How to Flatten Chicken: 12 Steps (with Pictures)

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How to Flatten Chicken: 12 Steps (with Pictures)
How to Flatten Chicken: 12 Steps (with Pictures)
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Chicken has a very versatile flavor and texture. You can flatten a whole chicken to reduce cooking time or you can beat just the breast with a meat mallet to stuff it with your favorite ingredients.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Beat the Chicken Breasts

Flatten Chicken Step 1
Flatten Chicken Step 1

Step 1. Remove chicken breasts from the freezer 12-24 hours before cooking

Flatten Chicken Step 2
Flatten Chicken Step 2

Step 2. Put them in the fridge in a sealed plastic bag

The chicken must be completely defrosted before beating.

Flatten Chicken Step 3
Flatten Chicken Step 3

Step 3. Place a layer of wax paper on a very large cutting board

Place the chicken breast on the paper and cover it with another sheet.

  • Alternatively, you can keep the chicken in its plastic bag and cut a corner to let the excess air out.
  • Although greaseproof paper can transmit more bacteria, it's easier to get the chicken off the cutting board if you use layers of paper to keep it from sticking.
Flatten Chicken Step 4
Flatten Chicken Step 4

Step 4. Score the meat two-thirds horizontally with a sharp knife

Flatten Chicken Step 5
Flatten Chicken Step 5

Step 5. Begin beating the chicken with the meat tenderizer, starting from the center

Gently tap in the middle, then move to the sides of the meat.

If you don't have a meat tenderizer, you can use a rolling pin

Flatten Chicken Step 6
Flatten Chicken Step 6

Step 6. Continue beating until the meat is 6 cm thick

If you need a thinner slice for your recipe, keep flattening it with your fingers.

Flatten Chicken Step 7
Flatten Chicken Step 7

Step 7. Remove the top layer of the paper

Spread the filling over the piece of meat and roll up the chicken slice or transfer it to the baking sheet with a spatula.

Method 2 of 2: Flatten the Whole Chicken

Flatten Chicken Step 8
Flatten Chicken Step 8

Step 1. Place the whole chicken, breast side down, on a plastic cutting board

Plastic cutting boards are better in this case because they can be washed at high temperatures in the dishwasher to get rid of all bacteria.

Flatten Chicken Step 9
Flatten Chicken Step 9

Step 2. Find the backbone, which runs across the back of the chicken

Use scissors to cut the spine on both sides.

Flatten Chicken Step 10
Flatten Chicken Step 10

Step 3. Remove the backbone and tail, including the fat pad at the base of the tail

Flatten Chicken Step 11
Flatten Chicken Step 11

Step 4. Spread the chicken halves as wide as possible

Look for the small white piece of cartilage at the top of the chicken. Insert your index and middle fingers until you find the bone.

  • You should feel a bone in the center of the two breasts. You should also be able to hook your two fingers on either side of the bone.

    Flatten Chicken Step 12
    Flatten Chicken Step 12
Flatten Chicken Step 13
Flatten Chicken Step 13

Step 5. Open the chicken as far as possible on both sides

It should stay flat as you grill or cook it in the oven.

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