How Much Chicken Do I Need To Feed 100 People?

on January 23, 2023

Planning a large gathering can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to determining the amount of food needed to feed all of your guests. One of the most common questions that event planners face is “How much chicken do I need to feed 100 people?”

To feed 100 people, you will need approximately 20-25 pounds of chicken. This assumes a serving size of 4-5 ounces per person, which is a common serving size for chicken at a buffet or catered event. However, it’s always best to have a bit extra, so you may want to purchase 25-30 pounds of chicken to be on the safe side. Keep in mind that the cooking method and any sides or accompaniments you plan to serve will also affect the amount of chicken needed.

Number of People	Amount of Chicken (in pounds)
1	0.25 – 0.3
5	1.25 – 1.5
10	2.5 – 3.0
20	5.0 – 6.0
50	12.5 – 15.0
100	25.0 – 30.0

Please note that this table is based on a serving size of 4-5 ounces per person and the amount of chicken may vary depending on the specific event or occasion. This table is only a rough guide and it’s always best to have a bit extra, so you may want to purchase more chicken to be on the safe side.

How Much Chicken Should You Allow Per Child?

The amount of chicken that should be allowed per child will vary depending on the age and appetite of the child. As a general rule, you should plan for children to eat about half as much as adults.

For a buffet or family-style meal, a common serving size for children is 2-3 ounces of chicken per child, or about half of an adult serving.

For a plated meal, you can plan for about 2-3 ounces of chicken per child.

It’s also important to keep in mind that children may be pickier eaters, so you may want to plan for a few extra servings just in case. Additionally, you should consider if you have children with any dietary restrictions or allergies and adjust accordingly.

It is always recommended to have a little bit extra to account for any unexpected guests or children who may eat more than you expect.

How Long Will It Take To Prepare And Cook This Much Chicken?

The time it takes to prepare and cook chicken will vary depending on several factors, such as the cooking method and the size of the chicken pieces. Here are some approximate cooking times for different methods:

Roasting: A whole chicken can take 1 1/2 to 2 hours to roast in an oven preheated to 350°F. while chicken pieces such as chicken breast, thighs or drumsticks can take around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Grilling: Chicken breasts, thighs and drumsticks can take around 8-12 minutes per side over a medium-high heat.
Baking: Chicken breast can take around 25-30 minutes in a 350°F oven.

Pan-frying: Chicken breast can take around 8-10 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
Poaching: Chicken breast can take around 15-20 minutes in simmering liquid.

It is also important to consider the preparation time, for example, marinading or seasoning the chicken, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight.

It’s important to note that these are rough estimates and only include the actual cooking time of a batch. You will need to calculate the batch size and multiply the cooking time by the number of batches.

How To Reduce The Preparation Time When Cooking Chicken

Here are some ways to reduce preparation time when cooking chicken:

Use pre-cut chicken: Buying pre-cut chicken such as boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs can save you time on cutting and preparing the chicken.

Marinate in advance: Marinating the chicken in a flavorful liquid overnight can save time on preparing the chicken on the day of cooking.
Use a spice rub: Using a spice rub instead of a marinade can save time on preparation, and can be applied just before cooking.
Use pre-made sauces: Using pre-made sauces such as BBQ sauce or Teriyaki sauce can save time on preparation, and can be poured over the chicken before cooking.

Prep vegetables and side dishes ahead of time: Preparing vegetables ahead of time such as cutting and peeling them can save time on preparation, when you are ready to cook them.
Use a food processor: Using a food processor to chop vegetables and herbs can save time on preparation.
Cook in batches: Cooking chicken in batches can save time on preparation, and allow you to cook more chicken at once.

Plan ahead: Planning ahead and making a grocery list, can help you to have all the ingredients and supplies you need on hand, this can save time on preparation.

It’s important to keep in mind that, while these methods can help to reduce preparation time, it’s still important to handle and prepare chicken safely, and to always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe for consumption.

How To Keep The Chicken Warm When Serving 100 People

There are several ways to keep chicken warm after it has been cooked, including:

Using a warming tray: Warming trays are designed to keep food warm and can be plugged in to an outlet to heat up. Place the cooked chicken on the tray and cover it with foil to keep it warm.
Using a slow cooker: A slow cooker can be set to the “warm” setting and the cooked chicken can be placed inside, covered to keep warm.
Using a chafing dish: Chafing dishes can be filled with hot water and a heating element placed underneath to keep the food warm. Place the cooked chicken in the dish and cover with a lid to keep it warm.

Using a heat lamp: A heat lamp can be used to keep cooked chicken warm. Place the cooked chicken on a tray or platter and position it under the heat lamp.
Keep the chicken in the oven: Keep the chicken in the oven on the “warm” setting (around 150-170F) or on the lowest temperature setting to keep the chicken warm.

It’s important to keep the temperature of the chicken above 140°F to avoid bacterial growth, and to stir the chicken occasionally to ensure even heat distribution. Additionally, keep the chicken covered to retain moisture and flavor.

How To Save The Leftovers?

Properly stored, cooked chicken will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in the freezer.

When storing cooked chicken, it’s important to keep in mind that the temperature of the refrigerator should be at 40°F (4.4°C) or below and the freezer should be at 0°F (-17.7°C) or below.

It’s also important to use airtight containers to prevent contamination and to label the containers with the date when the chicken was cooked. This way, you can easily keep track of how long the leftovers have been stored.

It’s also important to reheat leftovers to at least 165°F (74°C) before consuming. The general rule of thumb is to reheat leftovers within 3-4 days, but if you notice any signs of spoilage such as a strange odor, discoloration or slimy texture, discard it.

It’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety and to discard any leftovers that have been stored for longer than the recommended time or that show signs of spoilage.