How To Cut Up a Chicken

Oxmoor House

For your next backyard grilling or family feast, don't be afraid to dismantle your own bird. These 6 steps take you through the exact process of cutting up a whole chicken.

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Step 1: Remove Innards

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Remove gizzards and innards; set aside.

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Step 2: Legs

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Remove leg quarters.

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Step 3: Thighs and Drumsticks

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Separate thigh and drumstick.

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Step 4: Wings

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Remove wings.

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Step 5: Backbone

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Cut carcass in half from tail to neck; cut through ribs on either side of backbone. Use a chef's knife or kitchen shears to remove backbone.

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Step 6: Remove and Cut Breast

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Remove the breast by cutting down through shoulder blades. Cut breast in half.

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How To Cut Up a Chicken

1 of 7

Step 1: Remove Innards

1 of 7

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Step 2: Legs

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Step 3: Thighs and Drumsticks

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Step 4: Wings

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Step 5: Backbone

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Step 6: Remove and Cut Breast

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Southern Living Home Cooking Basics

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How To Cut Up a Chicken

1 of 7

Step 1: Remove Innards

1 of 7

2 of 7

Step 2: Legs

2 of 7

3 of 7

Step 3: Thighs and Drumsticks

3 of 7

4 of 7

Step 4: Wings

4 of 7

5 of 7

Step 5: Backbone

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6 of 7

Step 6: Remove and Cut Breast

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Southern Living Home Cooking Basics

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