To cut chicken breast equally, you'll need to focus on both thickness and size. Here's a method to ensure even cooking:
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Halve the breast crosswise: This creates two thinner pieces.
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Split the thick side horizontally (Butterflying): Place the breast flat on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the thickest part of each piece, without cutting all the way through. Open it up like a book. This is called butterflying.
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Pound for Even Thickness (Optional): If necessary, cover the cutlets with plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet until they're all the same thickness. This ensures uniform cooking. Don't over-pound, or you'll toughen the chicken.
Why This Works:
- Halving the breast first reduces the overall thickness.
- Butterflying addresses uneven thickness within the breast itself.
- Pounding ensures each piece cooks at the same rate.
Tips for Success:
- Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for clean, even cuts.
- Plastic Wrap: Using plastic wrap when pounding prevents the chicken from sticking to the mallet and helps keep it intact.
- Gentle Pounding: Avoid excessive pounding, which can make the chicken tough.
By following these steps, you'll achieve evenly cut chicken breasts, which leads to consistent cooking and better results.
