cornell chicken barbecue recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best cornell chicken barbecue recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – the Cornell Chicken Barbecue. This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. The story behind this recipe is fascinating – it was created by Dr.

Robert C. Baker at Cornell University in the 1950s as a way to make chicken more appealing to the masses. He developed a process called ‘meat science’ that involved marinating chicken in a mixture of spices and then grilling it to perfection.

The first time I tried this recipe, I was hooked. The combination of the sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, the smoky flavor from the grill, and the tender chicken was absolute magic. My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients and marinating the chicken in a ziplock bag – they think it’s like a science experiment!

And let me tell you, it’s not just for special occasions – this recipe is perfect for everyday meals, potlucks, or even game day gatherings. One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, whichever your family prefers.

The marinade is simple to mix up and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. And don’t even get me started on the health benefits – this recipe is relatively low in calories and fat compared to other barbecue recipes. But what really sets this recipe apart is the technique involved.

By marinating the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk or yogurt and spices, you’re able to tenderize the meat without adding extra fat or salt. And when you grill it up on a hot skillet or grill, you get that perfect caramelized crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.

Cornell Chicken Barbeque

4.8 from 589 votes

A classic barbecue dish featuring tender chicken with a tangy and sweet sauce, perfect for summer gatherings. This recipe combines a flavorful marinade with a simple grilling method for juicy and delicious results.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the Barbecue Sauce

1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1/2 tsp smoked paprika

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, ground ginger, paprika, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
2Mix well to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated.
4Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 24 hours for better flavor.
5While the chicken is marinating, prepare the barbecue sauce.
6In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and smoked paprika.
7Stir well to mix.
8Bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors are well combined.
9Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F, ensuring the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking.
10Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid.
11Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear.
12Brush the barbecue sauce onto the chicken during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly and giving the chicken a nice glaze.
13Transfer the cooked chicken to a platter and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
14This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.
15Serve the Cornell Chicken Barbeque hot, with additional barbecue sauce on the side if desired.
16Enjoy with your favorite side dishes, such as coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled vegetables.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Grill
Basting brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For added smokiness, use a charcoal grill or add wood chips to your gas grill. You can also marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor.

Watch Video Of How Cornell Chicken Barbeque Works

The Cornell Chicken Barbecue recipe is a delicious and healthy option for any occasion. It is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or backyard barbecues. The chicken is juicy, tender, and flavorful, making it a hit with both kids and adults.

Additionally, the marinade is simple to prepare and can be easily adapted to fit your dietary needs. You can store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in a preheated oven or on a grill until warmed through.

You can also shred the leftover chicken and use it in sandwiches, wraps, or salads for a quick and easy meal. This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion and works well for family gatherings. It is a great way to impress your guests with a delicious and healthy meal.

The combination of sweet and smoky flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cornell Chicken Barbeque

Q: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. If you prefer breasts, make sure to pound them thin so they cook evenly.

Q: Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce instead of making my own?

A: While store-bought sauce will give you a similar flavor profile, making your own sauce from scratch allows you to customize it to your taste preferences.

Q: How long do I need to marinate the chicken?

A: For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I cook this recipe indoors using a skillet?

A: Yes, you can cook this recipe indoors using a large skillet over medium-high heat. However, keep an eye on the temperature to prevent burning.

Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk or yogurt on hand?

A: You can substitute buttermilk or yogurt with regular milk or Greek yogurt if needed.

Similar Posts