Cornell Chicken Recipe (aka Fireman’s Chicken) Recipe

The Cornell Chicken Recipe (aka Fireman’s Chicken) is a legendary upstate New York barbecue staple that’s as simple as it’s irresistible. With tangy, zippy marinade, fall-off-the-bone tender meat, and that unforgettable smoky char, this recipe brings backyard barbecue nostalgia to your table—no fireman’s fundraiser required!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Cornell Chicken Recipe (aka Fireman’s Chicken) is in its simplicity—every ingredient is easy to find, but they all pull their weight when it comes to bold flavor and golden color. Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic taste just like the firehouse recipe.

• 1 large egg: Whisked until frothy, it helps the marinade emulsify and cling to every piece of chicken.
• 1 cup vegetable oil: This creates a rich, flavorful base for the marinade and helps keep the chicken moist during grilling.
• 2 cups apple cider vinegar: The signature tang and tenderizing magic come from this classic pantry staple.
• 1½ Tablespoons table salt: Seasoning is essential! This is less than the original, so feel free to adjust to your taste.
• 1 Tablespoon poultry seasoning: The secret blend—usually sage, thyme, marjoram, and more—defines the old-school flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: For a gentle hit of spice that perks up every bite.
• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces: Use bone-in thighs, legs, or breasts, whatever your crew prefers—skin-on is a must for that crispy golden finish.

Variations

The Cornell Chicken Recipe (aka Fireman’s Chicken) is a blank canvas for flavor—play with the marinade or swap the chicken pieces to make it fit your family’s cravings, the season, or whatever you’ve got on hand!

• Herby Twist: Add a handful of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or parsley to brighten up the marinade.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a bit of crushed red pepper or your favorite hot sauce for a fiery edge.
• Boneless Chicken: Try boneless, skinless thighs or breasts for quicker grilling and easier eating (just reduce cook time and watch for doneness).
• Oven-Baked Version: No grill? Place marinated chicken on a rack over a sheet pan, bake at 425°F until golden and juicy, basting a few times as it cooks.

How to Make Cornell Chicken Recipe (aka Fireman’s Chicken)

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

Start by whisking the egg in a large mixing bowl until it’s frothy and light—think a minute or two by hand. Gradually drizzle in the oil, whisking constantly, to make a rich, creamy emulsion. Next, whisk in the apple cider vinegar, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper until the marinade is smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Reserve about ¾ to 1 cup of the marinade for basting later. Add your chicken pieces to the rest of the marinade, tossing well to ensure every nook and cranny is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but for truly legendary flavor and tenderness, aim for 12 to 24 hours.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill

Fire up your charcoal grill and let the briquettes ash over. Arrange the hot coals on one side only—this gives you direct heat for searing and indirect heat to finish cooking without burning the marinade to a crisp. If you’re using a chimney starter, you’ll have even heat in no time!

Step 4: Sear and Grill the Chicken

Shake off excess marinade and lay the chicken skin-side down over the direct heat for about 2 minutes to develop gorgeous grill marks. Flip the chicken and move it to the cooler (indirect) side of the grill. Brush with a little of the reserved marinade, then close the lid and let the magic happen.

Step 5: Baste and Finish Cooking

Continue grilling over indirect heat for 30–45 minutes, turning often and basting generously with the reserved marinade. Chicken is ready when beautifully browned and a thermometer reads 165°F when inserted near the bone. Your patience will be rewarded with incredibly juicy, flavorful meat!

How to Serve Cornell Chicken Recipe (aka Fireman’s Chicken)

Garnishes

For that classic backyard barbecue look, finish your Cornell Chicken Recipe (aka Fireman’s Chicken) with a handful of fresh parsley, chives, or scallions. A little sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving really elevates the flavor, and a wedge of lemon on the side is always a welcome, zesty touch.

Side Dishes

This chicken is the star of every picnic plate! Classic sides like salt potatoes, grilled corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a cool cucumber salad are perfect matches. And don’t forget a big basket of soft rolls to soak up all those tangy juices!

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the chicken high on a rustic wooden platter, ringed with bright summer veggies and lemon wedges—instant centerpiece! Or serve smaller pieces buffet-style with little flags or labels for a festive, serve-yourself picnic table vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the chicken cool to room temperature, then tuck it into airtight containers or wrap tightly with foil or plastic. Stored this way in the fridge, leftover Cornell Chicken Recipe (aka Fireman’s Chicken) stays fresh and delicious for 3–4 days—and the flavors get even better!

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken, too. Wrap individual pieces or whole batches tightly, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to bring the barbecue vibes back.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it juicy, or warm in a 325°F oven until heated through. For a hint of grill flavor, pop it back on the grill for a minute or two!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tasted the smoky, tangy magic of Cornell Chicken Recipe (aka Fireman’s Chicken), let this be the year you fire up the grill and give it a try. It’s one of those timeless recipes that turns a simple cookout into a celebration—and after one bite, you’ll see exactly why it’s so beloved. Happy grilling, friend!

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