Yes, you can cut up chicken breast before cooking it. In fact, cutting it into smaller pieces can be advantageous for certain recipes and cooking methods, such as stir-frying, grilling, or making kebabs.
When you cut chicken breast into smaller pieces, it can cook more quickly and evenly, which is particularly beneficial if you're using high-heat cooking methods. It also allows for better seasoning penetration, resulting in more flavorful chicken.
Regarding juiciness, cutting chicken breast into smaller pieces does not necessarily make it less juicy. Juiciness primarily depends on how you cook the chicken and the cooking time. Overcooking chicken breast, regardless of whether it's whole or cut into smaller pieces, can lead to dryness. To maintain juiciness, it's essential to cook the chicken properly, ensuring it reaches the appropriate internal temperature (165°F or 74°C) without overcooking it.
To enhance the juiciness, you can marinate the chicken before cooking or use cooking techniques that help retain moisture, such as searing, basting, or cooking with sauces. Resting the cooked chicken for a few minutes before serving can also help redistribute the juices, resulting in a more succulent final product.
In summary, cutting up chicken breast before cooking it is perfectly fine and can be advantageous for certain dishes. Just be mindful of the cooking time and temperature to ensure it remains juicy and flavorful.