How to Break Down a Whole Chicken

Learn how to break down a whole chicken step by step. In this week’s technique video, I walk you through how to properly break down a chicken into airline breasts, legs, thighs, and wings while maximizing yield and minimizing waste. We’ll remove the wishbone, preserve the oyster, french the drumette, and save the bones for stock. Understanding how to break down a chicken is one of the most important foundational skills in cooking. It saves money, improves your knife skills, and gives you complete control over your ingredients. Nothing wasted. Every cut intentional. This video is part of my weekly technique series, where we focus on building real kitchen skills one step at a time. If you enjoy cooking from scratch and learning the fundamentals, subscribe and come gather at our table. These are my top kitchen tools that I use every week. Each one earns its place in my home kitchen, and I’ve linked them below so you can easily shop what I actually use. Disclosure: These are Amazon affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I actually use in my own kitchen. Thanks for supporting Gather at Our Table! Wusthof Chef Knife https://amzn.to/4r5fmU6 Wusthof Steel https://amzn.to/4aBeZeh Opinel Le Petit Chef Knife Set For Kids https://amzn.to/46HSwKc Lodge Cast Iron Pan https://amzn.to/4ktRqYe Oxo Wood Spoons https://amzn.to/3ZX5yj4 Boos Block Cutting Board https://amzn.to/3MnbQ8x Welcome to Gather At Our Table, a warm, family centered cooking channel where simple, bright, delicious recipes come to life. I’m Reggie Powell, a former Chef, sharing the meals we make together in our home kitchen. Here you’ll find easy recipes, family friendly meals, cozy baking, and quick kitchen tips designed to help you cook with confidence. Every video is crafted to be simple, doable, and full of flavor. ✨ What you’ll find on this channel • Easy, step by step recipes • Family moments in the kitchen • Kitchen tips and techniques • Made from scratch baking • High quality visuals with clear instructions • New videos every week Whether you’re a home cook, a busy parent, or just someone who loves good food, you’ll feel right at home here. 👉 Subscribe to cook with us every week and gather around our table for simple, bright recipes the whole family will love. Chapters: 00:00 intro 00:22 remove chicken from bag 00:36 wing tips 00:42 wishbone 01:02 wings 01:18 legs and thighs 01:30 oysters 01:55 breasts 02:42 airline chicken breasts 03:24 chicken tenderloins 03:40 breakdown legs and thighs 04:00 Thanks for watching! 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss a new recipe.