How to break down a chicken? Learn how to break down a chicken quickly and easily! A whole chicken can be a little daunting, but it’s really not that hard to break down. In this video, we’ll show you the easiest way to do it so you can get on with cooking up your delicious dinner.
Once you see how easy it is, you’ll be able to do it in no time. So let’s get started! Follow along with the video and learn how to break down a chicken like a pro. You’ll be an expert in no time!
Why Do You Break Down A Chicken?
There are many reasons why you need to break down a chicken, including:

Make chicken easier for cooking
The first and most obvious reason to break down a chicken is to prepare it for cooking. This process is also known as “butchering” a chicken. Breaking the chicken down into smaller pieces helps to ensure that it cooks evenly, and also allows you to cook different parts of the chicken separately if you wish.
This usually involves removing the skin and any visible fat, as well as cutting the chicken into smaller pieces so that it will cook more evenly. If you want to get the meat off the bones, you will need to break the chicken down even further. This is especially important if you are going to make soup or stew. So, why do you break down a chicken? The answer is simple – to prepare it for cooking!
Make smaller portions
Another reason to break down a chicken is to make smaller portions. This can be helpful if you are feeding a large group of people and want to make sure that everyone gets enough to eat.
It can also be helpful if you are trying to save money on groceries. Buying a whole chicken and breaking it down into smaller portions can be much cheaper than buying individual chicken breasts or thighs.
If you are cooking for a large group, you may want to consider making a double batch of your favorite chicken recipe. Then, you can cook one batch right away and freeze the other for later. Breaking down a chicken ahead of time will save you time when you are ready to cook.
Make chicken easier to eat
The next possible reason why you would want to break down a chicken is to make it easier to eat. Some people have a hard time getting all the meat off of chicken bones, so breaking it down can help make it a bit more manageable. You can also use this method to create smaller, more bite-sized pieces of chicken that are perfect for dipping in sauces or eating on their own.
This can be helpful if you are serving chicken to young children or elderly adults. Cutting the chicken into smaller pieces can make it much easier for people to chew and swallow. It can also help prevent choking.
If you are cooking for someone who has difficulty swallowing, you may want to puree the chicken instead of cutting it into small pieces. This will create a smooth, easy-to-eat consistency that is less likely to cause choking.

Make chicken stock
Another reason to break down a chicken is to make chicken stock. To do this, you will need to simmer the chicken carcass in water for several hours. This will extract all of the flavor from the bones and create a delicious, healthy stock that can be used in a variety of recipes.
When making chicken stock, be sure to add some aromatics to the water before simmering. Aromatics such as carrots, celery, and onion will add even more flavor to the stock.
Once the stock is finished, it can be strained and used immediately or stored in the fridge for later use. Chicken stock is a versatile ingredient that can be used in soups, stews, sauces, and more. It’s an easy way to add flavor and nutrition to any dish.
Easier to store
Another reason why you break down a chicken is that it is much easier to store in your fridge or freezer. When you have a whole chicken, it can be difficult to find a place to store it properly. However, when you break it down into individual pieces, it is much easier to store and will last longer in your fridge or freezer.
If you are planning on cooking a whole chicken, make sure that you have the proper storage containers. When you have a whole chicken, it can be quite difficult to find a place to store it properly without taking up too much space.
If you break the chicken down into smaller pieces, however, it will be much easier to store in your fridge or freezer without taking up too much space. You can also store the chicken in portioned sizes so that you can defrost and cook only what you need, which will save you time and money in the long run. This means that you will be able to cook chicken more often, which is always a good thing.
How To Break Down A Chicken?

Tools Needed To Break Down A Chicken
To break down a chicken, you will need some tools, including a sharp knife and a cutting board. If you have a whole chicken, you will also need a roasting pan large enough to fit the chicken.
If you are breaking down a raw chicken, you will need to sterilize your tools before beginning. To do this, simply rinse your knife and cutting board with hot, soapy water. Then, rinse them with clean water and allow them to air dry.
If you are breaking down a cooked chicken, you do not need to sterilize your tools. However, you will need to make sure that they are clean before beginning.
You may also want to have a bowl or other container nearby to collect the chicken parts as you work. You may also need some kitchen shears to cut through chicken bones.
Steps To Breaking Down A Chicken
If you want to learn how to properly cook chicken, then you will need to know how to break it down into smaller pieces. This can be done by cutting along the breastbone with a sharp knife. You should also remove the wings and legs by cutting through the joints.
Finally, cut the chicken thighs and legs into smaller pieces. When doing this, make sure that all of the pieces are about the same size. Moreover, be careful not to cut yourself while breaking down the chicken.
Here are our step-by-step to break down a chicken:

