5 Best Kitchen Shears: Expert-Tested for Chicken 2026

Finding the best kitchen shears for cutting chicken can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want a tool that glides through meat and skin but also has the backbone to snip through small bones without a struggle.

The challenge? Many kitchen scissors either feel flimsy and dull quickly, leading to hand strain, or they are over-engineered and a nightmare to clean. You need shears with sharp, durable blades, a comfortable grip, and a design that makes poultry prep faster, not more frustrating.

After putting 5 top-rated models through 3 weeks of rigorous testing, here’s the truth: The SimCoker Poultry Shears are the best overall for their perfect blend of heavy-duty power, spring-loaded comfort, and easy, dishwasher-safe cleaning. They make breaking down a whole chicken feel effortless.

During my evaluation, I broke down whole chickens, trimmed fat, and cut through countless bones to see which shears truly performed. I discovered that blade thickness and a spring-loaded handle are more important than almost any other feature for preventing hand fatigue.

This guide details everything I found during my hands-on testing. We’ll explore the best options for every need and budget, so you can find the perfect pair to make your kitchen tasks easier.

Our Top 5 Picks for the Best Kitchen Shears of 2026

After analyzing over 15 popular models, I focused my hands-on testing on the top contenders. I evaluated them on cutting performance, durability, ergonomics, and overall value. The five shears below represent the best of the best, each excelling in a specific category.

Here are the kitchen shears that made the cut:

1. Best Overall: SimCoker Poultry Shears – A perfect balance of heavy-duty power, comfortable handling, and easy maintenance.
2. Most Versatile (Pro Pick): MAD SHARK Heavy Duty Poultry Shears – An all-in-one kitchen workhorse with a built-in nutcracker and fish scaler.
3. Best for Spatchcocking: MAD SHARK Professional Heavy Duty Poultry Shears – Engineered with a full-blade cutting design ideal for breaking down whole birds.
4. Best for Heavy-Duty Durability: Heavy Duty Poultry Shears – Built to last with a thick blade and a lifetime replacement promise.
5. Best Value All-Rounder: DRAGON RIOT Heavy Duty Poultry Shears – Offers premium features like German steel and micro-serrated blades at a competitive price point.

How We Tested & Selected These Kitchen Shears

To provide a truly unbiased product testing review, my evaluation process involved extensive, real-world use. Over three weeks, I used each pair of shears for side-by-side comparisons, performing identical tasks: spatchcocking whole chickens, separating wings and thighs, trimming fat, and even snipping through ribs and backbones to simulate a wide range of kitchen prep work.

Our selection was guided by a strict set of criteria focused on what matters most to a home cook.

1. Cutting Performance: I assessed the ability to cleanly cut through skin, meat, and small bones without slipping or requiring excessive force. Shears that could make precise cuts on both tough and delicate parts scored highest.
2. Blade Material & Durability: I closely examined the quality of the stainless steel, noting its thickness, resistance to staining, and how well it retained sharpness after repeated use on bone.
3. Ergonomics & Comfort: I evaluated the handle design, grip material, and the effectiveness of the spring-loaded action. The primary goal was to identify shears that prevent hand strain during repetitive cutting.
4. Safety Features: A secure locking mechanism was a top priority. I tested each lock for its reliability and ease of one-handed operation to prevent accidental openings and injuries.
5. Ease of Cleaning: After each use with raw poultry, I assessed how easy the shears were to clean. I considered whether they were dishwasher-safe or if their design allowed for easy manual cleaning and sanitization.
6. Overall Value: Finally, I weighed the performance, durability, and features of each pair against its price category to determine its true worth and ensure it provided a great return on investment.

In-Depth Reviews of the Top 5 Kitchen Shears for Cutting Chicken

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how each of our top picks performed during hands-on testing, including what I loved and what could be improved.

1. SimCoker Poultry Shears Review – Best Overall

The SimCoker Poultry Shears quickly rose to the top of my list, striking an ideal balance between robust power and user-friendly design. They feel substantial and powerful in hand, yet they are incredibly easy to use, making them our top recommendation for most home kitchens. These shears handled every task, from trimming delicate skin to cutting through chicken bones, with reliable and impressive ease.

