You can buy pre-cut chicken parts at the grocery store, but cutting up the bird yourself ensures that the pieces are of equal size so they cook evenly. Senior Food Editor/Test Kitchen Manager Jennifer Armentrout demonstrates how to cut a whole chicken into eight serving pieces. You can buy pre-cut chicken parts at the grocery store, but cutting up the bird yourself ensures that the pieces are of equal size so they cook evenly. Senior Food Editor/Test Kitchen Manager Jennifer Armentrout demonstrates how to cut a whole chicken into eight serving pieces.