Chicken thighs are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in all sorts of recipes. When cooking with chicken thighs, it’s helpful to know how much 2 pounds of chicken thighs is in terms of numbers of thighs. This allows you to purchase the right amount of chicken thighs at the store and portion recipes correctly.
Quick Answer
On average, 2 pounds of chicken thighs is about 8 to 12 thighs, depending on the size. Most chicken thigh packs from the grocery store contain a mix of smaller and larger thighs. If the thighs are on the smaller side, you may get 10 to 12 thighs in 2 pounds. For larger thighs, 2 pounds may only contain 8 to 10 pieces.
Calculating Thighs per Pound
To get a more precise calculation for how many chicken thighs are in 2 pounds, you’ll need to know the average weight of the thighs you have. Here are the steps:
- Weigh one raw chicken thigh and take note of the weight in ounces.
- If your scale only measures in pounds, divide the weight by 16 to convert to ounces (there are 16 ounces in 1 pound).
- Calculate how many ounces are in 2 pounds – there are 32 ounces in 2 pounds (2 * 16).
- Divide the total ounces in 2 pounds (32 oz) by the weight of your single thigh. This will tell you roughly how many thighs are in 2 pounds.
For example, if your single thigh weighs 6 ounces, dividing 32 oz by 6 oz tells us that 2 pounds contains approximately 5 thighs (32 / 6 = 5.33).
Average Thigh Size
The average chicken thigh weighs around 4-8 ounces. Here are some estimates based on average sizing:
- 4 oz thigh – 2 lbs contains 8 thighs (32 oz / 4 oz = 8 thighs)
- 5 oz thigh – 2 lbs contains 6 thighs
- 6 oz thigh – 2 lbs contains 5 thighs
- 7 oz thigh – 2 lbs contains 4 thighs
- 8 oz thigh – 2 lbs contains 4 thighs
As you can see, the number of thighs in 2 pounds can range quite a bit from only 4 up to 8 depending on how large they are. Smaller thighs in the 4-5 ounce range will give you a greater number per pound.
Factors Affecting Thigh Size
What makes some chicken thighs larger than others? Here are some of the factors that affect the size and weight of chicken thighs:
- Chicken breed – Some chicken breeds are bred to have more meat than others. Meaty breeds like Cornish hens will have larger thighs.
- Chicken age and size – Older, larger chickens will naturally have bigger thighs than smaller chickens. A 6-8 week old broiler chicken will have smaller thighs than a free-range chicken slaughtered at 4-5 months.
- Diet – Chickens fed high-energy feed designed for fast growth will put on more weight, including in their thighs.
- Level of physical activity – Chickens allowed to roam freely and get more exercise will likely have leaner and slightly smaller thighs.
- Packaged vs butcher thighs – Thighs purchased unpackaged from a butcher will show greater variability in sizing compared to packaged thighs which are more uniform.
Weighing Chicken Thighs
For the most accuracy in determining how many thighs are in 2 pounds, you should weigh the individual thighs yourself using a kitchen scale. But not everyone has an accurate gram scale at home. Here are some tips if you don’t have a scale or can’t weigh the thighs individually:
- Estimate the average size – Pick up each thigh and visually assess if they appear on the smaller or larger side. Estimate 4-6 oz for smaller thighs and 6-8 oz for larger thighs.
- Separate into piles by size – Divide thighs into piles of small, medium and large thighs. Estimate counts per pound based on the piles.
- Use votre hand – Hold a thigh in your hand, keeping fingers together, to get a sense of portion size. Use this as a gauge for estimating weight.
- Compare to other objects – Compare the size of thighs visually to common objects like a tennis ball, deck of cards, or chicken egg.
While these estimation methods won’t be as precise as using a scale, they can still give you a decent ballpark for planning your recipes. Weighing a sample of the thighs is ideal but not absolutely necessary.
Boneless vs Bone-In Thighs
Chicken thighs can be purchased boneless or on the bone. This affects their weight. Here is a comparison:
- Boneless thighs – Boneless thighs weigh 4-6 oz each typically. 2 pounds would contain around 6-8 boneless thighs.
