How to break down a whole chicken

Cut the loose skin between the leg and the chicken (1 chicken) breast to reveal the leg joint.

Step 2: Step two

Bend the leg back until the bone pops right out of the joint.

Step 3: Step three

Turn the chicken (1 chicken) over and using a sharp knife, cut through to separate the leg.

Step 4: Step four

Repeat the same steps with the second leg.

Step 5: Step five

You will notice a natural seam on the leg. Use this as a guide to separate the drumstick from the thigh.

Step 6: Step six

The knife should cut straight through the joint. Don't worry if you hit the bone, just wiggle the knife around until you find the cartilage and it should glide straight through.

Step 7: Step seven

Repeat with the second leg.

Step 8: Step eight

Remove any excess skin and feel for the wishbone on the back end of the chicken (1 chicken). Make a small incision to reveal the bone and then you can remove it with your hands.

Step 9: Step nine

Next, feel along the top of the chicken (1 chicken) for the breast bone.

Step 10: Step ten

Cut to one side of the breast bone, gradually working your way along the rib cage with the knife until the chicken (1 chicken) breast is fully removed.

Step 11: Step eleven

Repeat on the other side following the same technique to remove the second chicken (1 chicken) breast.

Step 12: Step twelve

To remove the wing, carefully cut through the joint that attaches the wing to the body. The knife will slice straight through.

Step 13: Step thirteen

Chop up the carcass bones using a strong, heavy knife such as a cleaver and save them for chicken (1 chicken) stock. They will last in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.

Step 1: Step one

The roast chicken (1 chicken) follows many of the same steps as the raw chicken. Begin, by cutting the loose skin between the leg and the chicken breast.

Step 2: Step two

Carefully bend the leg back to reveal bone and cut straight through the joint. Repeat with the other leg.

Step 3: Step three

Next, remove the wings by cutting straight through the joint.

Step 4: Step four

Feel for the breast bone and make a cut to each side. Gradually work the knife along the rib cage until the chicken (1 chicken) breast comes off in one piece. It's worth noting that you can also remove the wishbone before taking off the breast. I left it in for this example.

Step 5: Step five

Repeat the same process until both chicken (1 chicken) breasts are removed.

Step 6: Step six

Next, pick any remaining meat from the bones so you don't waste anything. You can use this meat for pies, soups and sandwiches etc. Chop up the bones and use them to make chicken (1 chicken) stock.