Substitute for Whole Chicken: 3 Smart Options
The best substitute for whole chicken is Chicken Breasts at a Use 37% ratio. There are 2 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Chicken Breasts
Use 37%
You can use Chicken Breasts in place of whole chicken when needed. Use 37% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
What are the other substitutes for whole chicken?
Bone-in Chicken Breasts
Use 37%
Bone-in Chicken Breasts works as a substitute for whole chicken in many recipes. Use 37% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
Drumsticks
Use 150%
Drumsticks works as a substitute for whole chicken in many recipes. Use 150% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
What should you know before substituting whole chicken?
Chicken Breasts is the easiest starting point because it stays closest to whole chicken in everyday cooking. Use 37% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. Cooking time and fat level can shift the final dish, so adjust seasoning after the substitute is fully cooked. If you need a plant-based option, Drumsticks is a solid alternative.
How do you substitute whole chicken in a recipe?
When a recipe calls for whole chicken and you need an alternative, there are 3 tested substitutes available. Chicken Breasts is the best overall replacement, used at a Use 37% ratio. The right substitute depends on the role whole chicken plays in your recipe: whether it provides flavor, texture, moisture, or structure.
The best substitute for whole chicken depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Chicken Breasts (Use 37%), which works well for most recipes.
If you need a different option, Bone-in Chicken Breasts (Use 37%) is another reliable choice. Bone-in Chicken Breasts works as a substitute for whole chicken in many recipes. Use 37% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. Taste near the end and fine-tune if the dish needs a little more punch.
When substituting whole chicken, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for Whole Chicken?
Chicken Breasts is the best place to start for whole chicken. Use 37% of the original amount and then adjust after tasting if the dish needs a little more intensity or balance.
How many substitutes are there for Whole Chicken?
This page lists 3 substitutes for whole chicken. The best pick depends on whether you want the closest flavor, similar texture, or simply the easiest pantry backup.