10/03/2026
The Ultimate Chicken Cuts Guide: Complete Breakdown of Every Part of a Chicken
Understanding chicken cuts is essential for cooking, meal planning, and choosing the best piece for each recipe. Every section of a chicken has a different texture, flavor, and cooking method. This complete guide explains each cut shown in the image so you can identify and use every part efficiently.
Head
The head is rarely used in many Western dishes but is commonly included in broths and traditional soups in many cultures. It contains small amounts of meat and gelatin that enrich stock flavor.
Neck
Chicken neck is often used for making rich broth and soup stock. It contains connective tissue and bone that release collagen during cooking, creating a deeper flavor in soups and sauces.
Breast
The breast is one of the most popular chicken cuts. It is lean, tender, and high in protein. Chicken breast is commonly used for grilling, baking, pan-searing, stir-frying, and salads.
Chicken Tenderloin (Sasami)
The tenderloin is the thin strip of meat located underneath the breast. It is the most tender part of the chicken and cooks quickly. This cut is often used for chicken strips, fried chicken tenders, and quick sautéed dishes.
Back / Dorsum
The back portion contains less meat but is extremely valuable for making stock and broth. It provides bones, fat, and connective tissue that enhance soup flavor.
Wing Drumette
The drumette is the upper section of the chicken wing that connects to the body. It resembles a small drumstick and contains more meat than other wing parts. It is commonly used in fried wings, baked wings, and barbecue wings.
Wing Mid-Joint / Flat
The wing flat is the middle section of the wing. It has two thin bones with meat between them. This part is very popular in buffalo wings and deep-fried wing dishes.
Wing Tip
The wing tip contains very little meat but is rich in collagen. It is commonly used in soup stock or broth to add flavor and body.
Thigh
Chicken thighs are...