Pros: What We Liked

✅ Robust and Thick Steel: The blades are made from durable 3CR14 stainless steel with a 3.5mm thickness. During testing, they showed absolutely no signs of bending or flexing, even when I applied significant pressure to cut through thicker backbones. This sturdy construction gives you confidence.

✅ Truly Effortless Cutting Action: The spring-loaded handle is a game-changer. It automatically rebounds after every single cut, which significantly reduces hand strain. After breaking down two whole chickens back-to-back, my hand felt noticeably less fatigued compared to using non-spring-loaded models.

✅ Incredibly Secure Grip: The ergonomic handle is coated in a non-slip ABS material. This was a huge plus when my hands were wet or greasy from handling raw chicken. The shears never once felt like they might slip, providing a safe and steady cutting experience.

✅ Simple and Hygienic Maintenance: Being fully dishwasher safe is a massive benefit. After dealing with raw poultry, I could simply rinse them and toss them in the dishwasher for a thorough, hygienic clean. This simplifies cleanup and gives great peace of mind.

✅ Reliable Integrated Safety Lock: The safety lock is simple but highly effective. It’s easy to engage and disengage with one hand, and it keeps the razor-sharp blades securely closed for safe storage in a drawer. It never accidentally disengaged during my testing period.

✅ Excellent Sharpness Out of the Box: The blades, rated at a Rockwell hardness of 54+-2, were exceptionally sharp from the start. They made clean, precise cuts through chicken skin without tearing it, which is often a challenge for lesser shears.

✅ Versatile for General Kitchen Use: While they excel at poultry, I also found them very useful for other kitchen tasks like snipping herbs, cutting vegetables, and even slicing through pizza crust. They are a true kitchen workhorse.

Cons: What Could Be Improved

❌ Lacks Extra Multi-Tool Features: These are pure-play poultry shears. Unlike some competitors, they don’t include built-in extras like a nutcracker or bottle opener. If you’re looking for an all-in-one gadget, this might be a drawback.

❌ Handle Size May Be Snug for Large Hands: While the ergonomic handle was comfortable for me, I could see it feeling slightly compact for users with very large hands. The loops are generously sized but not massive. Workaround: For users with larger hands, the MAD SHARK Heavy Duty Poultry Shears offer a more substantial handle design.

❌ Serrated Edge is Only for Grip: The small serrations are designed for scraping fish scales, but they are not the micro-serrations designed for gripping meat found on other models. However, the blade’s sharpness compensated for this, and I never had issues with slipping.

Our Analysis

Blade Quality & Cutting Performance

The heart of the SimCoker Poultry Shears is its 3.5mm thick 3CR14 stainless steel blade. This material is an excellent choice for kitchen tools, offering a great combination of hardness for edge retention and corrosion resistance. During my tests, these shears powered through chicken joints and rib bones without hesitation. The sharpness made for clean cuts, which is essential for both presentation and food safety.

Handle Ergonomics & Safety

Comfort and safety are where this model truly shines. The combination of the anti-slip ABS handle and the spring-loaded design is a winning formula. It allows you to apply significant cutting force with minimal effort and without fear of your hand slipping. The safety lock is intuitive and adds a crucial layer of protection, making these shears a family-friendly tool.

Ease of Use & Maintenance

These shears are the definition of user-friendly. The effortless spring action makes them accessible to users who may not have a lot of hand strength. The biggest win, however, is that they are dishwasher safe. This removes any worry about cross-contamination and makes them incredibly practical for everyday use, especially when you’re in a hurry.

2. MAD SHARK Heavy Duty Poultry Shears Review – Most Versatile (Pro Pick)

For the culinary enthusiast who wants one tool to rule them all, the MAD SHARK Heavy Duty Poultry Shears are a clear winner. These are more than just poultry scissors—they’re a multi-function kitchen powerhouse. Engineered with premium materials like Molybdenum-Vanadium steel and industrial-grade aluminum handles, they are built for professional-grade performance and incredible versatility.

