Cornell Chicken first attempt.....FAIL


 
Rich Dahl

Rich Dahl

R.I.P. 7/21/2024
Had dueling grills again last night, Barb doing some chuck steaks on the gasser for another dinner later in the week and me out in the weeds doing Cornell chicken on the performer.
I got the inspiration to try Cornell chicken from James Lake’s post and James was kind enough to send me the recipe. Thanks James.
Marinated the chicken thighs for 24 hours and did the cook on the performer. Used indirect and then direct skin side down to crisp up the skin.
Being the rocket scientist that I am I decided to add a little apple and cherry for a little smoke, wrong!
I didn’t realize how mild the flavor profile would be even after being marinated for 24 hours and the smoke just buried it. So live and learn I’ll try it again without the smoke, but from what I could tell it was pretty good.
Barb did corn on the bone and here simple basil tomato pasta salad. If I hadn’t over smoked the chicken it would have been great.

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Thanks for taking a look.
 
Sorry you weren't satisfied with your cook, Rich. That chicken sure looks good. We've all done cooks where we've worked our tails off all day long and had something go awry that, in our minds anyway, ruined the cook. Hang in there. The sides and those chuck steaks of Barb's look fantastic. By the way, I strained my eyes for five full minutes looking for A weed around that Performer. None in site. Your yard is beautiful and neat as a pin. I'll send you a pic some day of the weeds I have to contend with on the adjoining property about 200 feet away from me.
 
Over the years I have learned three things about Cornell Chicken:

1. Make your marinade in a blender...Otherwise it settles out and separates. When it's really emulsified, it creates a better product. It's worth washing the blender.
2. It should be "smoke kissed." Use one small chunk for an hour at 275F before searing it.
3. Basting works, but I don't do it more than 3-4 times total.
 
One of the trickier things for me to learn is to slow down on the smoke - and I still don't think I have. I'm an American male: more has to be better, right:confused:
I'm still sure I would have enjoyed that meal!
 
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