Master the Art of Butchering Whole Chicken for Budget-Friendly BBQ

Looking to save some money and impress your friends at your next cookout? Learning how to break down a whole chicken is the perfect way to do just that! With just a few simple knife skills, you can have juicy, perfectly cut chicken ready to grill up in no time.

Heath Riles, a BBQ expert, shares his Old School BBQ Chicken Recipe that will take your grilling game to the next level. By breaking down a whole chicken yourself, you not only save money but you also have more control over the quality and freshness of your meat.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of breaking down a whole chicken with ease. Say goodbye to buying pre-cut chicken at the store and hello to delicious, homemade BBQ chicken that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Check out Heath Riles’ Twitter post for the full recipe and get ready to elevate your cookout game!

Breaking down a whole chicken can seem like a daunting task, but with just a few knife skills, you can save money and serve up juicy, perfectly cut chicken at your next cookout. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of breaking down a whole chicken and share an old school BBQ chicken recipe that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

Why should you break down a whole chicken?

Breaking down a whole chicken is not only cost-effective, but it also allows you to customize the cuts of meat to suit your cooking needs. Instead of buying pre-cut chicken pieces, you can save money by purchasing a whole chicken and breaking it down yourself. Plus, you can use the leftover carcass to make homemade chicken stock for soups and sauces.

What tools do you need to break down a whole chicken?

To break down a whole chicken, you will need a sharp chef’s knife, a cutting board, and a pair of kitchen shears. Make sure your knife is sharp to make clean cuts through the chicken without tearing the meat. Kitchen shears are also helpful for cutting through tough joints and bones.

Step 1: Remove the backbone

Start by placing the chicken breast-side down on the cutting board. Using kitchen shears, cut along each side of the backbone to remove it. You can save the backbone to make chicken stock later. Once the backbone is removed, flip the chicken over and press down on the breast to flatten it.

Step 2: Separate the breast

Locate the breastbone that runs along the center of the chicken and make a cut on each side to separate the breasts from the rest of the chicken. You can leave the breasts whole or further divide them into halves or quarters, depending on your cooking preferences.

Step 3: Remove the drumsticks and thighs

Bend the chicken leg back until the hip joint pops out, then use your knife to separate the drumstick from the thigh. Repeat this process on the other side to remove both drumsticks and thighs. You can leave the drumsticks and thighs whole or separate them into individual pieces.

Step 4: Remove the wings

Locate the joint where the wings attach to the body and cut through it to remove the wings. You can further separate the wings into two pieces by cutting through the joint between the drumette and the flat.

Step 5: Save the carcass for stock

After you have removed all the meat from the chicken, save the carcass to make homemade chicken stock. Simply place the carcass in a large pot, cover it with water, add some aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery, and simmer for a few hours to extract all the flavor.

Now that you have successfully broken down a whole chicken, it’s time to put your knife skills to the test with this old school BBQ chicken recipe. This recipe is simple, delicious, and sure to be a hit at your next cookout.

Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with your favorite BBQ rub, then grill them over medium-high heat until they are cooked through and have a nice char. Serve the BBQ chicken with your favorite sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread for a classic summer meal that everyone will love.

Breaking down a whole chicken may seem intimidating at first, but with practice and the right tools, you can save money and have a better understanding of where your meat comes from. Plus, the satisfaction of serving up perfectly cut chicken at your next cookout is priceless. So grab a whole chicken, sharpen your knife, and get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound knife skills.

Learn how to break down a whole chicken and keep that money in your pocket!

With just a few knife skills, you’ll be serving up juicy, perfectly cut chicken at your next cookout. It’s easy and efficient.

Old School BBQ Chicken Recipe – https://t.co/wHNTPlJE52 pic.twitter.com/tRkaqJ98pg

— Heath Riles (@HeathRilesBBQ) July 27, 2024