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How to Cut Up a Whole Chicken
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Have you compared the price of a whole chicken to that of a pre-cut chicken recently? You'll see it's much more economical to buy it in one piece. That's why we're showing you how to cut up a chicken. We know the thought of butchering a chicken may be a little intimidating, but we're here to assure you that it's really very simple. It just 5 quick steps you'll go from having a whole chicken to having 8 tidy pieces. Once you've divided up your chicken, you can use the pieces immediately or freeze them for later. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to cut up a whole chicken!
Before you begin cutting into your chicken, take time to clean it. Drain off all the excess liquid, remove the giblets and anything else from inside, cut off extra fat around the neck, and pat it dry with paper towels.
Check out our video and tips on how to cut up a whole chicken. It's so easy, you'll feel like a real butcher in no time!
- Remove the leg and thigh quarter. Leaving the breast side up, lightly pull the leg away from the body and cut through the skin between the breast and thigh. Cut about 3/4 of the way through, until you can pop the thigh bone from its socket. Cut the rest of the way through and remove. Repeat on other side.
- Remove the wing. Flip the bird over and lift the wing to see the line of separation. Cut between the joint and breast to remove the wing. Repeat on other side.
- Separate the breast from the back. Stand the bird upright and cut between ribcage and shoulder joints to remove the back from the breast. The back is great for making stock or broth, so make sure to reserve this section if you'd like!
- Cut the breast section in two. Turn the bird breast side up and press down on the center (like you're giving CPR). Cut through the ribcage to separate into two sections. Turn the breasts over and pull to remove cartilage.
- Cut leg from thigh. Place lower quarter skin side down and cut along the fat line between the thigh and leg.
You now have 8 beautiful cuts of chicken to use in any hearty dish. You can even store the chicken in freezer-safe baggies for a later date. Now that you know how to cut up a whole chicken you can buy meat more economically! (Don't forget to check out other other chicken how-tos: How to Butterfly a Chicken and How to Flatten a Chicken Breast.)
Use your chicken pieces to make these homemade chicken dinners!
We've collected 14 Tasty, Quick and Easy Chicken recipes that go beyond dinner... Try them for lunch, snacks, and appetizers, too!
In our collection of simple chicken drumstick recipes you'll find a chicken drumstick recipe to suit any occasion, so get ready, 'cause you're serving chicken tonight!
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BeckySue
Aug 19, 2016
I wish my knives were as sharp as his! I have the worst time keeping my knives sharp. I wrap them in a good paper towel in my drawer so they don't bang around on each other, but I have no idea how to manually sharpen them. Embarrassing, I know! Do those little wheel sharpeners work? The kind you just move your knife back and forth in it?
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BeckySue
Aug 19, 2016
I really should cut up my whole chicken more often! Shame on me! I wonder how much money I could save. Also, I think the chicken was probably in better shape if it was kept whole as opposed to salvaging the good parts and discarding the bruised or damaged parts for some lesser use.
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