How to Get All the Meat Off a Rotisserie Chicken in Simple Steps

By Avi Green October 02, 2023

If you're a fan of barbecue and grilled delights, a rotisserie chicken is likely a staple in your culinary repertoire. However, getting every bit of meat off the bones without leaving behind any valuable protein can be a challenge. This guide will walk you through the best techniques on how to get all the meat off a rotisserie chicken, ensuring that you maximize your yield and enjoy every ounce of your rotisserie masterpiece.

how to get all the meat off a rotisserie chicken

Why This Guide Matters for Barbecue Enthusiasts

Barbecue aficionados understand the value of perfectly cooked meat. Whether you're preparing for a grand feast or simply whipping up some weekday dinner, knowing how to properly handle a rotisserie chicken can make a significant difference. By following these steps, you'll learn not only the art of efficient meat removal but also how to repurpose the leftovers for future recipes.

The Tools You Will Need

Before diving in, ensure you have the right tools on hand. You'll need:

A good pair of kitchen shears
A sharp chef's knife
Cutting board
Kitchen towels for grip
A bowl for the meat
A separate container for bones and skin

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Get All the Meat Off a Rotisserie Chicken

Let's get into the meat of the matter:

Step 1: Preparing Your Workspace

Start by setting up your workspace. Lay your cutting board on a stable surface and place all your tools within arm's reach. Make sure your kitchen towels are handy as they will help grip the chicken.

Step 2: Removing the Wings

Using your kitchen shears or a sharp knife, remove the wings first. This gives you better access to other parts of the chicken. Cut through the joints that connect the wings to the body to prevent leaving any meat behind.

Step 3: Detaching the Legs

Next, move on to the legs. Pull one leg away from the body until the joint becomes visible, then cut through it using your knife. Repeat for the other leg. Don't forget to slice through any skin that may still be connecting the legs to the body.

Step 4: Breast Meat Removal

Lay the chicken on its back and find the breastbone. Carefully cut down along one side of the breastbone, slicing through the meat until you reach the rib cage. Peel away the breast meat slowly, ensuring you leave no meat attached to the bones. Repeat on the other side.

Step 5: Getting the Thigh Meat

Turn your attention to the thighs. These areas typically have a lot of meat that often gets overlooked. Use your knife to separate the thigh meat from the bone.

Step 6: Cleaning the Carcass

Now that you have removed the main parts, check the carcass for any remaining meat. Use your fingers to pull off any bits of meat that might be clinging to the bones. These can be used for soups or salads.

Tips for Repurposing the Leftover Meat

Once you've gotten all the meat off your rotisserie chicken, there are numerous ways to repurpose it:

Chicken Noodle Soup
Salads and wraps
Gyros
Sandwiches
Tacos

Storing the Leftover Meat

Proper storage is crucial to maintain the quality of the leftover meat. Store the meat in an airtight container and refrigerate it. For tips on storing a rotisserie chicken, check out this guide on storing rotisserie chicken.

The Best Way to Keep Rotisserie Chicken Warm

Sometimes, you're not ready to eat right away. In such cases, knowing how to keep your rotisserie chicken warm can be a lifesaver. Here are some tips: