Cornell Chicken

User Reviews

4.9

105 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    30 mins

  • Additional Time

    12 hrs

  • Total Time

    12 hrs 35 mins

  • Servings

    8 Chicken Thighs

  • Calories

    457 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Cornell Chicken

Cornell Chicken features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs parboiled then marinated in a mix of egg, apple cider vinegar, salt, poultry seasoning, white pepper, and neutral oil. The marinade tenderizes the chicken and adds a distinct tang. Cooking involves low indirect grilling with frequent basting, rendering crisp skin and juicy meat. This method enhances flavor through slow marination and gentle grilling heat.

Description

Cornell Chicken starts with parboiling the chicken thighs to partially cook and retain moisture. The marinade combines egg and apple cider vinegar with seasonings that tenderize and flavor the meat. After marinating ideally for 12 to 24 hours, the chicken is grilled slowly over low indirect heat, basting frequently to keep it moist and develop a crisp skin. The gradual grilling allows the flavors of the marinade to penetrate and the skin to crisp thoroughly without burning. This recipe measures precise timing and care for an evenly cooked, flavorful chicken with a tangy bite from the vinegar.

The dish pairs well with simple side dishes where the tangy grilled chicken is the centerpiece, such as grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. The marination imparts a unique characteristic tang that distinguishes it from traditional grilled chicken recipes.

Variations allow for substituting white vinegar and black pepper, though the apple cider vinegar is preferred for best flavor. Alternative cooking methods include baking at 350°F for about 35 minutes, slow cooking in a crock pot with marinade, pressure cooking in an Instant Pot, or pan cooking for smaller cuts. Parboiling is important for a shorter grilling time and juicier results.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 8 chicken thighs bone-in, skin on
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup neutral cooking oil vegetable or canola, generic cooking oil
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Instructions

  1. Parboil chicken: Heat large pot of water until water boils. Add chicken and boil for 5 minutes. Remove from water and let cool completely.
  2. In a large bowl, add egg. Whisk vigorously with a fork or whisk until frothy.
  3. Add remaining ingredients to the bowl and whisk again until all is incorporated.
  4. Add marinade to chicken and let marinate for ideally 12 - 24 hrs.
  5. Heat grill to low and grill on low, indirect heat for 15 minutes on one side, basting every 5 minutes with remaining marinade and then flip and cook on other side for another 15 minutes, basting every 5 minutes. If chicken is not parboiled, it will take about 30 minutes on each side.
  6. Cook chicken until skin is crispy and internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees.
  7. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Apple cider vinegar is preferred, but white vinegar can be used as a substitute with less flavor depth.
  • Parboil the chicken first to reduce grilling time and help keep it moist.
  • Marinate the chicken for 12 to 24 hours for best flavor absorption.
  • Alternative cooking methods include oven baking at 350°F for 35 minutes, slow cooking in a crock pot, or pressure cooking in an Instant Pot.
  • For skillet cooking, use thinner chicken pieces like tenderloins for even cooking.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 457kcal (23%) Carbohydrates 1g (0%) Protein 24g (48%) Fat 39g (60%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Cholesterol 165mg (55%) Sodium 1866mg (78%) Potassium 327mg (7%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 156IU (3%) Calcium 21mg (2%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Chicken Thighs

Amount Per Serving

Calories 457 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 457kcal 23%
Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Protein 24g 48%
Fat 39g 60%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Cholesterol 165mg 55%
Sodium 1866mg 78%
Potassium 327mg 7%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 156IU 3%
Calcium 21mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.9

105 reviews
Excellent

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