Cutting chicken into sections... before or after cookinng?

[upyourdiva]

I have a whole chicken, want to use all of it for once!

Using breasts tonight for a biryani, roast chicken legs tomorrow and chicken and sweetcorn mayo with baked potato on Tuesday and maybe boil carcass for chicken soup.

So should I section up the chicken before cooking and use pieces as needed or cook whole chicken and then pick off bits?

Section it first. Much easier, and means that you can reheat any unfinished meals safely. Turn the carcass into stock too, for soup or other cooking, to maximize economy.

Aah thank you.

Also should have added (stupid question) but what is the best way to make stock for soup or gravy etc?

cover the carcass with water
add onion,chopped veg such as carrots and leeks,some peppercorns and bayleaves.
bring to the boil then simmer for a couple of hours,skim off any skanky bits off the top then strain into a bowl.
freezes brilliantly too

I'd just add that you should cover the bones and bits with cold water, then bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Do check it fairly regularly, the smell of scorched chicken bones is not the aroma you want!!!