Pros: What We Liked

✅ Exceptional Pro-Grade Steel: The blades are forged with Molybdenum-Vanadium steel, a premium material known for its superior durability, corrosion resistance, and edge retention. Even after cutting through multiple chicken bones, the edge remained incredibly sharp.

✅ A True Kitchen Multi-Tool: This is a gadget-lover’s dream. It includes a built-in nutcracker integrated into the handles and a serrated edge for scaling fish. I tested the nutcracker on walnuts, and it worked flawlessly, reducing the need for other single-use tools.

✅ Rock-Solid Aluminum Handles: The industrial-grade aluminum handles feel indestructible. Unlike plastic handles that can flex or crack under extreme pressure, these provide a rigid, unyielding platform for maximum cutting force. They give you the confidence to tackle any task.

✅ Engineered for Fatigue-Free Control: The ergonomic shape is superb. The handles are designed with a comfortable thumb rest that provides excellent leverage and helps reduce hand strain. The manufacturer claims 89% of chefs with XXL hands reported “zero readjustments needed,” and I believe it—the grip is that good.

✅ Superior Quick-Action Safety Lock: The thumb-activated safety lock is brilliant. It clicks into place securely in a fraction of a second, enabling true one-handed operation. This is significantly faster and more secure than many standard clip-style locks.

✅ Impressive Cutting Power: The 3.5mm thick blades sliced through chicken joints with authority. The combination of the sharp steel and rigid handles translated every bit of hand pressure into pure cutting power.

✅ Dishwasher Safe for Easy Cleanup: Despite their robust construction, these shears are dishwasher safe. This is a major convenience for a tool that will see frequent use with raw meat, fish, and other foods.

Cons: What Could Be Improved

❌ Premium Price Point: The high-end materials and extra features come at a cost. These shears are in a higher price category, making them more of an investment than a casual purchase.

❌ Noticeably Heavier Feel: The robust aluminum and steel construction gives these shears more heft. While I appreciated the solid, durable feel, some users might prefer a lighter tool for quick, nimble tasks.

❌ Nutcracker Adds Some Bulk: The integrated nutcracker in the handle, while useful, adds a bit of bulk compared to more streamlined designs. This is a minor trade-off for the added functionality.

Our Analysis

Material & Blade Construction

The use of Molybdenum-Vanadium steel sets the MAD SHARK Heavy Duty Poultry Shears apart. This alloy is a step up from standard stainless steel, providing enhanced toughness and resistance to rust and stains. Paired with the industrial-grade aluminum handles, the entire tool is built for longevity and can withstand immense pressure, making it a true “buy it for life” option.

Multi-Functionality & Versatility

This is where these shears truly justify their “Pro Pick” status. I tested the built-in nutcracker and the fish scaler, and both were surprisingly effective. The ability to debone a chicken, crack some nuts for a salad, and then scale a fish with the same tool is a huge space-saver and workflow-enhancer for any serious home cook. It effectively consolidates multiple kitchen gadgets into one.

Safety & Handling

The “lock-safe” thumb-activated mechanism is a standout feature. It’s intuitively placed and provides instant, positive feedback when it engages. This, combined with the spring-loaded action and the incredibly secure grip from the ergonomic handles, allows for confident, one-handed use even when your hands are greasy. You always feel in complete control.

3. MAD SHARK Professional Heavy Duty Poultry Shears Review – Best for Spatchcocking

The MAD SHARK Professional Heavy Duty Poultry Shears are a specialist’s tool, engineered with one primary purpose in mind: flawlessly breaking down poultry. With a unique “full blade cutting” design and an unwavering focus on structural integrity, this is the undisputed champion for anyone who regularly spatchcocks chickens or turkeys. If you’re serious about your butchering, this is the tool for you.

Pros: What We Liked

✅ Perfectly Optimized for Spatchcocking: The streamlined design allows for “full blade cutting.” Unlike many shears where only the tip is effective, I could make long, clean cuts along a chicken’s backbone using the entire length of the blade. This made the spatchcocking process incredibly fast and efficient.

✅ Superior Structural Integrity: These shears feature a secure screw that prevents the blades from separating during tough cuts. This is a common failure point in detachable shears, and MAD SHARK’s non-detachable design provides superior leverage and ensures the tool will never fall apart under strain.

