Introduction
Cutting up a whole chicken can be a daunting task for those who have never done it before. However, by learning a few simple steps, anyone can do it with ease.
Here, we will provide a comprehensive guide to cutting up a whole chicken, including a video tutorial, a step-by-step guide, and recipes to help you utilize every part of the chicken.
Step-by-Step Guide
Before starting, make sure you have a sharp knife and a steady surface to work on. A cutting board or a clean counter will work.
- Remove the legs and wings. Cut through the skin where the legs and wings are attached to the body.
- To remove the legs, hold the chicken steady with one hand and use your other hand to pull the leg away from the body. Insert your knife between the leg and the body and cut through the joint.
- To remove the wings, hold the chicken steady with one hand and use your other hand to pull the wing away from the body. Cut through the joint to remove the wing.
- Remove the breasts. Place the chicken with the breasts facing up. Cut alongside the breast bone to remove the breasts. Make sure to keep the skin intact if desired.
- Remove the thighs. Turn the chicken over, and cut through the skin on the back to expose the joint. Cut through the joint to remove the thighs.
- Separate the drumsticks from the thighs by cutting through the joint between them.
And there you have it! You now have a perfectly cut-up whole chicken.
Make sure to save the carcass, skin and any scraps in a container to make chicken stock later.
Video Tutorial
Take a look at our video tutorial to see the entire process in action.
As you can see, following the step-by-step guide makes it easy to cut up a whole chicken. The video tutorial provides an additional level of detail that will help you visualize each step and technique.
Recipe with Instructions
Now that you know how to cut up a whole chicken, let’s put it into practice with a delicious recipe.
Roast Chicken Recipe
- 1 whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Season the chicken with salt, olive oil, and garlic powder. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the paprika over the chicken evenly.
- Place the chicken breast-side up on an oven-safe dish.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cutting up the chicken before cooking
- Use a sharp knife to cut through the skin where the legs and wings are attached to the body. Then, remove the legs and wings from the body as described in the step-by-step guide.
- Cut alongside the breast bone to remove the breasts. Make sure to keep the skin intact. Next, remove the thighs by cutting through the joint in the back.
If you wish to roast specific parts of chicken, adjust the cooking time according to the size of the pieces. The drumsticks will take about 20 minutes, while the thighs will take about 30 minutes.
Tips & Tricks
Now that you know how to cut up a whole chicken and have a great recipe to try, here are a few more tips and tricks to help you utilize every part of the chicken.
- Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts. A dull knife can tear the skin and meat, making it difficult to achieve even pieces of chicken.
- Remove the skin for a healthier option. To remove, pull the skin away from the meat and cut through the fat to remove it entirely from the chicken.
- Portion the chicken according to your preferences. The breasts are great for grilling or baking, while the thighs and legs are better for soups and stews.
- Utilize the chicken bones and scraps to make a flavorful and nutritious chicken stock. Store bones and scraps in the freezer until ready to use.
Flavor Pairs
Once you’ve master cutitng up a whole chicken, its pairs perfectly with a variety of flavors.
- Lemon pepper seasoning pairs great with the breasts of chicken for a light flavor.
- Buffalo sauce works well with drumsticks and wings for a spicy kick.
- A classic rosemary seasoning and roasted vegetables pairs well with the thighs for a hearty meal.
These are just a few examples of how to pair different flavors with different parts of the chicken. Experiment with different spices, sauces, and cooking methods to find your favorite combinations.
Conclusion
Learning how to cut up a whole chicken is a useful skill that can save you money and provide you with endless options for delicious, healthy meals. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, we hope our step-by-step guide, video tutorial, and recipe will help you create the perfect cut-up chicken every time. Don’t forget to experiment with different flavor combinations and cooking methods to find your perfect meal.
