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Cornell Grilled Chicken

See how to make Dr. Baker’s famous Cornell chicken. See more

READY IN ABOUT 5 hrs

Cornell Chicken

Read Reviews (13)

"This famous grilled chicken recipe was created by Dr. Robert C. Baker at New York's Cornell University. They say Dr. Baker was simply trying to invent an easy and delicious way to grill smaller, younger chickens, so that the local chicken farms could sell more birds. The doc's tasty recipe ended up being such a success that sales in the area soared, and the recipe became a statewide favorite." — Chef John

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Original recipe makes 6 servings Change Servings

2 cups cider vinegar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
3 tablespoons salt

1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (3 to 3 1/2 pound) broiler-fryer chicken, cut in half

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Directions

Place the cider vinegar, oil, egg, salt, poultry seasoning, and black pepper in a blender. Cover, and puree until smooth.
Pour blended mixture into a resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken halves, coat with the marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (up to overnight).
Remove chicken halves from bag and transfer to a plate or baking sheet lined with paper towels. Pat chicken dry with more paper towels. Reserve marinade mixture.
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate.
Grill chicken, skin-side down, on the preheated grill for 2 minutes. Turn each piece, brush with marinade mixture, and move to indirect heat.
Grill, brushing with glaze and turning often, until well-browned and meat is no longer pink in the center, about 45 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone, should read 180 degrees F (82 degrees C).

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PREP 5 mins
COOK 47 mins
READY IN 4 hrs 52 mins

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Reviews More Reviews

Apr 23, 2012

Of all the chicken in the world, fixed in any way, this is my FAVORITE! Really, I would take Cornell chicken over any other, it's that good. We have been using this recipe for years and it does not disappoint. Although I grill out year-round, this recipe is the epitome of delicious summer grilling. Pair it up with some zuchini and peppers grilled with olive oil and you have the best summer grilled meal ever!

—Choojy

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Sep 12, 2012

I let it marinate for about 5 hours and it turned out really nice. Had really good flavor and got great color on the grill. Will make this one again for sure..

—ladybuggs5224

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15 Ratings

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Apr 26, 2012

Used on butterflied cornish hens...marinated 3 hours...grilled...tender...juicy...delicious.

—Rosie

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Sep 23, 2012

Wonderful. Except, instead of reserving the used/contaminated marinade to periodically baste with, reserve about 3/4 cup prior to marinating the chicken. Now you have a nice fresh uncontaminated sauce to baste with.

—Paula W

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Apr 16, 2012

Delicious! I marinated the chickens overnight and grilled them gas grill and on a smoker. Delicious both ways!

—jennifermo

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Jul 20, 2012

I have eaten this Chicken since I was a girl. It is good an all cuts fo chicken and you can even marinate with it. I LOVE this chicken.

—woofersrose

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May 13, 2012

perfect! moist, delicious grilled chicken. enough said.

—lisa r

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Feb 04, 2013

I substituted the vegetable oil with olive oil. And added quality apple cider vinegar, needless to say this recipe is AWESOME!!!!!

—shadowmilitia

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Nutrition

Calories
633 kcal
32%

Carbohydrates
1.3 g
< 1%

Cholesterol
131 mg
44%

Fat
53.5 g
82%

Fiber
0.1 g
< 1%

Protein
32.5 g
65%

Sodium
3588 mg
144%

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

Nutritional Information

Cornell Chicken

Serving Size: 1/6 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 633
Calories from Fat: 481

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 53.5g 82 %
Saturated Fat 9.5g 47 %
Cholesterol 131mg 44 %
Sodium 3588mg 144 %
Potassium 287mg 8 %
Total Carbohydrates 1.3g < 1 %
Dietary Fiber 0.1g < 1 %
Protein 32.5g 65 %
Sugars 0.4g
Vitamin A 5 %
Vitamin C < 1 %
Calcium 4 %
Iron 21 %
Thiamin 7 %
Niacin 102 %
Vitamin B6 19 %
Magnesium 11 %
Folate 6 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.