Step 1: Remove The Chicken’s Feathers
The first thing to do before breaking down a chicken is to remove its feathers. To do this, you will need to find a chicken that has already been plucked or use a live chicken. If using a live chicken, you will need to kill it first before proceeding.
To remove the feathers from a plucked chicken, simply use your hands to rub the skin and pull off any remaining feathers. If using a live chicken, you will need to dunk it in boiling water for a few seconds first. This will loosen the feathers so that they can be removed more easily.
Pluck the chicken’s feathers off. You can do this by either using your hands or a pair of pliers. Be sure to remove all of the feathers, as they can be quite sharp.
Step 2: Cut Off The Chicken’s Head
The next step is to cut off the chicken’s head. To do this, you will need a sharp knife and a cutting board. Place the chicken on the cutting board and position its head so that it is facing towards you.
Then, using a sharp knife, make a clean cut through the neck just below the head. If you are having trouble cutting through the bone, you can use a pair of kitchen scissors to make the initial cut.
You should cut off the chicken’s head first because it will make it easier to remove the chicken’s body parts. When doing this, you should be careful when handling the knife, and make sure that the cutting board is stable.
Step 3: Remove The Chicken’s Entrails
The next step is to remove the chicken’s entrails. To do this, you will need to locate the chicken’s vent, which is located at the base of the chicken’s tail. Then, using your fingers or a spoon, carefully reach inside the vent and begin to pull out the chicken’s entrails.
This can be done by carefully cutting around the vent with a sharp knife. Be sure to remove the liver, heart, and gizzard as well as any other organs that may be present. To remove the innards, you should first cut around the vent with a sharp knife.
Next, reach in and carefully remove any organs that may be present. These include the liver, heart, and gizzard. Once all of the innards have been removed, you can proceed to the next step. These can all be discarded. With the chicken now eviscerated, you’re ready to move on to the next step.
You should be careful when doing this, as the entrails can be sharp. Once you have removed all of the entrails, you can discard them or save them for another use.

Step 4: Remove The Chicken’s Feet
Using a sharp knife, cut off the chicken’s feet as close to the ankle joint as possible. If you’re having trouble cutting through the bone, you can use a pair of pliers to get a better grip on the foot.
To remove the chicken’s feet, you should first using a sharp knife, cut off the chicken’s feet as close to the ankle joint as possible. If you’re having trouble cutting through the bone, you can use a pair of pliers to get a better grip on the foot.
Once the feet are removed, give the chicken a good rinse under cold water. trim any excess fat or skin from around the ankles. You should remove the chicken’s feet because they are not edible. When doing this, you should make sure not to cut yourself.
Step 5: Remove The Chicken’s Wishbone
The next step is to remove the chicken’s wishbone. To do this, you will need to locate the chicken’s breastbone. Then, using your fingers or a spoon, carefully reach inside the breastbone and begin to pull out the chicken’s wishbone.
You should be careful when doing this, as the wishbone can be sharp. Once you have removed the wishbone, you can discard it or save it for another use.
Step 6: Cut The Chicken Into Pieces
The next step is to cut the chicken into pieces. You can do this by cutting along the breastbone with a sharp knife. Once you have done this, you will need to remove the wings and legs. You can do this by cutting through the joints with a sharp knife.
Then, use a kitchen scissors to cut through the ribs on each side. Finally, cut the chicken thighs and legs into smaller pieces. When doing this, you shoud make sure that all of the pieces are about the same size. Moreover, you should be careful not to cut yourself while doing this.
Step 7: Rinse The Chicken Inside And Out
The final step is to rinse the chicken inside and out with cold water. This will remove any blood or bacteria that may be present on the surface of the chicken. Once you have cut the chicken into pieces, you will need to rinse them under cold water. This will remove any blood or residue that may be present.
When rinsing the chicken, you should make sure to do it in a sink that is clean and free of any food particles. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the inside of the chicken as well, including the cavity and organs.
You’ll want to do this under cold water, taking care to remove any blood or other matter that may be present. After rinsing the chicken, pat it dry with a paper towel or clean dishcloth. The chicken is now ready to be cooked!
Things To Keep In Mind When Breaking Down A Chicken

