Cornell Formula Chicken Barbecue Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Juicy grilled chicken halves coated in a tangy, savory barbecue sauce with vinegar and poultry seasoning, perfect for summer cookouts and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup oil
  • 2 cups vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 3 tablespoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
  • 8 chicken halves

Instructions

  1. Beat together the egg and oil in a bowl.
  2. Add the vinegar, pepper, salt, and poultry seasoning to the mixture and stir well.
  3. Place the chicken halves on the grill.
  4. Baste the chicken with the sauce frequently during grilling.
  5. Keep the flame low and have a squirt bottle handy to control flare-ups.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best results, use a high-quality oil such as canola or olive oil for a richer flavor. If you want to adjust the seasoning, consider adding garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth. If you prefer a slightly sweet taste, you can mix in a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar. Make sure to baste the chicken frequently with the sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the grilled chicken halves with a side of coleslaw or corn on the cob for a classic barbecue meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Homemade Dressing for a refreshing salad. For a complete feast, consider serving baked beans or potato salad alongside the chicken. Your guests will love the flavorful sauce and tender chicken!

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you have grilled chicken leftovers, they can be kept in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, place the chicken in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through, adding a bit of sauce to keep it moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cornell Formula Chicken Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 337 calories, with 5g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value), iron (12% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1068mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).

337 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.8g 10% DV
Total Fat 10.3g 13% DV
Carbs 56.4g 20% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 4.6g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1067.6mg 46% DV
Potassium 381.5mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 155.8mg 52% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 40.9mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 1mg 1% DV
Calcium 168.1mg 13% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of meat with this sauce?

Yes, this barbecue sauce can be used with various meats such as pork or turkey. Adjust the cooking times accordingly, as different meats may require different grilling durations for optimal tenderness.

Is this sauce suitable for marinating chicken?

Absolutely! You can use the Cornell Formula Chicken Barbecue Sauce as a marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least two hours, or overnight for more intense flavor. Just remember to reserve some sauce for basting while grilling.

What can I do if I run out of vinegar?

If you're out of vinegar, you can substitute it with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste may vary slightly, but it will still complement the chicken beautifully.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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