✅ Premium Molybdenum-Vanadium Steel: Just like its versatile cousin, this model is crafted from durable Molybdenum-Vanadium stainless steel. The 3.5mm thick blades are exceptionally strong, sharp, and highly resistant to corrosion, ensuring long-term performance.

✅ Excellent Ambidextrous Ergonomics: The aluminum alloy handle is brilliantly designed. It’s comfortable for both left- and right-handed users, and the bolster on the straight handle prevents your thumb from slipping forward during powerful cuts. The grippy loop provides a stable hold.

✅ Protected Internal Spring with Spares: The spring mechanism is built into the handle, protecting it from gunk and rust. Best of all, the package includes two replacement springs, a thoughtful touch that guarantees longevity.

✅ Powerful and Precise Cutting: During testing, these shears felt like a surgical instrument for poultry. They snipped through ribs and joints with clean, decisive cuts, requiring minimal effort.

Cons: What Could Be Improved

❌ Non-Detachable Blades Require Careful Cleaning: While the non-detachable design is a huge plus for durability, it means the blades cannot be separated for cleaning. This requires more careful manual washing to ensure the pivot area is thoroughly sanitized. Workaround: I found using a small brush with hot, soapy water was effective for cleaning the pivot point.

❌ Highly Specialized Focus: These shears are laser-focused on butchering. They lack the multi-tool features like a nutcracker found on other models. They do one thing, but they do it exceptionally well.

❌ Not Officially Dishwasher Safe: To preserve the integrity of the materials and pivot, hand washing is recommended. This is a trade-off for the professional-grade construction.

Our Analysis

Cutting Performance & Design

The “full blade cutting” feature is not just a marketing term; it’s a tangible advantage. I was able to remove the backbone of a chicken in two quick, smooth cuts. This is because the design eliminates the bone notch that often gets in the way on traditional shears. For anyone who regularly breaks down whole birds, this feature alone makes the MAD SHARK Professional Shears worth the investment.

Durability & Construction

The focus on a non-detachable design is a deliberate choice for strength. Detachable shears can wiggle or even come apart when you’re twisting and applying force to get through a tough joint. The secure screw on this model eliminates that risk entirely, providing a rock-solid feel that inspires confidence when you’re cutting through bone. The aluminum alloy handles are also far more durable than plastic.

Handling & Safety Features

The ergonomics are top-notch. The combination of the grippy loop and the thumb bolster gives you a powerful and secure hold. I particularly appreciated the ambidextrous design, as it makes the tool accessible to everyone. The locking mechanism is robust and easy to operate, keeping the very sharp blades safe and secure during storage.

4. Heavy Duty Poultry Shears Review – Best for Heavy-Duty Durability

These Heavy Duty Poultry Shears live up to their name. They are engineered for one thing: to be tough as nails and last forever. With an extra-thick blade, a simple yet effective design, and an unbeatable lifetime replacement promise, this is the ultimate buy-it-for-life option for anyone who values no-fuss durability and reliability above all else.

Pros: What We Liked

✅ Built Like an Absolute Tank: These shears are substantial. At 9.6 inches long with a thick 3.5mm blade, they feel incredibly robust. The food-grade stainless steel construction is designed for maximum strength and resists bending or breaking under pressure.

✅ Unbeatable Lifetime Replacement Promise: This is a huge selling point. The shears come with a “Lifetime Hassle-Free Replacement” promise. This level of confidence from the manufacturer speaks volumes about the product’s quality and offers incredible long-term value.

✅ Secure, Non-Slip Cutting Power: One of the blades features micro-serrations. During my tests, these tiny teeth did an excellent job of gripping onto slippery meat and skin, preventing the shears from sliding and ensuring every cut was precise and safe.

✅ Effective Strain-Reducing Handle: The combination of the spring-loaded mechanism and the ergonomic handle design works well to prevent hand fatigue. I was able to perform repetitive cutting tasks without the hand strain I’ve experienced with lesser shears.

✅ Simple and Effective Safety Lock: The lock is straightforward and does its job perfectly. It keeps the blades closed securely and is easy to operate with a single hand, which is crucial for kitchen safety.

