What is the price of a pound of chicken?

The price of chicken can vary quite a bit depending on the cut, whether it is organic, antibiotic-free, etc. However, here is a look at the average price of a pound of chicken in the U.S.:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are one of the most popular cuts of chicken. They are very versatile and can be used in everything from chicken sandwiches to healthy dinners. The average price for boneless, skinless chicken breasts is:

As you can see, grocery stores tend to be the most expensive option while big box stores like Walmart and Costco offer lower prices. The average price across major retailers is about $3.32 per pound.

Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are dark meat that tend to be juicier and more flavorful. They are great for recipes like chicken parmesan, stews, and curries. The average price per pound for chicken thighs is:

Chicken thighs are generally cheaper than chicken breasts. The average price per pound across major retailers is around $2.39.

Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks are ideal for making fried chicken or roasting for the whole family. Here are the typical prices per pound:

Chicken drumsticks are one of the most budget-friendly cuts of chicken. The average price per pound is around $1.82 across major retailers.

Whole Chickens

Buying a whole chicken can be one of the most economical options. You can roast the whole chicken for dinner and use the leftovers for meals throughout the week. Here are typical whole chicken prices per pound:

Whole chickens can usually be purchased for under $1 per pound, making them one of the most affordable chicken options.

Organic/Free-Range Chicken

Organic and free-range chickens that are fed a vegetarian diet and not given antibiotics or hormones tend to be more expensive. Here are some typical prices per pound:

You can expect to pay between $3-5 per pound for certified organic, free-range chicken. It runs about $1-2 more per pound than conventional chicken.

Raw Chicken Parts from the Deli

Some grocery store delis sell raw chicken by the piece so you can pick out just what you need. Here are average deli chicken prices per pound:

The deli counter tends to be more expensive than buying packaged chicken. You’ll pay a premium for the convenience of hand-selecting pieces.

Rotisserie Chicken

Many grocery stores sell hot, roasted rotisserie chickens that make for a quick meal. Here are average prices per pound:

A prepared rotisserie chicken costs about $3-5 per pound at most supermarkets and warehouse stores.

Frozen Chicken

Freezing chicken can make it more affordable and extend its shelf life. Here are some average per-pound prices for frozen chicken:

Frozen chicken costs $1.50-$2.50 per pound on average depending on the cut and brand. It’s often slightly cheaper than fresh.

Canned Chicken

Canned chicken has already been cooked and can be used for chicken salads, casseroles, soups, etc. Here are normal per-pound costs:

Canned chicken ranges from $4-17 per pound. It’s one of the more expensive prepared chicken options.

Conclusion

In summary, the price of chicken fluctuates depending on the specific cut, whether it is organic, and how it is sold (fresh vs frozen, canned, etc). On average:

• Boneless chicken breasts cost around $3.32 per pound
• Chicken thighs cost about $2.39 per pound
• Chicken drumsticks cost approximately $1.82 per pound
• Whole chickens cost under $1 per pound, typically around $0.97-$0.99 per pound
• Organic free-range chicken costs $3-5 per pound
• Raw chicken from the deli costs $5-7 per pound
• Rotisserie chicken costs around $3-5 per pound
• Frozen chicken costs between $1.50-$2.50 per pound
• Canned chicken ranges from $4-$17 per pound

The most budget-friendly options are buying a whole chicken or chicken drumsticks and thighs. Organic chicken and canned chicken tend to be the most expensive. But there are chicken options at most price points so you can find something that fits your budget!