How to Cut Up a Fryer Chicken
When you purchase chicken parts, you are paying a premium for someone else to cut up the whole chicken. Those trying to stretch their food budget can instead buy a fryer chicken whole and cut it up at home. This small task can save the consumer up to 30 cents per pound, and the chicken can then be cooked by the same methods as chicken parts from the store. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator if it is frozen. Alternatively, place the wrapped, frozen chicken in a cold water bath in the sink or a stockpot to thaw. Change the water every 30 minutes until the chicken is completely thawed.
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2
Remove the giblet package from the inside cavity of the chicken. Rinse the chicken body and cavity with cold water.
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3
Hold the washed chicken upright on the cutting board. Point the tail end down with the backbone facing you. Use a sharp knife to slice the back into two sections, using one side of the backbone as a guide for the knife.
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4
Lay the split chicken flat, breast side down on the cutting board. Slice through the skin holding the wing to the breast. Twist the wing to pull the wing joint from the shoulder socket. Cut the wing from the bird, and repeat with the second wing.
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5
Slice the thigh skin in the same manner as the wing. Twist to remove the thigh bone from the socket and complete the cut. Repeat with the second thigh piece.
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6
Divide the breast of the chicken by slicing the meat away from the center breastbone of the carcass. Slice the opposite end of the breast away from the remaining backbone in order to have boneless breast meat.
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Separate the thigh from the drumstick by cutting through the skin and twisting the leg bone until it separates from the thigh socket. Finish the separation by cutting the two pieces apart. You can also use this method to separate the three sections of the wing.
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8
Rewash the chicken by placing the parts under cold, running water. Package for the freezer or cook using the desired recipe.
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Tips & Warnings
Cut-up fryer chickens can be stored for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. If you do not plan to cook the chicken within this time, refreeze the parts for later use.
When whole fryers are on sale, you can purchase several and cut them up. Repackage and freeze family-sized portions of the different cuts such as drumstick, breasts and thighs.