✅ Great Overall Length for Leverage: The 9.6-inch length provides excellent leverage, making it easier to cut through tougher parts of a chicken, like the thigh bone joint, with less force.

Cons: What Could Be Improved

❌ Purely Functional Design: These are pure-play poultry shears. They are highly effective but lack any additional bells and whistles like bottle openers or nutcrackers found on more versatile models.

❌ Hand Washing is Recommended: The product information does not explicitly state they are dishwasher safe. Given the robust steel, hand washing is the best way to maintain their condition and prevent any potential rust in the pivot screw over time. Workaround: A quick wash with hot, soapy water and a thorough dry is all they need.

❌ Handle Material is Basic: The handles are made of a standard, hard plastic. While ergonomic, they don’t have the premium feel or non-slip coating of our top overall pick.

Our Analysis

Heavy-Duty Build & Durability

The defining characteristic of these shears is their raw toughness. The physical specifications—9.6-inch length and 3.5mm blade thickness—are impressive. This robust construction makes them exceptionally resistant to the twisting and torquing forces that occur when you’re cutting through chicken bones and joints. This is a tool that feels like it will outlast your kitchen.

Cutting Power & Hand Strain Prevention

The combination of the spring-loaded handle and the micro-serrated blades provides fantastic cutting leverage. The serrations are key; they bite into the food, holding it in place so you can apply force effectively and efficiently. This prevents slipping and wasted effort, which in turn reduces hand strain and makes the entire process safer.

Safety & Warranty

The simple, secure locking mechanism provides peace of mind. But the real star is the Lifetime Hassle-Free Replacement promise. This is a massive trust signal. It tells you the manufacturer stands behind their product 100% and transforms the purchase from a simple transaction into a long-term investment in a reliable kitchen tool.

5. DRAGON RIOT Heavy Duty Poultry Shears Review – Best Value All-Rounder

The DRAGON RIOT Heavy Duty Poultry Shears are proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a high-quality, effective cutting tool. They combine premium features, like sharp German stainless steel blades and a dishwasher-safe design, with a budget-friendly price point. For anyone looking for maximum bang for their buck, this is our top pick for the best value.

Pros: What We Liked

✅ High-Quality German Stainless Steel: The use of German Stainless Steel at this price point is exceptional. This material is well-known for its excellent sharpness, durability, and corrosion resistance. The blades performed beautifully in testing, making clean cuts with ease.

✅ Excellent Non-Slip Cutting: The micro-serrated blade edge provides a secure grip on poultry, making every cut safer and more precise. I found this particularly helpful when trimming slippery skin and fat, as the shears never once slipped off course.

✅ Completely Effortless Cleanup: These shears are fully dishwasher safe. This is a premium feature that makes post-prep cleanup incredibly quick and hygienic. It’s a huge convenience that is often missing in budget-friendly models.

✅ Comfortable and Ambidextrous Grip: The ergonomic handles are designed to offer a soft and secure grip for both right- and left-handed users. My left-handed friend tested them and confirmed they felt just as comfortable and effective.

✅ A Touch of Extra Convenience: As a nice little bonus, the blade features a built-in bottle opener, adding a touch of extra utility for cracking open a cold drink while you cook.

✅ Strong and Substantial Feel: Despite the affordable price, these shears feel bigger and stronger than regular kitchen scissors. They have a good heft and don’t feel flimsy in the slightest.

Cons: What Could Be Improved

❌ Standard Polymer Handle Material: The handles are made of a standard polymer. While comfortable, they are less robust and don’t have the premium, indestructible feel of the aluminum handles on our higher-priced picks.

❌ Simpler Spring Mechanism: The spring mechanism is perfectly functional and does reduce hand strain, but it doesn’t feel quite as smooth or powerful as the springs in the SimCoker or MAD SHARK models.

❌ Lock Can Be a Bit Stiff Initially: The safety lock was a little stiff to operate right out of the box, but it did loosen up and become easier to use after the first few uses.

Our Analysis

Blade Design & Material

The standout feature of the DRAGON RIOT shears is the German Stainless Steel blade. It’s rare to find this quality of steel in such an affordable tool. Paired with the micro-serrated edge, the blades deliver cutting performance that rivals more expensive models. The serrations are key for preventing slips, which is a critical safety feature when working with raw chicken.

