Cornell-Style Chicken is a regional delight originating from central New York. Its tangy apple cider vinegar marinade, enriched with the richness of egg, ensures every bite is tender and flavorful. The grilling process imparts a smoky, charred finish that elevates this simple dish into a backyard favorite. Perfect for summer cookouts or cozy dinners, this recipe adapts beautifully to both grill and oven methods. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or serving a family dinner, this dish promises to impress with its balance of smoky, savory, and tangy notes that encapsulate the essence of summer dining.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 5 lbs. skin-on, bone-in chicken (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks)
- 1 large egg
- 1½ cups apple cider vinegar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 Tbsp. plus 1½ tsp. Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or 2½ tsp. Morton kosher salt)
- 1 Tbsp. poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, apple cider vinegar, vegetable oil, salt, poultry seasoning, and black pepper until well combined. Reserve ½ cup of this marinade in an airtight container and refrigerate for basting.
- Marinate the Chicken: Submerge the chicken pieces in the remaining marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 4–12 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Grilling Option:
- Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Arrange the chicken skin-side down around the outer edges of the grill grate. Discard the used marinade.
- Grill, turning often and basting with the reserved marinade every 10 minutes, until the chicken is charred and cooked through (160°F for breasts, 165°F for legs), about 25–30 minutes.
- Oven Option:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and place a rack in the middle position. Arrange marinated chicken skin-side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Discard the used marinade.
- Bake, basting with the reserved marinade every 15 minutes, until cooked through (160°F for breasts, 165°F for legs), about 30–35 minutes.
- For a crispy finish, broil for 6–10 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45–60 minutes
Total Time: 55–70 minutes (plus marinating)
Kcal: 295 per serving
Servings: 6 servings
Cornell-Style Chicken: A New York Iconic Dish Worth Celebrating
If you’ve ever attended a summer cookout in central New York, you’ve likely been tantalized by the scent of Cornell-Style Chicken wafting through the air. This beloved dish, with its unique marinade and distinct preparation method, has become synonymous with summer gatherings between the Finger Lakes and the Hudson Valley. Let’s dive into the origins, benefits, and all the reasons this recipe is a must-try for any grilling enthusiast.
The Origins of Cornell-Style Chicken
This iconic dish traces its roots back to the 1950s, when Robert C. Baker, a Cornell University professor and poultry science expert, was tasked with creating a recipe to boost chicken consumption in the United States. At the time, most chickens were primarily raised for egg production, and their meat was often tough and lean.
To address this, Dr. Baker developed a tangy, apple cider vinegar-based marinade that tenderized the meat and a unique cooking method that ensured maximum flavor and juiciness. The original recipe was published in a bulletin titled “Barbecued Chicken and Other Meats” and quickly gained popularity across the state. Today, Cornell-Style Chicken is a staple at fundraisers, fairs, and backyard barbecues in upstate New York.
What Makes This Recipe Unique?
Cornell-Style Chicken stands out for several reasons:
- The Marinade
The marinade is a simple yet genius combination of pantry staples: apple cider vinegar, oil, egg, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. The inclusion of egg in the marinade is unusual but serves an important purpose—it helps the flavors adhere to the chicken, creating a crust of deliciousness as it grills. - Tender and Flavorful Meat
The vinegar in the marinade tenderizes the chicken, breaking down tough muscle fibers and infusing the meat with tangy, zesty notes. This method ensures that even the leanest cuts of chicken remain juicy and succulent. - Charred Perfection
Grilling the chicken over medium-high heat, with frequent turning and basting, creates a smoky, charred exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender, flavorful meat inside. While oven-cooking is a great alternative, the smokiness from grilling is part of the dish’s allure. - A Crowd-Pleasing Dish
This recipe was designed to feed a crowd, making it perfect for parties, picnics, and family gatherings. Its universal appeal and simple preparation have kept it a favorite for decades.
The Health Benefits of Cornell-Style Chicken
While the flavor is the main draw, this dish also has some notable health benefits:
- Lean Protein Source: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
- Low in Carbs: With no added sugars or carbs in the marinade, this dish fits well into low-carb and keto diets.
- Rich in Nutrients: Apple cider vinegar is believed to have various health benefits, including improved digestion and blood sugar regulation.
- Customizable for Health Goals: You can adjust the salt content or swap out oil for a healthier option like avocado oil if desired.
Tips for Perfecting Cornell-Style Chicken
- Marinating Time: For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
- Grill Setup: Use indirect heat for grilling. Placing the chicken around the edges of the grill helps avoid flare-ups and ensures even cooking.
- Frequent Basting: Keep a portion of the marinade reserved for basting. Regular basting keeps the chicken moist and adds layers of flavor.
- Monitor the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 160°F for breasts and 165°F for legs. Overcooking can dry out the meat.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps retain the juices and makes the chicken even more succulent.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
- A Piece of Culinary History: Cooking Cornell-Style Chicken is like participating in a tradition that has been cherished for over half a century.
- Versatile Cooking Options: While grilling is the traditional method, the recipe works just as well in the oven, making it accessible year-round.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Whether it’s a small family dinner or a large barbecue party, this dish can easily be scaled to suit your needs.
- Adaptable to Personal Tastes: You can tweak the seasoning to suit your preferences—try adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Impressive Yet Simple: Despite its gourmet flavor, the recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
Pairing Suggestions
Cornell-Style Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Classic Coleslaw: The creamy crunch of coleslaw balances the tangy, smoky flavors of the chicken.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Brush the corn with butter and sprinkle with paprika for a smoky complement.
- Potato Salad: A chilled potato salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory chicken.
- Seasonal Veggies: Roast or grill vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus for a healthy and colorful side.
- Artisan Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover juices.
Conclusion
Cornell-Style Chicken isn’t just a recipe; it’s a symbol of community and tradition. Its origins in the Finger Lakes region tie it to the local culture, and its adaptability has helped it remain a favorite across generations. Whether you’re firing up the grill in the height of summer or recreating the dish in your oven during the colder months, you’re sure to enjoy the timeless appeal of this upstate New York classic.
