Chicken Marsala is a classic Italian dish made from chicken cutlets, mushrooms, and a Marsala wine sauce. It’s a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for serving at dinner parties or large family gatherings. But how many servings does a full tray of Chicken Marsala yield? The answer depends on a few factors.
In general, a full tray of Chicken Marsala will feed about 8-12 people. However, the exact number can vary based on:
- Tray size – Standard half sheet pans are 18 x 13 inches, but commercial trays can be larger
- Amount of chicken – Recipes call for different amounts of chicken per tray
- Serving sizes – Appetite and portion sizes differ between individuals
Below is a more detailed breakdown of how many servings different tray sizes and amounts of chicken will provide.
Servings Per Tray Size
The size of the tray is one of the biggest factors in determining servings. Here is how much a full tray feeds for standard sizes:
Half sheet pan (18 x 13 inches)
- 8-10 servings
- Good for a dinner party or feeding a large family
Quarter sheet pan (9 x 13 inches)
- 4-6 servings
- Better for a small dinner or nuclear family
Full sheet pan (18 x 26 inches)
- 16-20 servings
- Great for large gatherings and parties
Larger commercial catering trays are also available, which can feed even more people. For example, a full-size steam table pan (12 x 20 inches) provides 15-20 servings.
Servings Per Pound of Chicken
The amount of chicken used is also a key factor. In general, plan on 4-6 ounces of boneless, skinless chicken breast per serving. Here’s how much chicken yields:
2 pounds of chicken
- 6-8 servings
- Good for half sheet pan
3 pounds of chicken
- 10-12 servings
- Fills a half sheet pan
4 pounds of chicken
- 12-16 servings
- Works for a full sheet pan
6 pounds of chicken
- 18-24 servings
- Great for large parties and events
So the more chicken called for in the recipe, the more people it will feed.
Portion Size Considerations
Serving size can also impact portions. Here are some factors to consider:
- Women often eat smaller portions than men
- Appetizer portions are 3-4 oz, entrees 6-8 oz
- Kids and seniors may eat smaller portions
- Athletes and big eaters may want larger portions
- Offering seconds increases needed portions
To ensure enough food, it’s better to overestimate portions than underestimate. Leftovers can always be enjoyed later.
Sample Servings for Common Tray Sizes
Here is an estimate of servings for typical tray sizes and amounts of chicken:
| Tray Size | Chicken Amount | Estimated Servings |
|---|---|---|
| Half sheet pan | 2 pounds | 8-10 |
| Half sheet pan | 3 pounds | 12-15 |
| Full sheet pan | 4 pounds | 16-20 |
| Steam table pan | 6 pounds | 20-24 |
These estimates provide a general guideline based on typical portions. Keep in mind that the exact servings can vary based on the appetite of your diners.
Tips for Serving a Crowd
When cooking Chicken Marsala for a crowd, keep these tips in mind:
- Cook extra chicken – It’s easy to add more chicken to the dish if needed
- Make additional sauce – Chicken Marsala reheats well, so extra sauce comes in handy
- Use large trays and pans – Full sheet pans or steam table pans work best
- Offer appetizers first – This fills up guests so they eat less entrees
- Have extra sides on hand – Sides like rice or pasta stretch the meal
- Plan for leftovers – Extra Chicken Marsala makes great next day lunches
With the right planning and preparation, a full tray of Chicken Marsala can easily feed a crowd for a special dinner or event.
Conclusion
A full tray of Chicken Marsala will feed 8-12 people on average. However, the exact number of servings can vary based on the size of the tray, amount of chicken, and serving sizes. Standard half sheet pans with 2-3 pounds of chicken will feed 8-15. Full sheet pans and steam table pans with 4-6 pounds of chicken feed up to 20-24.
When cooking for a crowd, plan for extra chicken, sauce, and sides. Leftovers can be enjoyed the next day. With the right amounts and some smart planning, Chicken Marsala makes a delicious and impressive meal for your next dinner party or large gathering.