How to Truss a Chicken

Guide Note: Trussing is a simple procedure that can enhance a chicken's quality and presentation. Some cooks think it's the most complicated part of roasting a chicken, but that is hardly the case. This guide to How to Truss a Chicken will show you just how straightforward a process trussing actually is!

Table of Contents:

More Mahalo Food How Tos

Newest How To Guides

Relax with a delicious apple martini

Travel sane by avoiding air travel delays

Why not learn how to belly dance?

Know how to sew and never by stymied by a falling hem again

Enjoy some delicious antioxidants by brewing a cup of white tea

Introduction

(Photo by Susan MacDowell)
(Photo by Susan MacDowell)
  • It's especially important to truss if you are cooking the bird on a rotisserie, or using a roasting technique that requires you to flip it over while cooking. If not properly trussed, the chicken will be harder to turn, and the wings or legs may off in the attempt.

What You'll Need

The string goes underneath the tail, then up and around the drumsticks. (Photo by Susan MacDowell)
The string goes underneath the tail, then up and around the drumsticks. (Photo by Susan MacDowell)
  • There's only a short list of items necessary to truss a kitchen, most of which you may already have on-hand.
  1. Seasonings and/or stuffing, if you're using them
  2. A long piece of kitchen string, 4 to 5 times the length of the chicken
  3. Kitchen shears, sharp knife or regular scissors to trim the string
  4. A cutting board to protect your counter

Prepare the Chicken

Cross the strings across the back of the chicken. (Photo by Susan MacDowell)
Cross the strings across the back of the chicken. (Photo by Susan MacDowell)
  • No trussing just yet. There are a few things you'll need to do beforehand.
  1. Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity of the bird
    • These are usually wrapped in plastic or paper. You can discard them, or set them aside if you need them for gravy, or another recipe.
  2. Rinse the chicken with cold water and pat dry.
  3. Season the cavity, and/or stuff the chicken.
  4. Bend the second joints of the wings back, tucking the wings under the chicken.
  5. Place your whole chicken on the cutting board, making sure that it's breast side up.
    • The chicken's tail should be facing you.

Truss the Chicken

  • It's time to truss. Just take it step by step. Remember, the object is to secure the parts of the chicken into a snug, flippable package.
Trim off the excess string. (Photo by Susan MacDowell)
Trim off the excess string. (Photo by Susan MacDowell)
  1. Place the middle of the string underneath the tail.
  2. Bring the ends of the string up and cross them over the tail.
  3. Cross the string over the ends of the drumsticks (from the inside), then loop around once, pulling the strings tight.
  4. Flip the chicken over.
  5. Cross the strings across the back of the chicken, centering one string over each wing.
  6. Turn the chicken breast side up.
  7. Pull the strings tight, securing the wings against the body.
  8. Tie the strings in a knot.
  9. Trim the excess string close to the knot.
  10. Check to make sure everything is securely tied.

Trussed Chicken Recipes

Conclusion

  • Roast the chicken using whatever recipe captures your imagination. Before carving, snip the string, pull it off and discard. That's all there is to trussing. Enjoy your bird!

Subscribe to Mahalo's Weekly How To Email Newsletter

  • Get our best How To tips and ideas in your inbox each week

Resources for How to Truss a Chicken



Have any great tips on How to Truss a Chicken? Post your thoughts to the discussion board.