Before you start, make sure you have a good, sharp knife. A chef's knife is ideal, but if you don't have one, a boning knife or a utility knife will work as well. You'll also need a cutting board and some paper towels.
Step 1: Remove the legs
The first step in breaking down a chicken is to remove the legs. To do this, hold the chicken steady with one hand and use your knife to cut through the skin between the leg and the body. Use your other hand to pull the leg away from the body, exposing the joint. Slice through the joint to separate the leg from the body. Repeat on the other side.
Step 2: Separate the drumstick from the thigh
The next step is to separate the drumstick from the thigh. Use your knife to feel for the joint between the two bones, and slice through it to separate the parts. Repeat on the other side.
Step 3: Remove the wings
To remove the wings, cut through the skin where the wing meets the body. Lift the wing up and use your knife to cut through the joint, separating the wing from the body. Repeat on the other side.
Step 4: Remove the backbone
The backbone is the only part of the chicken that you won't be using in this process, so it's time to get rid of it. Turn the chicken breast-side down and use your knife to cut along either side of the backbone, starting from the tail end and working your way up to the neck. Once you've made your cuts, use your hands to pull the backbone away from the chicken and discard it.
Step 5: Cut the breast in half
Now it's time to cut the chicken in half. Start by making a small cut in the breastbone, then use your knife to cut downward along one side of the breastbone, separating one half of the chicken from the other. Repeat on the other side.
Step 6: Trim any excess fat
Finally, take a moment to trim any excess fat or skin from the chicken parts. This will help them cook more evenly and reduce the amount of fat in your finished dish.
That's it! You've now successfully broken down a chicken. With practice, you'll be able to do it quickly and easily, and you'll be able to use each part of the chicken in a variety of delicious recipes. So go ahead and give it a try – you might just be surprised at how easy it is!
