How to Butterfly Chicken Breast Like a Pro: A Simple Guide for Perfect, Healthy Cooking!
Butterflying a chicken breast is a simple yet essential technique every home cook should master. It transforms thick chicken breasts into thinner, even pieces that cook faster, more evenly, and can be easily stuffed for creative recipes.
In this How to Butterfly Chicken Breast blog I will guide you step-by-step so that you’ll soon feel confident butterflying chicken breast for all kinds of dishes. Don’t miss the video and photos below to see the process in action!
Why Butterfly Chicken Breast?
- Even Cooking: Prevents the thinner part from drying out while the thicker part finishes cooking.
- Faster Cooking: The thinner cut reduces cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Perfect for Stuffing: Butterflied chicken breasts can be filled with ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or cheese, then folded and cooked for an impressive dish.
What you will need
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Sharp chef’s knife or boning knife
- Cutting board
- Paper towels
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Butterfly Chicken Breast
Prep Your Workspace
Let’s go step-by-step on How to Butterfly Chicken Breast.
Start by placing your chicken breast on a clean cutting board. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This ensures better grip and a safer cutting process.
Identify the Thicker Side
Chicken breasts are naturally uneven, with one side thicker than the other. Position the thicker side towards your dominant hand for better control.
Slice Horizontally
Using your sharp knife, carefully slice through the thickest part of the chicken breast, holding the thinner side steady with your other hand.
- Keep the blade parallel to the cutting board.
- Cut slowly, stopping about ½ inch from the edge to create a “hinge” that holds the two halves together.
Open the Breast Like a Book
Gently unfold the chicken breast, spreading the two halves apart like the pages of a book. You now have a butterflied chicken breast.
Even It Out
For an even thickness, place a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper over the butterflied chicken or do not use anything and pound directly on the meat.
Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the breast until it’s uniformly flat, about ¼ to ½ inch thick.
Safety Tips
- Sanitize Your Tools: Always wash your hands, knife, cutting board, and any surfaces that have come into contact with raw chicken. This helps prevent cross-contamination.
- Cut Slowly: Rushing can lead to accidents. Take your time to ensure an even cut.
How to Butterfly Chicken Breast Troubleshooting Tips
- If the Chicken Tears: Don’t worry! Cover the chicken with plastic wrap and gently pound it to smooth out the surface.
- For Uneven Shapes: If the breast is too irregular, trim off thinner edges and use them for other recipes like stir-fries or chicken strips.
Common Recipes That Use Butterflied Chicken Breast
- Stuffed Chicken Breast for a delicious dinner.
- Chicken Schnitzel: “Bread” and fry butterflied chicken breasts for a crispy, golden meal.
Nutritional Insights
Butterflying chicken breast helps control portion sizes, allowing for leaner cooking. The even thickness ensures that no part is overcooked, preserving the juicy texture and nutrients.
Before You Go…
Try this butterflying technique with your favorite recipe! If you’re looking for ideas, check out my recipes for AIP Stuffed Chicken Breast or Tastiest Chicken Breast Schnitzel.
Have #you tried butterflying chicken breasts before? Let me know how it went in the comments below, or share your own tips!
