When planning a restaurant or takeaway menu, the type of chicken cut you choose can make all the difference in flavour, texture, cost and consistency. Every cut has its own character, cooking method and purpose.
At Magna Foodservice, we help professional kitchens across the UK choose the right fresh halal poultry to keep menus delicious, cost-efficient and easy to prepare.
In this guide, we break down the key fresh chicken cuts, explain when to use each, and show how you can source them reliably from our Fresh Poultry range.
Why Does Choosing the Right Chicken Cut Matter?
Selecting the right chicken cut isn’t just a culinary decision; it’s a business one.
The right cut:
- Ensures consistent portion sizes and cooking times.
- Helps control costs and reduce waste.
- Adds variety and balance to your menu.
- Improves customer satisfaction with predictable quality.
Whether you run a quick-service takeaway, grill restaurant or large-scale catering kitchen, choosing cuts strategically can lift margins while maintaining taste and presentation.
1. Chicken Breast Fillet: Lean, Versatile and Consistent
The most popular choice for chefs and takeaways alike, breast fillets are lean, mild and versatile.
Their uniform size allows fast, even cooking ideal for grilled chicken burgers, wraps, curries or breaded portions.
Our 200g Halal Chicken Fillet offers perfect portion control with minimal trimming or prep time.
Buy in bulk through our Chicken Fillets product page and enjoy a consistent supply backed by halal certification.
Best for: Burgers · Grilled mains · Breaded dishes · Stir-fries
Cooking tip: Keep the heat moderate to avoid drying out this lean cut.
2. Chicken Thigh: Juicy and Flavour-Packed
Thighs are a favourite among chefs who value flavour and tenderness. Their slightly higher fat content keeps them moist during long cooks, making them excellent for curries, peri-peri chicken, biryanis and BBQs.
They’re also more affordable per kilo than fillets, a smart choice for high-volume kitchens.
Explore our halal-certified Fresh Poultry selection to stock high-quality chicken thighs ready for marination or grilling.
Best for: Saucy dishes · Slow cooks · Grills · Curries
Cooking tip: Ideal for marinating overnight to lock in spices and juices.
3. Drumsticks: Affordable Crowd-Pleasing Classics
Chicken drumsticks remain one of the most cost-effective and satisfying menu items. Their natural portion size makes them perfect for combo boxes, fried chicken meals and takeaway packs.
Order them fresh from our halal poultry range, delivered via a temperature-controlled cold chain. They offer great yield and visual appeal, crispy skin, tender meat and finger-food convenience.
Best for: Fried chicken · Family meals · Value menus
Cooking tip: Parboil before frying for juicy interiors and crisp skin.
4. Chicken Wings: The Menu Hero for Starters and Sharing
Few items fly off the menu faster than a plate of wings.
Whether it’s game night or a casual meal, fresh halal wings are the go-to choice for sharing and upselling sides.
At Magna Foodservice, we supply a range of Chicken Wings (10 kg Brown) and 2-Joint Chicken Wings that help operators maintain both quality and margin.
They’re versatile, fry, grill or bake and pair well with sauces or coatings.
Best for: Starters · Snacks · Sharing platters · Meal deals
Cooking tip: Coat in flour and rest for 15 minutes before frying for extra crispness.
5. Whole Chicken: Flexible for Roasting and Catering
Whole birds are the best option for catering events or carvery menus.
They offer multiple cuts of breast, thighs, wings and drums in one product, maximising yield and minimising waste.
Use whole halal chickens for roast dinners, shredded meat for wraps, or meal-prep services.
Order directly from our Fresh Poultry category for consistent quality and reliable supply.
Best for: Catering · Carvery · Roasted dishes · Meal prep
Cooking tip: Roast slowly and rest for at least 10 minutes before carving.
Matching Cuts to Menu Types
| Menu Type | Recommended Cut | Why It Works |
| Grilled or Fried Burgers | Breast Fillet | Lean, consistent portions |
| Curries, Peri-Peri, Stews | Thigh | Juicy, flavour-retaining |
| Takeaway Combo Meals | Drumsticks | Value, portion-friendly |
| Starters & Sharing Platters | Wings | High-margin, crowd favourite |
| Carvery or Event Catering | Whole Chicken | Flexible yield, minimal waste |
Pro Tips for Menu Costing and Storage
- Choose consistent weights (like 200 g fillets) for a predictable cost per portion.
- Track delivery temperatures and rotate stock using FIFO (First In First Out).
- Store fresh chicken between 0 °C and 4 °C never freeze and thaw repeatedly.
- For longer storage flexibility, compare options in our Myths About Frozen Chicken guide.
Magna Foodservice guarantees freshness through a controlled cold-chain delivery, ensuring your poultry arrives ready to prep and serve.
Ready to Choose Your Fresh Poultry Cut?
Whether you’re perfecting a menu staple or testing a new recipe, having the right cut on hand saves time and enhances quality.
Explore our full range of Fresh Halal Poultry from premium fillets to value wings delivered fresh and ready for your kitchen.
