Last weekend I helped process our first round of chickens
for the season. I work on the
“clean” side of the butchering shop.
After the chicken’s head, legs, and feathers are removed, I eviscerate
the birds and separate them into leg/thigh, wings, and breast cuts. I know it is strange, but I actually
enjoy this part. I like the
repetitive movements, making clean and smooth cuts, and challenging myself to
work faster. It is probably even
more strange that while I am doing this, I can’t help but think about how I am
going to turn one of these fresh birds into a feast later that day. I appreciate roast chicken because it
is a simple and satisfying meal.
But I love roast chicken leftovers. I love barbecue chicken sandwiches, Thai chicken pizza, and
chicken enchiladas. The little bit
of time I spend scraping every last bit of meat off a roast chicken is well
worth it. Let’s start with the
basics here.