How To Cut Up a Chicken

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

Photo: Oxmoor House

Remove gizzards and innards; set aside.

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Step 2: Legs

Photo: Oxmoor House

Remove leg quarters.

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Step 3: Thighs and Drumsticks

Photo: Oxmoor House

Separate thigh and drumstick.

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Step 4: Wings

Photo: Oxmoor House

Remove wings.

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Step 5: Backbone

Photo: Oxmoor House

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

Photo: Oxmoor House

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 8

Step 1: Remove Innards

2 of 8

Step 2: Legs

3 of 8

Step 3: Thighs and Drumsticks

4 of 8

Step 4: Wings

5 of 8

Step 5: Backbone

6 of 8

Step 6: Remove and Cut Breast

7 of 8

Southern Living Home Cooking Basics

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Everything In This Slideshow

How To Cut Up a Chicken

1 of 8

Step 1: Remove Innards

2 of 8

Step 2: Legs

3 of 8

Step 3: Thighs and Drumsticks

4 of 8

Step 4: Wings

5 of 8

Step 5: Backbone

6 of 8

Step 6: Remove and Cut Breast

7 of 8

Southern Living Home Cooking Basics

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