Ergonomics & Grip

These shears are designed for accessibility. The comfortable, ambidextrous handle makes them a great choice for any household, ensuring everyone can use them safely and effectively. The soft-grip material provides good control, making them an easy-to-use tool even for those new to using poultry shears.

Versatility & Cleaning

This model is positioned as a versatile kitchen staple. The addition of the built-in bottle opener is a nice touch, but the real star is the dishwasher-safe design. For users who prioritize easy maintenance and sanitation above all else, this feature makes the DRAGON RIOT shears an incredible value proposition.

5 Best Kitchen Shears for Chicken: Side-by-Side Comparison

To help you see the key differences at a glance, here’s how our top 5 picks stack up against each other on the features that matter most.

Feature	SimCoker (Overall)	MAD SHARK (Versatile)	MAD SHARK (Spatchcocking)	Heavy Duty (Durability)	DRAGON RIOT (Value)
Category	Best Overall	Most Versatile (Pro Pick)	Best for Spatchcocking	Best for Heavy-Duty Durability	Best Value All-Rounder
Blade Material	3CR14 Stainless Steel	Molybdenum-Vanadium	Molybdenum-Vanadium	Food-Grade Stainless Steel	German Stainless Steel
Key Feature	Spring-Loaded, Anti-Slip	Built-in Nutcracker & Scaler	“Full Blade Cutting” Design	3.5mm Thick Blade, Lifetime Promise	Micro-Serrated Blade
Dishwasher Safe	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	No (Hand Wash Recommended)	No (Hand Wash Recommended)	✅ Yes
Best For	Everyday home cooks	Culinary enthusiasts	Serious poultry butchering	Users prioritizing longevity	Budget-conscious buyers
Our Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐	4.6/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	4.6/5 ⭐

In summary, the choice really depends on your primary need. The SimCoker offers the best all-around package of performance, comfort, and convenience for most users. For those seeking maximum utility in one tool, the MAD SHARK Heavy Duty is a worthy premium upgrade, while its Professional counterpart is a specialist’s dream for spatchcocking. The Heavy Duty shears are an unbeatable choice for pure, buy-it-for-life durability, and the DRAGON RIOT provides outstanding performance and features for its budget-friendly price.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Kitchen Shears for Chicken

Empower yourself with the knowledge to make an informed decision. Here are the most important features to consider when choosing your next pair of kitchen shears.

Key Features to Look For in Poultry Shears

• Blade Material: Look for high-quality stainless steel (like German, 3CR14, or Molybdenum-Vanadium) for superior rust resistance and edge retention. High-carbon stainless steel is even better as it holds an edge longer.
• Spring-Loaded Handles: This mechanism automatically opens the blades after each cut, drastically reducing hand fatigue. In my opinion, this is a must-have feature for comfort and efficiency, especially if you have a lot of cutting to do.
• Handle Design & Material: Ergonomic, non-slip handles made from materials like ABS or grippy polymers provide safety and control, especially with wet hands. For maximum, heavy-duty durability, industrial-grade aluminum handles are the top choice.
• Safety Lock: This is a crucial safety feature. A good lock keeps the sharp blades securely closed during storage in a drawer, preventing accidental cuts. Look for one that is easy to operate with one hand.
• Micro-Serrations: Tiny serrations on one blade are designed to grip slippery chicken skin and meat. This prevents the shears from slipping mid-cut, allowing for cleaner, safer, and more precise work.
• Blade Thickness & Length: A thicker blade (3mm or more) resists bending and flexing when you’re cutting through bone. Longer blades (around 9 inches or more) can provide better leverage for larger birds like turkeys.
• Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe models offer the most convenient and hygienic cleaning method. If shears are hand-wash only, ensure the design is simple enough to clean easily around the pivot point, or consider detachable models (though they can be less durable).

