Have a question about cutting chicken breast

[lillypaddle]

It's probably dumb, but hey - that's just me!

Here is what the recipe says:

Pat chicken dry, then cut in half horizontally, creating 2 pieces. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, Kosher salt, Black pepper

Okay, does that mean cut it horizontally creating a top and bottom, or does that mean to cut it as if you are butterflying it (making 2 thinner breasts out of one)?

As always, appreciate your help.

[Aviation Pro]

1. Like butterflying

Think of horizontal as parallel to your cutting surface.

[lillypaddle]

2. ahhhh!

Thanks so much!

[Pantagruel]

3. Slicing tip

With many meats, butterflying can be made easier by freezing partially, maybe 20-30 min. with a normal sized chicken breast. And make sure your knife is sharp-watch your fingers.

[lillypaddle]

4. Thanks. It's frozen now, so as it thaws a bit

I will take your advice.

[essaynnc]

5. Or it could mean...

Cut a whole chicken breast into 2 separate pieces, like we get it from the store.

[lillypaddle]

6. Too late! LOL

I tend to think the butterfly method was right, as it is going to be sauteed with a garlic honey sauce, and if it's thick, it might dry out. We'll see. Thanks for your input.

[mitch96]

7. And "butterflying" sounds way cooler than "cut horizontal"..😏 nt

[lillypaddle]

8. and the meaning is clearer! nt

[MontanaMama]

9. The posters who responded to your question

are correct! And...it isn't a dumb question at all.

[lillypaddle]

10. Thanks, MM

I'm 73 and have been cooking for 50 years, and yet something seemingly simple presents itself and I am flummoxed.

DU is an encyclopedia of knowledge! Love you guys!

[trof]

11. Butterfly doesn't give you two separate pieces.

It's like a butterfly's wings.
Two 'panels' but connected.
A horizontal cut with knife parallel to cutting board gives you two separate pieces, cut all the way through.

[lillypaddle]

12. trof, I used "butterfly" just as a descriptive term for the cut

doesn't take much to separate the two pieces. Anyway, the chicken turned out beautifully and was delicious,