There are many things to keep in mind when breaking down a chicken. The first and most important thing is to make sure that the chicken is clean. Any bacteria on the surface of the chicken will be transferred to your hands and knife, and can potentially cause food poisoning. Therefore, it is essential to wash the chicken thoroughly before beginning.
The second thing to keep in mind is to use a sharp knife. A dull knife will not only make the job more difficult, but it can also be dangerous. A sharp knife is less likely to slip and cause injury.
When breaking down the chicken, start by removing the legs. Cut through the skin and meat at the joint, and then twist the leg to pop it out of place. Next, remove the wings in the same manner.
The breast is the largest and most difficult piece to remove. Start by cutting through the skin and meat along the breastbone. Once you have a slit open, carefully insert your knife and slice down alongside the ribcage to detach the breast.
Remove the remaining meat from the carcass. This can be done by cutting around the neck and then slicing down the back. You can also remove the meat from the legs and wings if you so desire. With the meat removed, the carcass can now be discarded.
The next important thing to keep in mind is to properly clean your hands and knife. Any bacteria that was on the chicken will now be on your utensils. Be sure to wash them thoroughly with soap and hot water.
You should also clean any surfaces that the chicken may have touched, such as countertops or cutting boards. Again, use hot water and soap to disinfect these areas. It is because of these potential dangers that it is always advisable to wear gloves when handling raw chicken.

Breaking down a chicken may seem like a daunting task, but it is actually quite simple once you know what to do. Just be sure to keep in mind the importance of cleanliness, and to use a sharp knife. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to have success in breaking down your chicken.
When breaking down a chicken, you should pay attention to where you are cutting. You should make sure that you cut through the skin and meat at the joint. Next, you should remove the wings in the same manner. After that, you should start by cutting through the skin and meat along the breastbone.
Another thing to keep in mind when breaking down a chicken is be careful not to cut through the bone. You should also avoid cutting into the meat too deep, as this will make it harder to cook evenly. Finally, you should rinse the chicken with cold water before cooking.
When breaking down a chicken, you must be very careful where you are cutting. If you cut through the skin and meat at the joint, it will be very difficult to cook the chicken evenly. It is important to remove the wings in the same manner. After that, you should start by cutting through the skin and meat along the breastbone.
With those steps, you will be able to remove the breast. Finally, you should remove the remaining meat from the carcass by cutting around the neck and then slicing down the back. If you follow those steps, you’ll have success in breaking down your chicken.
FAQs

What are the different cuts of meat on a chicken?
There are 8 different cuts of meat on a chicken: the thigh, the leg, the wing, the breast, the back, the neck, the heart and the gizzard. You should ask your butcher to help you identify these cuts.
How do I remove the skin from a chicken?
The skin can be removed by using a sharp knife to gently peel it away from the meat. If you want to remove the skin from a chicken, you should first make sure that the chicken is cooked. Once the chicken is cooked, the skin will be easier to remove.
What is the difference between white and dark meat?
White meat is typically more tender and has a lower fat content than dark meat. Dark meat is richer in flavor and often considered to be more juicy. Moreover, dark meat contains more iron than white meat.
Is it better to cook chicken with the skin on or off?
It depends. If you are looking for a juicier and more flavorful chicken, then you should cook it with the skin on. However, if you are concerned about the fat content, then you should remove the skin before cooking.
What is the best way to cook chicken?
There are many different ways to cook chicken. Some of the most popular methods include baking, frying, grilling and roasting. You can also cook chicken in a slow cooker or pressure cooker.
How long should I cook chicken for?
The cooking time will depend on the method you are using. For instance, if you are baking chicken, you will need to cook it for around 30 minutes at a temperature of 200 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, if you are frying chicken, you will need to cook it for a few minutes on each side.
Can I cook a chicken with the bones in?
Yes, you can cook a chicken with the bones in. However, it is important to note that the cooking time will be longer. Additionally, you should make sure that the chicken is cooked through before consuming it.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to break down a chicken, it’s time to put your skills into practice. Start by watching some videos of people breaking down chickens so you can see the process in action.
Next, gather all of your supplies and set up your workstation. Cut off the head and neck first, then remove the wings and legs. Finally, remove the breast meat and cut it into smaller pieces. With a little practice, you’ll be an expert at breaking down chickens in no time!

Jen Lin-Liu is the founder of Black Sesame Kitchen. A Chinese-American writer and a nationally certified Chinese chef in Beijing. Jen is the author of two memoirs, Serve the People: A Stir-Fried Journey Through China and On the Noodle Road: From Beijing to Rome with Love and Pasta.