How to Truss a Chicken

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(15 Ratings)

You need to know how to truss a chicken if you want the chicken to keep its shape while roasting. It is also important to truss a chicken if you are going to cook it on a rotisserie. Trussing will keep the wings and legs from flopping around while cooking. It's a very simple technique and here are some easy directions to follow.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Whole chicken
Cutting board
String

Step 1

Place the chicken on a cutting board with the breast side up. The tail should be facing you.
Step 2

Slip a string under the center of the chicken's back, making sure that the ends are even.
Step 3

Draw the string up on the sides of the chicken gently encircling the wings.
Step 4

Pull the string toward you. This will make the wings lay flat against the chicken's sides.
Step 5

Cross the strings at the base point of the chicken's breast, and wrap the string carefully around each drumstick pulling it tight until the legs of the chicken cross.
Step 6

Pick up the tail end of the chicken and wrap a string around the chicken's tail, making sure to pull the string tightly until the cavity of the chicken is covered. Tie a knot in the string.
Step 7

Place the chicken with the breast facing up, and bring the ends of the string back to the front of the chicken. Tie a string into a knot and trim of any excess string.

Tips & Warnings

A chicken can be trussed whether it is stuffed or not.
Remove the string after the chicken has been cooked, but before carving.
In a small rotisserie, the wings will most likely hit the burners, if you do not truss the chicken correctly.
Be extremely careful when you handle poultry. Wash everything that came into contact with the chicken, and your hands, with warm soap and water or a mild solution of bleach and water.

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