The Chicken Drumstick Marinade is based on the Cornell chicken marinade and it is the best marinade. It’s the recipe used by all of the best chicken barbecue places.
Named for it’s creator, Bob Baker a professor at Cornell University. The Cornell Chicken Marinade has just the right balance of tang from the vinegar and seasoning. And, there’s one ingredient in this marinade that I’m sure you won’t be able to guess.
Chicken is the most popular dinner option. Find the best chicken ideas here.
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What We Love About This Simple Chicken Marinades Recipe
What makes this recipe great? Create a list of items: Link to other relevant IAK content and/or affiliate products when possible. The list below has some ideas but you don’t have to use all of them and you can include others that aren’t listed.
- 30 Minute Meal: Give a blurb
- Easy Ingredients: All found in pantry? Only 5 ingredient? Etc..
- Family Friendly: Why?
- Adaptable: Can make it low-carb, meat free, dairy free, etc…
- Makes Great Leftovers: So many things you can do like…
Ingredient Notes for this Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
- Large Egg: ! large egg.
- Vegetable Oil: Use any type of oil that you like, olive oil, avocado oil etc.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This is the acid that tenderizes the protein.
- Poultry seasoning: Here is a link to my favorite recipe or you can buy your favorite.
- Ground black pepper: Freshly ground is best or you can use a jar variety.
- Chicken legs: Chicken breasts, chicken thighs or a combination.
Equipment Needed for Best Marinade Recipe for Chicken
How to Make Marinade for Chicken Drumsticks
These are the basic steps for making homemade marinades for chicken. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
STEP 1: MIX
First, in a large bowl whisk the egg, then add the vegetable oil, stir in remaining ingredients until combined.
STEP 2: POKE
Then use a fork to poke the chicken all over, this allows the marinade to get into the chicken. Place in a zip top bag and pour in half the marinade. Allow to marinade for 3 to 24 hours. Place the remaining marinade in an airtight container and refrigerate.
STEP 3: GRILL
Finally, grill the chicken over indirect heat, basting with the reserve marinade every 5 to 10 minutes. Once the meat reaches 150 degrees, place on direct heat and grill on all sides to crisp. When the chicken reaches 165 degrees on a meat thermometer, it is done.
Prep and Storage Tips
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME
The meat in the marinade can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two days safely according to the USDA.
HOW TO STORE THIS RECIPE
This chicken will last in the fridge for up to four days wrapped well in aluminum foil or an airtight container.
HOW TO FREEZE THIS RECIPE
Freeze in a freezer bag or an airtight container for up to three months. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
HOW TO REHEAT THIS RECIPE
Baked chicken drumsticks in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through. Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature to 165 degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Marinade Recipe for Chicken
Truly, this marinade is very light, flavorful and healthy, however, you can use low sodium products.
Of course, chicken wings, legs, breasts are all good choices and will benefit from this marinade.
Sure, make more of this marinade and have enough for a crowd or a fundraiser.
Veggies are great on the frill with these chicken legs such as, Chili Lime Grilled, Corn Compound Butter, The Best Grilled Vegetable Recipes or Grilled Pineapple.
Expert Tips for Making This Chicken Legs Recipe
- Add Honey: This sweet flavor is perfection on the chicken.
- Acid: Lemon juice or lime juice can replace the vinegar, garnish with lemon slices.
- Variation tip: Crushed garlic cloves are wonderful in this marinade.
- Alternate cooking method tip: Bake the chicken in the oven or cook in the air fryer for 20 minutes at 380 degrees. This air fry method works well.
- Dietary consideration tip: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for white meat or boneless, skinless chicken thighs for dark meat.
What to Side Dish to Serve with Chicken Drumstick Marinade
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Chicken Drumstick Marinade
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cups cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 12 chicken legs
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg.
- Add the vegetable oil to the egg and whisk until fully combined.
- Stir in remaining ingredients until combined.
- Use a fork to poke the chicken all over, allowing the marinade to get into the meat.
- Place the chicken legs in a zip top bag.
- Pour half of the marinade over the chicken and allow it to marinate for 3-24 hours.
- Place the rest of the marinade in an air tight container or jar; refrigerate.
- Grill marinated chicken over indirect heat, basting with the reserved marinade every 5-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 150 degrees.
- Once chicken is at 150 degrees, place on direct heat and grill on all sides to crisp the skin.
- When the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, remove from the heat.
Expert Tips
- Add Honey: This sweet flavor is perfection on the chicken.
- Acid: Lemon juice or lime juice can replace the vinegar, garnish with lemon slices.
- Variation tip: Crushed garlic cloves are wonderful in this marinade.
- Alternate cooking method tip: Bake the chicken in the oven or cook in the air fryer for 20 minutes at 380 degrees. This air fry method works well.
- Dietary consideration tip: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for white meat or boneless, skinless chicken thighs for dark meat.
