Stop Wasting Money on Chicken

Summary

In this video, you'll learn how to break down a whole chicken yourself, saving money while maximizing the value of every part. The process is simple, and with a few key tools, you'll be able to break the bird into breasts, thighs, drums, wings, tenders, and make homemade stock from the scraps. The presenter offers clear, step-by-step instructions, and even shows how to use chicken skin to make schmaltz. By the end of the video, you'll not only save money but improve the flavor and nutrition of your meals with homemade chicken stock and flavorful dishes like chicken noodle soup, chicken adobo, and more.

Takeaways

• 😀 Breaking down a whole chicken is significantly cheaper than buying individual parts like boneless, skinless breasts, and will save you around 56% on average.
• 😀 Even if you throw away the bones instead of using them for stock, breaking down a whole chicken saves you 34% on meat alone.
• 😀 Chicken tenders are the most expensive part of the chicken when bought separately, but you get them for much less when you break down a whole bird.
• 😀 The time it takes to break down a chicken decreases with practice, and it only takes a few minutes once you're familiar with the process.
• 😀 Breaking down a whole chicken not only provides meat but also results in valuable scraps for homemade chicken stock, which can save you even more money.
• 😀 Making homemade chicken stock from bones and vegetable scraps is healthier, tastier, and more cost-effective than buying store-bought stock.
• 😀 The video offers a step-by-step guide for safely breaking down a chicken with simple kitchen tools like a knife, paper towel, and a stock pot for scraps.
• 😀 In addition to chicken meat and stock, breaking down a chicken gives you schmaltz, a flavorful chicken fat that can be used for cooking or as a garnish.
• 😀 Homemade stock made from chicken bones provides essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and collagen, making it a healthier choice compared to commercial options.
• 😀 Once you've learned to break down a chicken, you can use every part of the bird to create various recipes like chicken soup, chicken pot pie, fried chicken, and more.

Q & A

What is the main benefit of breaking down a whole chicken according to the video?

The main benefit is that breaking down a whole chicken can save you a significant amount of money—on average, 56% compared to buying individual chicken pieces. It also allows you to use all parts of the chicken, including bones and scraps, to make homemade stock, which further saves money.

How does the quality of meat from a whole chicken compare to pre-cut pieces?

The quality of meat from a whole chicken is generally superior to pre-cut pieces, which can sometimes contain tendons, membranes, and other connective tissue. By breaking down the chicken yourself, you get cleaner, better-quality meat.

What is the savings percentage for chicken at Walmart, Kroger, and Ralphs when using a whole chicken for breakdown?

At Walmart, using a whole chicken results in a 52% savings. At Kroger and Ralphs, the savings can reach up to 72%, especially if you use the bones to make homemade stock.

Why does the narrator recommend practicing with a roasted chicken before breaking down a raw one?

The narrator suggests practicing with a roasted chicken because it is easier to separate the meat along natural divisions. Plus, roasted chicken is often cheaper than raw chicken, making it a more affordable option to practice with.

What is schmaltz, and how can it be used?

Schmaltz is chicken fat, or 'chicken butter,' made by slowly heating chicken skin and fat scraps until they become brown and crispy. It can be used as a flavorful oil in various recipes, such as frying aromatics for risotto, making chicken adobo, or even as a garnish for other dishes.

What can be made using the chicken stock and chicken scraps after breaking down a whole bird?

You can make a variety of dishes using the chicken stock and scraps, such as chicken noodle soup, risotto, chicken adobo, chicken pot pie, and fried chicken tenders, among others.

What are some tips for making clearer chicken stock?

To make clearer stock, you should skim off any foam or impurities during the first 30 minutes of simmering. Additionally, keep the stock at a low simmer, without boiling, to avoid emulsifying the fat and causing the stock to become cloudy.

What are the steps to making homemade chicken stock?

To make homemade chicken stock, add chicken parts and vegetable scraps (like stems, leaves, and skins) to a pot, cover with water, and simmer for 3-4 hours. After simmering, strain the solids, and you have your stock. You can adjust seasoning or add herbs depending on how you plan to use the stock.

How does the process of breaking down a chicken become easier with practice?

With practice, breaking down a chicken becomes quicker and more efficient. The narrator mentions that, initially, it might take 5 to 10 minutes, but with experience, they can break down a chicken in just a few minutes.

Why is it important to use a clean knife hand when breaking down a chicken?

Using a clean knife hand ensures a firm, safe grip when repositioning the chicken. It reduces the risk of accidents, as a greasy or slippery knife hand can cause the knife to slip, which can be dangerous.