How-To & Diy

How to Break Down a Chicken

by:
July 11, 2012
12 Comments

Inspired by conversations on the FOOD52 Hotline, we're sharing tips and tricks that make navigating all of our kitchens easier and more fun. Today, something every home cook should know: how to break down a whole chicken. 

Chicken

 

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Here's something every home cook should know: how to break down a whole chicken. It certainly can be an intimidating task but once you get the hang of it, you'll wonder what you were ever hesitant about.  

Lucky for us, our developer, and recent culinary school grad, Amanda Li is showing us how to master the task. Why pay extra for pre-cut chickens when you can do it yourself? 

Do you have any tips or tricks for breaking down a chicken? 

 

Today's video was shot by Alex Lisowski, and edited by Kyle Orosz. 

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Kristy Mucci
I'm a freelance food and prop stylist, writer/editor, and video producer.

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12 Comments

AntoniaJames
AntoniaJames November 21, 2012
I just used what I learned from this video to break down a turkey, including boning the breast for the Tuscan Turkey Roulade. This, plus a razor sharp vintage packing company boning knife and a fair bit of patience, made the effort not just successful, but quite satisfying, too! Thank you!! ;o)
 
BurgeoningBaker
BurgeoningBaker July 17, 2012
I like how she says gently but looks very NOT gentle.
 
DiggingDogFarm
DiggingDogFarm July 15, 2012
Honestly, the video could be better.
Here's some much better instruction.....
How to Cut Up a Whole Chicken

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zW5BFvCmV7k
 
Pam
Pam September 21, 2013
Thank you for sharing the video. It is indeed provides very clear instructions.
 
clevercajun
clevercajun July 12, 2012
Love the video! I especially like the extra tips and tricks like taking out the wishbone etc.
 
clevercajun
clevercajun July 12, 2012
Love the video! I especially like the extra tips and tricks like taking out the wishbone etc.
 
Sugartoast
Sugartoast July 11, 2012
Awesome, thanks!
 
mcs3000
mcs3000 July 11, 2012
I mangle chickens. This video is a savior. Thank you!
 
Gmarkb
Gmarkb July 11, 2012
I find its easier just to cut the backbone out of the chicken first. You do risk losing the "oyster" but my method seems a heck of a lot less complicated than the method demonstrated on this video.
 
Amanda L.
Amanda L. July 11, 2012
Definitely you could do that. This method is a riff on the method that they teach at the French Culinary, with a few edits (aka blunders) on my end
 
aargersi
aargersi July 11, 2012
You make it look easy! But - I will try. Could you do a deboning a whole chicken video too?
Oh and a whole rabbit video! Right now I just cut the poor dear up with kitchen shears - fairly inelegant.
 
georgia.meckes
georgia.meckes July 11, 2012
This is my reflection on tackeling the chickens we are raising...http://farmtastictimes.com/2012/06/26/not-for-the-bleeding-chicken-hearts/