Expert: BBQ Woman - 10/18/2007

Question
how much chicken do i need to feed 180 people 1/2 chicken per plate. Were also going to have pork ribs.so there will be combo plates, chicken and ribs. 1/4 of chicken and 4 ribs

Answer
If you are feeding 180 people 1/2 chicken per plate you would need 90 chickens. Fryers in the 4 to 5 pound range work best. However since you mention that there will be a second meat of ribs I would use 1/4 chicken per plate which would mean you would only need 45 chickens cut into leg/thigh, breast/wing portions. Make sure to remove the breastbone so that the breast portion lays flat on the grill for more even cooking. Poundage wise you would need approximately 360 pounds of chicken for 1/2 chicken servings or 180 pounds of 1/4 chicken servings (this is based on chickens in the 4 pound range so its best to just tell your butcher the size chicken you want and order it per chicken vs pounds). You will still probably have leftovers after serving due to the fact you will have side dishes as well. I hope I helped. Happy grilling.
Regards,
Misty