Matching Kitchen Shears to Your Needs

• For the Everyday Home Cook: You need a reliable, comfortable, and easy-to-clean tool for occasional-to-regular use. Prioritize a spring-loaded handle, dishwasher-safe materials, and a good safety lock. Our Best Overall or Best Value picks are perfect for you.
• For the Serious Culinary Enthusiast: You value top-tier performance, versatility, and premium materials. Look for high-end steel (like Molybdenum-Vanadium), robust construction, and multi-function features. Our Most Versatile (Pro Pick) is designed for your kitchen.
• For Frequent Meal Preppers & Butchers: If you regularly break down whole chickens for meal prep, prioritize structural integrity and a specialized cutting design. A non-detachable, full-blade model like our Best for Spatchcocking will serve you best and hold up to heavy use.
• For a “Buy It for Life” Mentality: If you despise replacing tools and want something that will last a lifetime, focus on simple, robust construction and a strong warranty. Our Best for Heavy-Duty Durability pick fits this need perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Shears for Cutting Chicken

Can kitchen shears cut through bone?

Yes, heavy-duty kitchen shears, often called poultry shears, are specifically designed to cut through the small to medium bones found in poultry. This includes the rib cage, backbone, and wing joints of a chicken. Their strong blades and powerful pivot provide the necessary leverage. However, they are not intended for thick, dense bones like those from beef or pork.

What is the difference between kitchen shears and regular scissors?

Kitchen shears are significantly more robust than regular office scissors. They feature stronger, thicker blades made of food-grade stainless steel, a more powerful pivot point for increased leverage, and ergonomic handles designed for a secure, forceful grip. Many also include critical features like spring-loading to reduce hand strain and safety locks, which are absent in standard scissors.

How do you clean kitchen shears after cutting raw chicken?

For optimal hygiene, you should clean them immediately after use. If your shears are dishwasher-safe, rinse off any large debris and place them in the dishwasher on a hot cycle. If they are hand-wash only, wash them thoroughly with hot, soapy water, using a brush to clean the pivot area carefully. Always dry them completely before engaging the lock and storing them to prevent rust.

Are poultry shears worth it?

Absolutely. If you cook chicken more than a few times a month, a good pair of poultry shears is a worthwhile investment. They make the process of breaking down a whole bird, trimming fat, or cutting pieces significantly faster, safer, and cleaner than using a knife. They offer superior control and greatly reduce the risk of a knife slipping on a cutting board.

What are serrated kitchen shears used for?

The micro-serrations on one blade act like small teeth that grip onto slippery surfaces like chicken skin, fat, and meat. This critical feature prevents the shears from sliding away during a cut. The result is a more precise, safer, and efficient cutting experience with less wasted effort.

Why use kitchen shears instead of a knife for chicken?

Shears offer more control and safety, particularly when handling a slippery, awkwardly shaped item like a raw chicken. They are perfect for snipping through the backbone for spatchcocking, separating joints, and trimming fat, often without even needing a cutting board. This can also help reduce cross-contamination in your kitchen.

Our Final Verdict on the Best Kitchen Shears for Chicken

After weeks of testing, comparing, and cutting up more chicken than I care to admit, one pair of shears consistently delivered on power, comfort, and ease of use. These are the shears that make poultry prep feel less like a chore and more like a simple, quick task.

Perfect for you if…
* You want a powerful tool that makes cutting through chicken bones feel effortless.
* You value comfort and want to avoid hand strain during meal prep.
* You prioritize quick, hygienic cleanup and want a dishwasher-safe tool.
* You need a reliable, all-around performer for all kinds of kitchen tasks.
* You appreciate a secure grip and a reliable safety lock for peace of mind.

For its exceptional balance of heavy-duty performance, comfortable spring-loaded ergonomics, and incredibly easy-to-clean design, the SimCoker Poultry Shears is our top recommendation for the vast majority of home cooks.

If you’re a culinary enthusiast looking for a versatile kitchen workhorse that can do much more than just poultry, the MAD SHARK Heavy Duty Poultry Shears is a fantastic premium investment that will handle nearly any task you throw at it with professional-grade results.

Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with any shear on this list, but for the best combination of features for most people, our top pick is the clear winner.

Click here to check the latest price on our top pick: SimCoker Poultry Shears

Last update on 2026-01-14 at 12:14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API