🥩 How Much BBQ Should You Order? Your Guide to Perfect Portions

Brown Sugar Ribs

When you’re planning a BBQ — whether it’s a backyard gathering, a family reunion, or a big catered event — one question always comes up: How much food do I need?

At The Rib Boxx, we’ve smoked thousands of racks of ribs, pans of brisket, and pounds of pulled pork. So we know exactly how to help you figure out just the right portions, so nobody leaves hungry — or with a fridge stuffed with leftovers (unless you want them!).

Here’s our quick guide to recommended portions for ribs, chicken, brisket, pulled pork, and classic sides.

🍖 Ribs

Ribs are the star of the show for us, and for good reason.

Recommended portion:

• 2–4 ribs per person for baby backs (½ rack feeds 1 adult well)

• 3–4 ribs per person for St. Louis-style or spare ribs (meatier)

For a big rib crowd, we suggest planning about 1 pound of ribs per person (raw weight, bone-in).

🍗 Smoked Chicken

Chicken is a great option to stretch the menu and offer variety.

Recommended portion:

• ¼ to ½ chicken per person (leg quarter or breast & wing)

• Or 4–6 ounces of boneless meat per person

🐄 Brisket

Tender, smoky brisket is a BBQ must-have.

Recommended portion:

• ½ pound of cooked brisket per person

Brisket loses weight as it cooks (up to 50%!), so plan for about 1 pound raw brisket per person if you’re cooking it yourself.

🐖 Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is juicy, versatile, and always a crowd pleaser.

Recommended portion:

• ⅓ to ½ pound per person (cooked weight)

Add a little extra if you’re serving big sandwiches or want plenty of leftovers for next-day BBQ nachos!

🥗 Classic BBQ Sides

Good BBQ is never complete without hearty sides. Here’s a simple guide:

• Coleslaw: 4 ounces per person (½ cup)

• Potato Salad: 4–6 ounces per person

• Baked Beans: 4–6 ounces per person

• Corn or Veggies: 3–4 ounces per person

• Bread or Rolls: 1–2 pieces per person

👨‍🍳 Extra Tips for Feeding a Crowd

✅ Know your eaters: Big eaters? Hungry teens? Add a bit more!✅ More meats, smaller portions: If you’re serving 2–3 meats, guests will naturally take smaller portions of each.✅ Leftovers are gold: Smoked meats reheat beautifully. We say it’s always better to have a little extra than not enough.

🔥 Order Right with The Rib Boxx

Whether you’re picking up ribs for the family or catering for 50, we’re here to help you get the portions just right — and the quality even better.

Ready to plan your next BBQ? Contact us or order online today.

The Rib Boxx — We Smoke Everything Low and Slow.