Questions & Answers - Chicken Shrinkage When Cooking
 

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Question:

It seems that by the time I have finished cooking a piece of chicken breast, it has reduced in size. Am I just imagining this, or is it really shrinking? If so, what's the usual shrinking percent? Thanks for any help you can give me. - Jeremy Bath (4/17/01)
 

Answers:

For each 3-ounce serving of cooked poultry, buy an extra ounce to allow for shrinkage and an extra 2 ounces to allow for bone. Reduce shrinkage in boneless chicken breasts by removing the clearly visible white tendon. Also the lower the heat the chicken is cooked, the less the shrinkage.