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Expert Q&A
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| By Carlyn A. Berghoff Caterer | ||
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How many chickens would I need to cook to feed 30 people? Also, any side dish recommendations that won't cost a small fortune?
I would count on your guests eating at least two pieces of chicken, if the chickens are of average weight, which I would consider 4 pounds. Do not count the wings as a piece. About half the chicken is bone, and the average protein for a meal at a barbecue is about 6 to 8 ounces.
Good side dishes are barbecue beans and some type of potato salad tossed in vinaigrette, not a mayonnaise base. Some type of relishes – celery, carrots, radishes, olives, pickles – are another good choice, and fresh-cut melons (not a fruit salad because it saves on time just doing wedges), grilled corn on the cob or fresh-grilled vegetables. Your grocery deli offers many side dishes if time is an issue. Try to balance it with fruit, vegetables and a starch."