How To Cut Chicken Into Pieces

Welcome to our step-by-step guide on how to cut chicken into pieces! If you’ve ever wondered how to properly portion a whole chicken or wanted to save money by purchasing a whole chicken and cutting it yourself, you’ve come to the right place. Cutting chicken may seem intimidating at first, but with a few simple techniques, you’ll be a pro in no time!

What You’ll Need

A whole chicken
A sharp knife
Cutting board
Paper towels

Step 1: Cleanliness First

Before you start cutting your chicken into pieces, it’s important to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Clean all surfaces, utensils, and equipment you’ll be using to ensure a safe cooking environment.

Step 2: Remove the Wings

To begin, position the chicken on your cutting board breast side down. Use your knife to locate the joint that connects the wing to the body. Apply gentle pressure and cut through the joint to separate the wing from the chicken. Repeat on the other side.

Step 3: Separate the Legs and Thighs

Now, it’s time to separate the legs and thighs from the chicken. Flip the chicken over, breast side up. Locate the joint connecting the thigh to the body and cut through the joint. Pull the leg away from the body to expose the joint connecting the thigh to the drumstick. Cut through this joint to separate the thigh from the drumstick. Repeat on the other side.

Step 4: Divide the Breast

With the legs and wings removed, focus on dividing the breast into two pieces. Locate the breastbone in the center of the chicken. Using your knife, make a vertical cut along each side of the breastbone, following the contour of the bone until you reach the ribcage. Apply firm pressure to separate the breast halves.

Step 5: Optional – Remove the Backbone

If desired, you can remove the backbone to create a spatchcock chicken or save it for making chicken stock. Flip the chicken breast side down and cut along one side of the backbone using kitchen shears or a sharp knife. Repeat on the other side to completely remove the backbone.

Step 6: Final Touches

Take a moment to check each piece of chicken for any remaining bone fragments or excess fat. Use kitchen shears or your knife to trim any unwanted parts. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture before cooking.

And that’s it! You now know how to cut chicken into various pieces like a pro. Remember to practice caution while handling sharp knives and always keep an eye on your fingers. With a little practice, you’ll be able to master this skill and customize your chicken cuts to suit your culinary needs. Happy cooking!

Share your tips and techniques for cutting chicken into pieces in the Cooking Techniques forum. Join the discussion and let us know how you break down a whole chicken into the perfect cuts for your favorite recipes!

FAQ:

How many pieces can I generally cut a whole chicken into?

When cutting a whole chicken into pieces, you can typically create eight to ten pieces, depending on your preference. These include two breasts, two thighs, two drumsticks, and two wings. Some people also prefer to separate the back into two pieces, bringing the total to ten. However, you can always adjust the size and number of pieces according to your specific recipe or preference.

What tools do I need to cut a chicken into pieces?

To cut a chicken into pieces, you will need a sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board. It’s essential to have a sharp knife to make clean cuts and ensure safety during the process. Additionally, having a pair of kitchen shears can be helpful for separating the joints and removing smaller bones, particularly when dealing with the wings or backbone.

Should I remove the skin before or after cutting the chicken into pieces?

The decision to remove the skin before or after cutting the chicken into pieces depends on personal preference and the recipe you’ll be using. If you prefer skinless chicken or are following a specific recipe that requires skinless pieces, it’s best to remove the skin beforehand. However, if you enjoy the crispy texture and added flavor the skin provides, you can leave it on the chicken pieces and remove it later, either before or after cooking.

How do I properly cut a whole chicken into pieces?

To cut a whole chicken into pieces, begin by removing any excess fat or giblets from the cavity. Start with separating the legs from the body by cutting through the skin between the leg and the breast. Next, locate the joint between the leg and the thigh and cut through it. Repeat the process on the other side. For the wings, find the joint where they meet the body, and cut through it. Lastly, separate the breasts from the backbone by making a cut along the breastbone on each side. If desired, you can further divide the breasts into smaller portions.

What is the best way to cut chicken breasts into smaller pieces?

If you want to cut chicken breasts into smaller pieces, first make sure they are boneless and skinless. Start by placing the breast flat on the cutting board and then cut it horizontally to create two thinner fillets. To create even smaller pieces, you can cut these fillets into strips or cubes, depending on your needs. Remember to use a sharp knife and maintain control while cutting to ensure safety and precision.

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How To Cut Chicken Into Pieces