How to Cut a Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is a versatile and delicious protein that can be used in a variety of dishes. But before you can cook it, you need to know how to cut it properly.

This step-by-step guide will show you how to cut chicken breast so that it is ready to cook in no time.

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My How to cut up a chicken breast video

How to cut a whole chicken breast

If you follow these few steps you will be able to create cubes and strips pretty quickly and it will become second nature to you when you cut up a chicken breast.

Removing the tenderloin

The tenderloin is a small, thin piece of meat that is located beneath the breastbone of a chicken breast. It is a very tender piece of meat that is often used in recipes that call for chicken breast fillets.

There is a good chance that your chicken breast will not have a tenderloin attached when you get your chicken breast.

My chicken breast has a tenderloin attached because I get my chicken breast from a whole chicken. I have an entire post that covers how to cut up a whole chicken.

To remove the tenderloin from a chicken breast, you will need a sharp knife and a cutting board.

1. Place the chicken breast on a cutting board with the breastbone facing down.
2. Use a sharp knife to cut along the breastbone, starting at the thickest part of the chicken breast and working your way down.
3. Once you have cut through the breastbone, you will be able to see the tenderloin.
4. Use your fingers to gently separate the tenderloin from the chicken breast.
5. Once the tenderloin is free, you can cut it away from the chicken breast.

The tenderloin can be used in any recipe that calls for chicken breast fillets. It is a very tender piece of meat that is sure to please.

Cutting into cubes

To cut up chicken breasts into cubes, you will need a sharp knife, a cutting board, and one or two chicken breasts. Place one chicken breast on the cutting board and use the sharp knife to cut it in half lengthwise.

Next, lay one of the chicken breast halves flat on the cutting board and cut it into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.

Finally, stack a few of the chicken strips on top of each other and cut them into small cubes, about 1/2 inch square. Repeat steps 4 and 5 with the other chicken breast half. Once the chicken is cut into cubes, you can use them in your favorite recipe.

Cutting your chicken breast into cubes is extremely common. It’s a great way to add chicken breast to a stir fry or into a chicken salad or a chicken and cheese quesadilla.

The first step is to keep the chicken breast all the same thickness so that the cubes you create will cook the same.

If you are not sure what knife is best I have an entire post on kitchen knives for beginners.

Cutting into strips

1. Prepare the chicken breast. Rinse the chicken breast under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel.
2. Cut the chicken breast in half lengthwise. Place the chicken breast on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it in half lengthwise, creating two thinner chicken breasts.
3. Lay one of the chicken breasts flat on the cutting board.
4. Cut the chicken breast against the grain into thin strips. To find the grain, look for the direction of the muscle fibers. Cut perpendicular to the grain.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 with the other chicken breast.
6. Use the chicken strips in your favorite recipe. Chicken strips can be used in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries, soups, salads, and casseroles.

Butterflying a chicken breast

To butterfly a chicken breast, you will need a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper.

1. Rinse the chicken breast under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel.
2. Place the chicken breast on a cutting board.
3. Lay a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper over the chicken breast.
4. Use a sharp knife to cut the chicken breast in half lengthwise, stopping about 1/2 inch from the other side.
5. Open the chicken breast like a book.
6. If desired, pound the chicken breast to an even thickness.

Butterflying a chicken breast makes it cook more evenly and quickly. It also allows you to stuff the chicken breast with your favorite ingredients, such as cheese, vegetables, or herbs. This is a great way to freeze chicken and easily thaw it for another meal.

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This can really be a popular way to cut up a chicken breast so that it can cook evenly. This is my preferred way if I’m going to saute chicken breast.

The benefit is that you get a lot of surface area of the chicken to the pan and this will bring flavor with the browning of the chicken.

If you have enjoyed learning how to cut chicken breast I also have a post on how to cut a chicken wing and a great post on how to debone a chicken thigh.

Conclusion

Cutting chicken breast can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With a sharp knife and a little practice, you can easily cut chicken breast into strips, cubes, or even butterflies it.

Once you know how to cut chicken breast, you can use it in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries, soups, salads, and casseroles.