Learn how to carve a whole chicken to make the most out of your purchase. Did you know that an organic whole chicken is the cheapest way to buy organic poultry? Do not let any go to waste.
Why buy a whole chicken?
I will be the first to confess that for a long time, I shied away from buying whole chickens. They are after all a little intimidating. What do you do with it? How do you cook it? They seem like a big commitment and hassle. I’m here to tell you they are not.
When I started my homemaking journey I stuck to strictly buying chicken breasts for fear of trying to tackle a whole chicken. Eventually, I discovered that whole chicken is a really easy meal. If you are looking for a quick and easy recipe check this AirFryer Roasted Chicken out.
Whole chickens are easier for the simple reason that it takes less work to make them taste good! Unlike chicken breast which can be bland and dry a whole chicken delivers juicy and flavorful meat every time.
Whole Chicken the Economical Choice
Another reason why a whole chicken is one of my favorite choices is because I, like many other Americans, am on a budget. I am looking for healthy and wholesome meals and a whole chicken is a budget-friendly way to buy organic poultry at an affordable price per pound.
Tools to Debone a Whole Chicken
To begin, I made this list in case you are a beginner cook and don’t own many kitchen tools. Once upon a time, I too was a beginner homemaker and there is no shame in that. Learning how to cook homemade meals for your family and friends is a wonderful skill and an often neglected step on the journey to a healthier lifestyle. That being said, I do make a very small commission at absolutely no cost to you, if you choose to purchase any of the items through my link. Thank you in advance if you do! If you want, you can find my full disclosure here.
- Good Knives – These are not the cheapest but they are reasonably priced. I own a set and it has served me well.
- Knife Sharpener- This is a very basic one that will last for years.
- Cutting board- I like to have a separate cutting board that is dishwasher-safe for raw meat. Something sturdy like this one would work.
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How to debone a whole chicken
To begin make sure the knife you are using is large enough and sharp enough to handle the job. I recommend using an 8″ butcher knife like this one. Next, take the chicken out of the package and remove the baggie of the neck and organs if it comes with it. It will be in the cavity.
Now, begin by making an incision between the drumstick and thigh and then grabbing the drumstick and popping the joint out of place releasing the leg from the thigh as pictured below.
Next, we will repeat the process with the thigh and the main body or trunk. You are looking for the joint between where the thigh attaches to the main body. It will be towards the back. Once you find it you will snap it out of place before cutting the skin and cartilage that remains attached after you separate it.
Repeat on the other side. You should have left the breasts, wings and back still attached.
Removing the breasts and wings
To remove the breast you are going to make a cut right in the midline in a vertical direction. you will hit the breastbone. putting pressure on it with the knife crack it and then remove the breast. either right or left. he rib bones will be attached. carefully remove them by gently cutting them right next to them as if filleting the breast. Repete on both sides.
Lastly, remove the wings by once again finding the joint and snapping it out of place before cutting the attaching tissue off. Set them aside to use for broth if desired. Skin the breasts if desired.
Deboning the Chicken thighs
If you desire to debone the chicken thighs make an incision along the bone. Fillet around while rotating it until it comes loose.
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How to Debone a Drumstick the Easy Way
By far the coolest thing to debone in my opinion is a drumstick. I am going to show the easiest way to do it.
First start by cutting the white cartilage from the top, the part that was attached directly to the thigh. AKA the fat part.
Next, hold it upright with the incision part up as shown below, and hold it as you tap it on the counter. all the meat should come loose and you should be able to slide it down.
Next, pull it through the bottom and out the other side as shown below, and cut it off the bone.
Take your time to cut off any remaining cartilage and a small sharp bone that will still be in there. It will look like a long needle. Once you’re done you should be left with something that looks like a small chicken thigh and a clean bone.
That is it! you are done! You may cook the chicken in a variety of dishes like this Easy and Savory One-pot Chicken Fricassee or this warm and cozy Chicken and Dumpling Soup. Also, do not throw the bones and wings away. Use them to make this basic and nutritious Chicken Broth.
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