Get the pit ready we're cooking Cornell chicken

Cornell chicken was invented for a specific reason by one man, Bob Baker, who as the person earlier stated is a retired Professor at Cornell University. The sauce was invented for a specific goal which had nothing to do with BBQ. The occasion was a dinner held in 1946 for Pennsylvania governor Edward Martin. At that time Dr. Baker was a young professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He was asked to come up with something unusual to serve at the function. Baker's goal was to get people to eat more chicken. See, back in the 1930's and 40's chicken were raised primarily for their eggs, not for eating. Apparently everyone loved his chicken recipe and when Dr. Baker joined Cornell University in 1949 he brought his chicken recipe with him. Two years later his recipe appeared in a university publication and became known as Cornell chicken...and that my friends, is where Cornell chicken sauce originated from...

Original Cornell Chicken Sauce

1 Large Egg (Not for flavor, to hold ingredients together)
1 C. Vegetable Oil
2 C. Cider Vinegar
3 Tbs. Coarse Salt (Kosher or Sea)
1 Tbs. Poultry Seasoning
1/2 Tsp. Freshly Ground Black Pepper

My personal opinion is not to marinade your chicken for more than one hour as it will take on a strong vinegar taste. Let the other ingredients flavor the chicken by dipping the chicken every time you turn it on the grill.

We have found other variations of Dr. Baker's Cornell sauce that are also delicious...

Cornell Chicken with Mustard Baste

1 Large Egg
1/2 C. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 C. Mustard Oil, or more Olive Oil
1/4 C. Dijon Mustard
2 C. Distilled White Vinegar
3 Tbs. Coarse Salt (Kosher or Sea)
1 Tbs. Mustard Seeds
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
1/2 Tsp. Freshly Ground Black Pepper


Cornell Chicken with Curry Orange Baste

1 Large Egg
1 C. Vegetable Oil
1 C. Fresh Lime Juice or Distilled White Vinegar
1 C. Fresh Orange Juice
3 Tbs. Coarse Salt (Kosher or Sea)
2 Tbs. Curry Powder
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
1/2 Tsp. Freshly Ground Black Pepper

If you would like to sample Dr. Baker's chicken, such as President's have, visit Baker's Chicken Coop at the New York State Fair in Syracuse, NY. If you are unable to visit the great New York State Fair, you can also find him at the Tea Room at Baker's Acres just outside of Ithaca, N.Y.

This is the Curry recipe getting ready for the pit!!!