Feeding a large crowd is no small feat, and chicken is often a crowd-pleaser that fits the bill. Whether baked, fried, grilled, or smoked, chicken is versatile and universally loved. But just how many pieces of chicken do you need to feed your guests? This guide will provide insight into how many pieces of chicken you’ll need for any size gathering, along with cooking times and serving suggestions for different preparation methods.
Baked or Roasted Chicken
Baked or roasted chicken is a classic choice for many large gatherings. It’s relatively simple to prepare and is typically well received by guests. A standard serving size for baked or roasted chicken is typically one piece per person. However, if you’re dealing with mixed pieces (breasts, thighs, drumsticks, etc.), you may want to plan for one and a half pieces per person to account for size differences.
How Much for 10 People: Plan for 10-15 pieces of chicken. Roast the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-30 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How Much for 20 People: Prepare 20-30 pieces of chicken. The cooking time will depend on the number of chicken pieces you’re roasting, but the internal temperature should still reach 165°F.
How Much for 30 People: You’ll need 30-45 pieces of chicken. The cooking time will be longer with more chicken, but the finished internal temperature should remain the same.
How Much for 50 People: Aim for 50-75 pieces of chicken. Be sure to use multiple roasting pans to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
How Much for 100 People: A large crowd of 100 people will require 100-150 pieces of chicken. Again, remember to check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is cooked properly.
Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is another crowd-pleasing option that’s perfect for parties and casual gatherings. Because it’s so flavorful and filling, one piece per person should suffice, but you might want to prepare an extra half piece per person just in case.
How Much for 10 People: You’ll need 10-15 pieces of chicken. The cooking time for fried chicken varies based on the size of the pieces, but you can generally expect to fry each piece for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature is 165°F.
How Much for 20 People: Prepare 20-30 pieces of chicken.
How Much for 30 People: For 30 guests, you’ll need 30-45 pieces of chicken.
How Much for 50 People: Aim for 50-75 pieces of chicken.
How Much for 100 People: You’ll need a whopping 100-150 pieces of chicken to satisfy 100 guests.
Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken is an excellent option for outdoor gatherings and barbecues. Depending on the size of the pieces, one to two pieces per person is a good estimate.
How Much for 10 People: You’ll need 10-20 pieces of chicken. Grilling times vary based on the thickness of the pieces, but you’ll generally need to grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until the internal temperature is 165°F.
How Much for 20 People: Prepare 20-40 pieces of chicken.
How Much for 30 People: For 30 guests, you’ll need 30-60 pieces of chicken.
How Much for 50 People: Aim for 50-100 pieces of chicken.
How Much for 100 People: You’ll need a staggering 100-200 pieces of chicken to feed a crowd of 100.
Smoked Chicken
Smoked chicken offers a distinct flavor that’s sure to impress your guests. Because it’s so rich, one piece per person should suffice.
How Much for 10 People: You’ll need 10 pieces of chicken. Smoking times vary based on the size of the pieces and the type of smoker, but you can generally expect to smoke the chicken at 275°F for 3-4 hours until the internal temperature is 165°F.
How Much for 20 People: Prepare 20 pieces of chicken.
How Much for 30 People: For 30 guests, you’ll need 30 pieces of chicken.
How Much for 50 People: Aim for 50 pieces of chicken.
How Much for 100 People: To satisfy 100 guests, you’ll need 100 pieces of chicken.
Remember, these estimates are based on typical serving sizes and may need to be adjusted based on your specific group and the other foods you’re serving. No matter how you choose to prepare your chicken, the key is to cook it to the correct temperature to ensure it’s safe and delicious for your guests to enjoy!
Cooking time:
| Chicken Part | Cooking Method | Cooking Time (100 People) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | Fry | 3.5 Hours |
| Chicken Breast | Bake | 3-4 Hours |
| Chicken Breast | Grill Boneless | 4-5 Hours |
| Chicken Breast | Grill Bone-In | 6-7 Hours |
| Chicken Breast | Roast Skinless, Boneless | 3 Hours |
| Chicken Breast | Roast Bone-In | 4 Hours |
| Chicken Breast | Broil | 3-4 Hours |
| Chicken Breast | Smoke | 4 Hours |
| Chicken Wings | Fry | 2 Hours |
| Chicken Wings | Air-Fry | 3-4 Hours |
| Chicken Wings | Bake | 5-6 Hours |
| Chicken Wings | Grill | 4 Hours |
| Chicken Wings | Roast | 4-5 Hours |
| Chicken Wings | Broil | 3-4 Hours |
| Chicken Wings | Smoke | 10-12 Hours |
| Chicken Thighs | Fry | 4 Hours |
| Chicken Thighs | Air-Fry | 5-6 Hours |
| Chicken Thighs | Bake/Roast | 3 Hours |
| Chicken Thighs | Grill Boneless, Skinless | 35-45 Minutes |
| Chicken Thighs | Grill Bone-In, Skinless | 20-30 Minutes |
| Chicken Thighs | Smoke | 2-3 Hours |
| Chicken Legs | Fry | 2-3 Hours |
| Chicken Legs | Air-Fry | 3 Hours |
| Chicken Legs | Bake | 2 Hours |
| Chicken Legs | Grill | 3 Hours |
| Chicken Legs | Roast | 3-4 Hours |
| Chicken Legs | Broil | 3 Hours |
| Chicken Legs | Smoke | 3-4 Hours |
| Whole Chicken | Fry | 40-45 Minutes |
| Whole Chicken | Air-Fry | 1 Hour |
| Whole Chicken | Bake/Roast | 3 Hours |
| Whole Chicken | Grill/Roast | 3 Hours |
| Whole Chicken | Smoke | 4 Hours |
| Whole Chicken | Broil | 3 Hours |