How to Cut Up a Whole Chicken

A lot of folks have asked what to make with a whole chicken, and while I am a big proponent of using the whole animal - and I have sent out many whole chicken recipes - I understand that for many recipes, you may only want certain cuts of chicken. However, it can be more economical to purchase a chicken whole, so it is always good to know how to cut one up to get the part that you wish to use and save the remaining parts for another time.

The two most crucial components to cutting up a whole chicken are a sharpened knife and a cut glove. A close third is your drink of choice - in my case, a vodka tonic! ha!

I always start with the wings, followed by the rear quarters, the breasts, and finally, the tenders. I know for many, cutting up a whole chicken can seem intimidating. It was for me initially, as well, but I am here to tell you if I can do it, so can you!

Our self-serve, on-farm store is fully stocked with both whole and parted broiler chickens, as well as whole, pastured turkey and eggs, so don’t forget to stop by and stock your freezer.

Pour yourself a beverage, grab your chicken, a cutting board, knife, and cut glove, and give it a go! Let me know if you tried this and how it turned out!

How to cut up a whole chicken.