Description
Cornell Chicken is a classic upstate New York barbecue recipe featuring juicy grilled chicken marinated in a tangy apple cider vinegar mixture with savory poultry seasoning. The result is smoky, tender chicken with crisp golden skin that is perfect for summer cookouts and backyard gatherings.
Ingredients
1 large egg
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups apple cider vinegar
1½ tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 whole chicken, cut into bone-in thighs, legs, breasts, or mixed pieces
Instructions
- Whisk the egg in a large bowl until light and frothy.
- Slowly whisk in the vegetable oil until slightly emulsified and combined.
- Add the apple cider vinegar, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper, whisking until fully blended.
- Reserve about ¾ to 1 cup of the marinade in a separate container for basting during grilling.
- Place the chicken pieces in a large dish or resealable bag and pour the remaining marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Prepare a charcoal grill with both direct and indirect heat zones.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place the pieces skin-side down over direct heat. Sear for about 2 minutes until grill marks appear and the skin begins to crisp.
- Flip the chicken and move it to the indirect heat side of the grill.
- Continue grilling for 30 to 45 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with the reserved marinade as the chicken cooks.
- Cook until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F near the bone.
- Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Add garlic powder or smoked paprika to the marinade for extra depth of flavor.
Include cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicier version.
Chicken thighs and drumsticks stay especially juicy on the grill.
Add a spoonful of honey for a slightly sweeter marinade.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a 325°F oven to maintain juiciness.
Leftover chicken is excellent in sandwiches, salads, and wraps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
