainstream grocers. Lower than $2.99/lb is an excellent price, while over $4.99/lb is on the high side.

Saving Money on Chicken Thighs

Here are some of my top tips for getting the best deal on chicken thighs:

• Buy bone-in, skin-on thighs instead of boneless skinless
• Opt for generic store-brand conventional chicken
• Check weekly ads and stock up when on sale
• Buy family pack bulk trays for better unit price
• Use loyalty discounts and digital coupons
• Stick to fresh thighs instead of pre-marinated
• Purchase frozen thighs to avoid supply chain markups
• Shop at lower-cost grocers like Aldi if available
• Buy thighs at warehouse clubs in bulk quantities

Is it Better to Buy Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs?

While boneless skinless thighs are more convenient, they come at a premium price. Leaving the bone and skin on slashes per pound costs by $1 or more.

However, skinless boneless thighs allow you to skip the prep time of deboning and removing skin. The skin also adds about 13% more calories per serving, so opt for boneless skinless if watching calories.

Otherwise, buy bone-in skin-on thighs for maximum savings, then remove bones and skin yourself before cooking. It only takes a couple extra minutes.

The choice comes down to convenience vs cost. But you can save big by purchasing bone-in skin-on chicken thighs when possible.

Should I Buy Fresh or Frozen Chicken Thighs?

Fresh chicken thighs need to be used within a few days, while frozen thighs can last 9 months in the freezer.

Frozen thighs are often the same price or cheaper than fresh. And since they are flash frozen at peak freshness, they retain great quality when thawed.

Buying frozen thighs in bulk on sale allows you to lock in savings. Thaw only what you need while keeping extras frozen for later.

The downside is frozen thighs require thawing before use. So fresh thighs offer more convenience.

I recommend buying fresh thighs for use within 3-5 days, and sticking to frozen for longer storage. Take advantage of any deals on frozen bulk chicken thighs and portion them out into freezer bags.

Outlook for Chicken Thigh Prices in 2023

Chicken thigh prices are expected to remain slightly elevated in 2023 due to ongoing supply chain constraints, higher fuel costs, and continued strong consumer demand. However, thighs should still offer savings versus increasingly expensive chicken breasts.

The USDA Economic Research Service predicts boneless, skinless chicken thigh prices to average around $3.40 per pound in 2023, up about 10% from 2022 levels.

Inflationary pressures should ease in the back half of 2023, slowing further rises. There may also be more promotional deals to move thigh inventory.

Overall, expect to pay moderately higher chicken thigh prices in 2023, but still reasonable value compared to other proteins. Following the tips in this guide can help maximize savings on chicken thigh purchases all year long.

A “good price” for chicken thighs typically falls between $2.99 – $3.99 per pound for boneless, skinless thighs at most mainstream grocers. Savings opportunities include buying bone-in, skin-on thighs, purchasing generics, shopping sales and bulk deals, using loyalty discounts, and choosing frozen. With the right strategies, you can keep your chicken thigh costs affordable even as prices increase moderately in the year ahead.