Knife Skills: Breaking Down a Whole Chicken
Learn how to efficiently break down a whole chicken into usable parts with these clear and practical steps.
Notes
Always use a sharp knife for safety and precision. Take your time to ensure clean cuts.
Steps
- 1 Place the chicken breast-side down on a clean cutting board.
- 2 Using a sharp chef's knife, cut along one side of the backbone to remove it.
- 3 Flip the chicken and repeat on the other side to remove the rest of the backbone.
- 4 Turn the chicken breast-side up and cut along both sides of the breastbone to separate the breasts.
- 5 Remove the wings by cutting through the joint where they attach to the body.
- 6 Separate the legs from the body by cutting through the joint at the base of the thighs.
- 7 Optionally, separate the drumsticks from the thighs by cutting through the joint.
- 8 Trim any excess fat or skin as desired.
Ingredients to explore
Anise Seeds
Anise seeds are small, oval seeds with a sweet, licorice-like flavor. They are commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes, offering a warm, aromatic taste.
Aioli
A luscious, velvety emulsion of garlic and olive oil, aioli is a rich and aromatic sauce that dances on the palate with its creamy texture and bold, pungent flavor.
Recipes to try
Sesame Chicken Fried Rice with Veggies
Savory fried rice packed with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and toasted sesame seeds for an irresistible nutty crunch.
Roasted Eggplant and Chickpea Wraps with Yogurt
Creamy yogurt swirls with smoky roasted eggplant and hearty chickpeas, all wrapped in a warm tortilla for a veggie-packed meal.