What do 8 boneless chicken thighs weigh?

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

According to reputable butchers and grocers, a package of 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs can weigh between 1.76 and 2.2 pounds (800g to 1kg). This weight variation is a crucial detail for cooking, as the actual size of the individual thighs can significantly impact your recipe's outcome.

Quick Summary

The total weight of 8 boneless chicken thighs typically falls in a range due to natural variations in size, with an average of 1.76 to 2.2 pounds or 800g to 1kg. The specific butchering, water content, and trimming can all affect the final weight of the meat.

Key Points

Average Weight: 8 boneless chicken thighs typically weigh between 1.76 and 2.2 pounds (800g to 1kg).
Individual Thigh Weight: The average individual boneless, skinless thigh weighs approximately 3.5 to 4.4 ounces (100 to 125 grams).
Factors for Variation: Natural variation in chicken size, butchering techniques, and processing methods like air-chilling all influence the final weight.
Measurement is Key: For accuracy, use a kitchen scale to determine the exact weight of your thighs, as the '8-thigh' count is not standardized.
Boneless vs. Bone-in: Boneless thighs offer higher meat yield per pound compared to bone-in thighs, which are heavier due to the bone and skin.
Recipe Adjustments: If your thighs are particularly large or small, adjust the number you use to match the weight specified in your recipe for best results.

The Average Weight of 8 Boneless Chicken Thighs

Based on packaging from various food suppliers, the standard weight for 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs ranges from 1.76 pounds (about 800g) to 2.2 pounds (about 1kg). This means that the average individual boneless thigh weighs roughly 3.5 to 4.4 ounces (100 to 125 grams). However, it's important to recognize that this is an average, and individual sizes can vary. Some thighs might be larger, pushing the total weight higher, while others might be smaller.

Factors That Influence Chicken Thigh Weight

Several elements contribute to the final weight of a chicken thigh. Understanding these can help you better estimate your poultry purchases and adjust recipes accordingly.

Size of the chicken: The overall size and age of the chicken directly impacts the size of its parts. Larger, older chickens will produce larger thighs, resulting in a heavier total weight for an 8-pack.
Butchering and trimming: How the butcher trims the meat can make a difference. Excess fat or cartilage left on the thigh adds to its weight. Some butchers are more meticulous than others, leading to a leaner, lighter product.
Water content: Processing methods can affect the moisture content of the meat. For example, 'air-chilled' chicken retains less water than 'water-chilled' chicken, meaning it has a lower total weight and more concentrated flavor.
Inclusion of skin: The average weight discussed here assumes boneless and skinless thighs. If the skin is left on, the total weight for 8 thighs will be higher, and the calorie and fat content will also increase.

Converting Chicken Thigh Weight for Recipes

Many recipes call for chicken in specific units. Here are some useful conversions to ensure you have the right amount.

1.76 pounds = 800 grams (minimum average for 8 thighs)
2.2 pounds = 1000 grams (maximum average for 8 thighs)
1 pound = approximately 3-4 boneless thighs (average)
1 boneless thigh = roughly 3-5 ounces (85-140 grams)

Weight Comparison: Boneless vs. Bone-in Chicken Thighs


Feature	Boneless, Skinless Thigh	Bone-in, Skin-on Thigh
Average Individual Weight	3–5 ounces (85–140g)	4–6 ounces (110–170g)
Weight Difference	Up to 40% of the bone-in weight is fat, skin, and bone	Heavier due to the bone and skin
Cooking Time	Shorter and more even cooking time	Longer cooking time required
Yield for Recipes	Higher meat yield per pound, ideal for stir-fries and curries	Lower meat yield, but bone can add flavor to stews and roasts

Practical Tips for Accurate Measurement

For consistent and successful cooking, consider these measurement tips, particularly when dealing with varying chicken thigh sizes.

Always use a kitchen scale: The most accurate way to get the total weight of your 8 thighs is to weigh them before cooking. Relying solely on the count can lead to over or under-portioning.
Check the package: Most pre-packaged chicken will have the total weight printed on the label, which is your most reliable starting point.
Account for cooking loss: Remember that meat loses weight during cooking as moisture evaporates. The final cooked weight will be lower than the raw weight.
Buy in bulk for consistency: If you use chicken thighs often, purchasing a bulk pack from a known supplier might give you more consistency in individual thigh sizes.
Adjust portions: If your 8 thighs are larger than expected, you may need to reduce the number of pieces used in a recipe to achieve the intended serving size.

Conclusion

While a definitive single number for the weight of 8 boneless chicken thighs is elusive due to natural variations, a reliable range is between 1.76 and 2.2 pounds (800g to 1kg). Factors such as the chicken's size, butchering precision, and processing methods all contribute to the final weight. By using a kitchen scale, checking package labels, and understanding these variables, you can accurately plan meals and ensure consistent results. Always remember to factor in potential weight loss during the cooking process.

For more information on the processing of high-quality organic chicken, you can visit the Lunds & Byerlys product page for Bell & Evans chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

The average weight for a single boneless, skinless chicken thigh is approximately 3 to 5 ounces (85 to 140 grams), though this can vary depending on the size of the chicken.

Based on average weights, there are typically 3 to 4 boneless chicken thighs in a pound, assuming each thigh weighs around 3 to 5 ounces.

Yes, chicken thighs lose weight during cooking. This is primarily due to moisture loss. The total cooked weight will be less than the raw weight.

While it depends on the recipe and appetite, a common recommendation is two boneless chicken thighs per person for a main meal.

Boneless chicken thighs are generally more expensive per pound than bone-in thighs, but they offer a higher meat yield. This is because you are not paying for the weight of the bone or skin.

While a scale is most accurate, you can estimate using average weights. Since a boneless thigh is about 3-5 ounces, you can use volume conversions if your recipe provides them, or simply approximate based on package weight listed on a label.

Different cooking methods affect moisture loss, which impacts weight. Methods that retain more moisture (like slow cooking or braising) will result in a higher cooked weight than methods that cause more moisture loss (like grilling or frying).