The age-old debate of what came first, the chicken or the egg, may be an interesting philosophical question, but when it comes to dinner, we need both. To achieve barbecue perfection, gather your chicken, an egg, apple cider vinegar, simple poultry seasoning, oil, and fire up the grill. Enter the world of Cornell chicken, a legendary summer grilling recipe crafted by the brilliant mind of Robert C. Baker, a food scientist and poultry professor at Cornell University in the 1950s.
Cornell chicken is a culinary marvel that marries science and flavor effortlessly. This iconic recipe, renowned for its simplicity and incredible taste, has become a summer staple at cookouts across the United States. Baker’s innovation in utilizing an egg in the marinade to create a creamy coating that crisps the chicken skin to perfection without burning is pure genius. The addition of poultry seasoning and vinegar adds depth and tanginess to the dish, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
The magic of Cornell chicken lies in its simplicity. With just five basic ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, you can achieve barbecue greatness. Marinated in a vinegar-based sauce, Cornell chicken takes on a unique Carolina-style flavor profile, setting it apart from the traditional sweet or savory barbecue styles.
Here’s how you can make your own mouthwatering Cornell chicken:
Ingredients:
– Bone-in chicken pieces
– 1/2 cup vegetable cooking oil
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1.5 teaspoons poultry seasoning
– 1 beaten egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Beat the egg, add oil, and mix well.
2. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
3. Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade, refrigerate for at least three hours.
4. Grill the chicken on medium-high heat, basting with the leftover marinade.
5. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
Cornell chicken can also be made in an air fryer with excellent results, offering a quicker cooking time and easy cleanup. Whether you use a grill or an air fryer, the outcome will be equally delicious.
While the original recipe calls for broilers, you can adapt Cornell chicken to any bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. Experimenting with different cuts, such as wings, has proven to be successful for many home cooks. The key to achieving the perfect Cornell chicken lies in the harmonious blend of flavors and the crispy texture that is hard to resist.
In conclusion, Cornell chicken is not just a recipe, it’s a culinary masterpiece that has stood the test of time. With its simple yet effective combination of ingredients and cooking techniques, it has become a beloved tradition at summer gatherings and cookouts. So gather your chicken, an egg, and some apple cider vinegar, and treat your taste buds to the delicious flavors of Cornell chicken.
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