A whole fryer chicken is far more economical and takes up less packaging than buying chicken in pieces and it doesn’t take long once you get the hang of it!
What Utensils are Needed?
First things first. A clean, even work surface is critical to avoid cross-contamination. I use a sturdy plastic cutting board since it’s easily sanitized and preferred over wood ones. A sharp pair of kitchen shears or a really sharp knife will cut through meat and joints easily.
Cut Raw or Cooked Chicken?
Cutting raw vs cooked chicken is purely a personal choice. A cooked chicken needs to be cooled for comfortable handling and may have some shrinkage due to the fat being cooked off.
How Many Pieces are in a Whole Chicken?
The standard piece size after cutting up a whole chicken for maximum utilization is 8 pieces:
2 breasts 2 thighs 2 wings 2 drumsticks
However, depending on your needs, whole chickens can be cut in a variety of ways. Any leftover bits you don’t use (like the backbone) can be saved to use in broth or for making gravy.
When cutting a chicken (or any meat) you’ll be cutting along the natural joints and pieces of meat for the most part. Cutting meat should not be difficult if you cut between the natural breaks between muscles and between the joints. The exception is when you need to trim through bone to remove the backbone.
How to Cut a Whole Chicken into Pieces
The method above should leave you with 8 pieces of chicken.
Other Ways to Cut a Whole Chicken
Butterfly also known as spatchcock is a great way to cook a chicken. Spatchcocking removes the backbone so the chicken lies flat making chicken meat easier to cook evenly. It can also be cut in half and the other half can be frozen for later. To Cut In Quarters After spatchcocking, find the joint where the leg is attached and gently cut between the ball and socket joint.
What to Make with Chicken Pieces
There are so many ways to make juicy, tender chicken! Whether it’s Baked Chicken Thighs, Grilled Chicken Breast, or Fried Chicken and Waffles, they are all super easy to make and have a tasty crispy exterior. Deliciously savory Roasted Balsamic Chicken, Hoisin Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, and Crockpot Chicken Fajitas are full of flavor. Don’t forget the gravy and broth, too!
