How to Debone a Whole Chicken

Deboning a chicken yourself is a good idea. That means that there are fewer people getting their hands on the chicken and less of a chance of food borne illness. It is also more economical to get the whole chicken, rather than in parts, and the carcass and wing bones make a good stock.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sharp chef's knife
• Cutting board

1. Wash your hands thoroughly. Make sure the cutting board and knife are clean before handling the chicken.
2. Place the chicken on the cutting board, breast side up. Locate the wing joint and use a chef's knife to cut off the wing tip. Leave the wing bone attached at this time; do not throw this away.
3. Run the knife down the side of the leg in order to expose it. Break back the leg. You'll hear a popping noise. Cut the leg off. Proceed with cutting the meat off the leg bone.
4. Turn the chicken around so that the wings are facing you. Find the breastbone in the center of the chicken and use short little cuts along the breastbone until you reach the edge. Come from underneath and cut along the length of the breast, as well. Keep moving down, until the entire breastbone has been cut.
5. Cut off the breasts by moving the knife down the side of the bone and set them aside. Turn the chicken to the side and remove the wings. Pop the joints back and cut through them.