- Bone-in thighs – Thighs with the bone weigh 6-8 oz each on average. 2 pounds would contain 4-5 bone-in thighs.
In summary, boneless thighs weigh less per piece since the bone has been removed. You’ll get more boneless thighs per pound compared to bone-in.
Skinless vs Skin-On Thighs
Chicken thighs can also be purchased skinless or with the skin still attached:
- Skinless thighs – Skinless thighs weigh slightly less than skin-on at around 4-7 oz per thigh. 2 pounds would contain 6-8 skinless thighs.
- Skin-on thighs – Skin adds some extra weight, so skin-on thighs are 5-8 oz each typically. 2 pounds would have 4-5 skin-on thighs.
In summary, skinless thighs will be a little bit lighter in weight and pack more per pound. But thighs cooked with the skin on tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
Preparing and Cooking Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are one of the most flavorful and juicy cuts of chicken. Their high fat content keeps them moist during cooking. Here are some tips for preparing and cooking chicken thighs:
- Pat the thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper or other spices like paprika, garlic powder, oregano, etc.
- Sear the thighs skin-side down first in a hot skillet to render fat and get crispy skin.
- Finish cooking through by baking in the oven at 375°F until cooked through and the juices run clear.
- Chicken thighs pair well with all kinds of flavors – try them in Mexican, Italian, Greek, Indian or Asian-inspired recipes.
- They work great in casseroles, stir fries, sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes and more.
- Cook to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
With their rich taste and versatility, chicken thighs are perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping. Having an estimate of how many thighs are in 2 pounds makes it easy to plan recipes and cook the right amount.
Chicken Thigh Meal Ideas
Here are just some of the many delicious ways 2 pounds of chicken thighs can be used to feed a family or group:
Easy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
Season 2 lbs chicken thighs with salt, pepper and other spices. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Serve with rice or roasted vegetables.
Baked Chicken Parmesan
Bread 2 lbs chicken thighs and bake with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Serve over pasta.
Chicken Fajitas
Saute 2 lbs sliced chicken thighs in a skillet with bell peppers and onions. Wrap in tortillas with toppings like guacamole, salsa and cheese.
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Shred or cube cooked chicken thighs and mix with mayo, celery, onion and spices. Serve on bread or greens for healthy sandwiches or wraps.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Simmer 2 lbs chicken thighs in broth with vegetables. Shred chicken and add to soup with noodles. Garnish with parsley.
Chicken Fried Rice
Dice and saute 2 lbs chicken thighs, then stir into rice with soy sauce, vegetables and eggs.
Chicken Tacos
Top warmed tortillas with shredded slow cooker or grilled chicken thighs, onions, cilantro, lime and salsa.
FAQs
Why does chicken thigh size vary?
The main factors affecting chicken thigh size are the breed, age and diet of the chicken. Younger broiler chickens bred for meat tend to have smaller and more uniform thighs compared to free-range heritage breed chickens.
Are chicken thighs healthy?
Yes, chicken thighs are considered a healthy source of protein and nutrients. They contain more fat than chicken breasts but are high in iron, zinc and B vitamins. The fat makes them juicier and more flavorful.
Should I remove the skin from chicken thighs?
This is optional – the skin adds flavor and moisture during cooking but does contain extra fat and calories. Remove skin before cooking if trying to lower fat and calories.
What’s the best way to cook chicken thighs?
Chicken thighs can be grilled, baked, sauteed, slow cooked in a crockpot or instant pot, used in stir fries – they are very versatile. Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.
How long do chicken thighs last in the fridge?
Raw chicken thighs will stay fresh in the fridge for 1-2 days. Cooked thighs will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
On average, 2 pounds of chicken thighs contains between 8-12 pieces depending on their size. Smaller thighs around 4-5 oz will give you more per pound, while larger thighs over 6 oz will result in fewer pieces per 2 pounds. Weighing a sample thigh is the most accurate way, but you can also estimate based on visual size, comparison to common objects, or by separating into piles. Chicken thighs are flavorful and juicy, perfect for all kinds of recipes from oven baked dinners to soups, salads, stir fries and more. Knowing approximately how many thighs are in 2 pounds makes it easy to shop and cook the right quantity.
