Introduction

If you've ever wondered how to cut a whole chicken into pieces, you've come to the right place. Kitchen shears are a versatile tool that can make the task much easier and safer than using a knife. In this guide, we'll take you step-by-step through the process of cutting a chicken into pieces with kitchen shears. With a little practice, you'll be able to break down a chicken in no time.

Materials and Tools

Before you begin, make sure you have the following materials and tools:

• 1 whole chicken
• Kitchen shears
• Cutting board
• Clean kitchen towel or paper towels
• Kitchen gloves (optional)

Make sure your kitchen shears are sharp and in good condition. Dull shears can make the task more difficult and increase the risk of injury. Also, ensure that your cutting board is clean and stable to prevent slipping.

Preparation

Before you start cutting the chicken, it's important to properly prepare your workspace and the chicken itself.

Cleaning the Chicken

Rinse the chicken under cold running water and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Remove any giblets or organs from the cavity and discard them.

Brining the Chicken (Optional)

Brining the chicken can help keep it moist and flavorful during cooking. To brine the chicken, dissolve 1/4 cup of salt in 4 cups of water and submerge the chicken in the solution for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator. Rinse the chicken with cold water and pat it dry before cutting.

How to Handle a Raw Chicken Safely

Raw chicken can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella, so it's important to handle it safely to prevent foodborne illnesses. Use kitchen gloves if you prefer and avoid touching your face, hair, or any other surfaces while handling the chicken. Wash your hands and any surfaces that come into contact with the raw chicken thoroughly with hot, soapy water.

Importance of Having a Clean Workspace

Ensure your workspace is clean and free of any potential hazards. Make sure your cutting board is stable and not wobbly, and that it's free of any debris. Clean any utensils or surfaces that come into contact with the raw chicken with hot, soapy water.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to cut a whole chicken into pieces using kitchen shears:

1. Remove the Legs

   Hold the chicken steady with one hand and use the kitchen shears to cut through the skin between the leg and the body. Cut through the joint to remove the leg from the chicken. Repeat on the other side.

   Bonus Tip: You can also cut through the joint with a sharp knife instead of using the kitchen shears.

2. Separate the Thighs from the Drumsticks

   Use the kitchen shears to cut through the joint that connects the thigh and the drumstick. Repeat on the other side.

   Bonus Tip: If you're having trouble finding the joint, use your fingers to feel for it.

3. Remove the Wings

   Use the kitchen shears to cut through the skin between the wing and the body. Cut through the joint to remove the wing from the chicken. Repeat on the other side.

   Bonus Tip: You can also twist the wing to dislocate the joint before cutting through it with the shears.

4. Cut the Breast in Half

   Use the kitchen shears to cut along the breastbone on one side of the chicken. Once you reach the end of the breastbone, use the shears to cut through the ribs to remove the breast from the chicken. Repeat on the other side.

   Bonus Tip: You can also use a sharp knife to make the initial cut along the breastbone.

5. Optional: Cut the Breast into Smaller Pieces

   If you prefer smaller pieces of chicken breast, you can use the kitchen shears to cut each breast half in half again.

   Bonus Tip: To make it easier to cut the breast into smaller pieces, remove the skin first.