How much did chicken breast cost in 2021?
Chicken breast averaged $3.45 per lb in 2021 — about $4.27 in 2026 dollars.
12 monthly observations · Source: BLS series APU0000FF1101.
In 2021, chicken breast averaged $3.45 per lb at the U.S. city average, across all twelve months, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics average price data. The monthly price ranged from $3.24 in February to $3.73 in December. Over the year it rose from $3.26 in January to $3.73 in December, a 14.3% increase.
Adjusted for inflation, $3.45 in 2021 is worth about $4.27 in 2026 dollars. Today chicken breast averages $4.17 per lb, so in real terms it is 2% cheaper than it was in 2021. In plain (unadjusted) dollars the price is up 21% versus the 2021 average.
2021 monthly prices
| Month | Price | MoM |
|---|---|---|
| January | $3.26 | ▼ 1.0% |
| February | $3.24 | ▼ 0.6% |
| March | $3.29 | ▲ 1.6% |
| April | $3.41 | ▲ 3.5% |
| May | $3.37 | ▼ 1.0% |
| June | $3.35 | ▼ 0.5% |
| July | $3.50 | ▲ 4.4% |
| August | $3.54 | ▲ 1.0% |
| September | $3.52 | ▼ 0.5% |
| October | $3.59 | ▲ 2.0% |
| November | $3.62 | ▲ 0.8% |
| December | $3.73 | ▲ 3.0% |
| 2021 average | $3.45 |
FAQ
What was the average price of chicken breast in 2021?
Chicken breast averaged $3.45 per lb in 2021, based on 12 months of BLS average price data.
How much is $3.45 of 2021 chicken breast worth today?
Adjusted for inflation with the CPI-U, $3.45 in 2021 is about $4.27 in 2026 dollars.
How does the 2021 price of chicken breast compare to now?
Chicken breast now averages $4.17 per lb, up 21% from the 2021 average of $3.45.
Cite this
Basket Report. "Chicken breast price in 2021 (U.S. average)." Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken-breast/2021/. Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000FF1101. <a href="https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken-breast/2021/">Chicken breast price in 2021 (U.S. average) — Basket Report</a> (data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, series APU0000FF1101; retrieved June 26, 2026) Basket Report. (2026). Chicken breast price in 2021 (U.S. average) [Data set]. Basket Report — Grocery Price Index. https://basketreport.com/prices/chicken-breast/2021/