How to Carve a Chicken Like a Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide

Carving a whole chicken may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy once you know the proper techniques With the right tools and these simple step-by-step instructions, you’ll be carving chickens like a pro in no time.

Why Learn to Carve a Chicken?

There are several benefits to learning how to properly carve a chicken yourself

• Get More Meat – You’ll get far more meat off the chicken when you carve it correctly, rather than just hacking off pieces.

• Present Beautifully – Carving creates lovely presented pieces you can artfully arrange on a platter.

• Learn a Useful Skill – It’s a handy talent to have for holiday meals and dinner parties.

• Save Money – DIY carved chicken costs a fraction of store-bought rotisserie chicken.

So let’s get carving!

Carving Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy gadgets to carve a chicken. Here’s the basic equipment you’ll need:

• Sharp Knife – A sharp chef’s knife, carving knife or boning knife.

• Carving Fork – Helps you hold the chicken steady as you slice.

• Cutting Board – Get a large board with a deep juice well to catch drips.

• Platter – To arrange carved chicken on for serving.

• Aluminum Foil – For covering carved pieces and keeping them warm.

Step-by-Step Carving Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfectly carved chicken every time:

1. Let Chicken Rest

After roasting or rotisserie cooking, let the chicken rest 15 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute so they don’t spill out when sliced.

2. Position Chicken

Place chicken breast-side up on cutting board. Tilt to empty cavity juices into roasting pan for gravy.

3. Cut Skin Between Leg & Body

This exposes the hip joint so you can see where to slice the leg off.

4. Remove Leg & Thigh

Bend leg away from body, cut through hip joint and twist leg off.

5. Separate Drumstick from Thigh

Cut between drumstick and thigh joints to separate pieces.

6. Repeat Steps 3-5 on Other Leg

Remove second leg & thigh, separate drumstick from thigh.

7. Cut Breast Meat Away From Bone

Slice along breastbone, angling knife under meat to remove breast halves.

8. Slice Breast Meat

Cut each breast half crosswise into nice slices.

9. Cut Off Wings

Slice through the wing joints to remove wings.

10. Arrange on Platter and Serve

Artfully arrange carved pieces on a platter. Cover with foil to keep warm and moist.

And that’s it! Just follow these simple steps for picture-perfect carved chicken every time.

Carving Tips & Tricks

Here are some handy tips to help you carve like a pro:

• Use a sharp knife – A sharp knife cuts cleanly through joints without tearing meat.

• Work slowly – Take your time and don’t rush the process.

• Cut between joints – Locate joints and cut through them neatly.

• Keep pieces covered – Cover carved meat with foil to retain warmth and moisture.

• Save scraps for stock – Toss bones, skin and scrap meat into a ziplock bag and freeze for homemade stock.

• Shred remaining meat – Pull leftover shreds of breast meat from the carcass to use in salads, sandwiches, soups etc.

Get Creative With Carved Chicken

A home-carved chicken offers endless possibilities for delicious meals:

• Pile sliced meat on sandwiches or tacos

• Use for chicken salads and wraps

• Make enchiladas, casseroles or stir fries

• Top pizza with shredded chicken

• Mix into pastas, soups and chili

• Meal prep chicken for the week ahead

However you put your carved chicken to use, follow these foolproof steps for pro-level carved chicken every time. With a little practice, you’ll be impressing dinner guests with your carving skills in no time!