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While many of us are still feeling the ups and downs (in terms of temperatures) that come with spring, summer is on the way. That means time outdoors, fun, and great food. One festival that combines all of those things is the Versailles Poultry Days which is right in my hometown. This festival offers the best grilled chicken in the world. I know, I know, I’m incredibly biased but I assure you, one bite of this grilled chicken recipe and you’ll be convinced.
If traveling to Versailles just isn’t in the cards for you and your family this summer, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a great copycat summer recipe that is sure to quickly become a favorite among all your family members and friends.
This delicious summer recipe for grilled chicken can stand on its own; in fact, it’ll definitely steal the show. Just pair it with your favorite side dishes. For a healthy and delicious side dish try this summer recipe for grilled vegetables.
The Best Grilled Chicken Recipe Ever
Servings: 6
INGREDIENTS
1 pint white distilled vinegar
1 pint water
1 Tablespoon sugar
4 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 pound butter (2 sticks)
2 teaspoons of minced garlic
4 Tablespoons garlic salt
2 Tablespoons black pepper
Several pounds of chicken (I used a variety of pieces and took all of the skin off prior to marinating.)
DIRECTIONS
1. Put all of the marinade ingredients in a pot on the stove and heat until boiling. Let the marinade cool off and then pour over the chicken. I marinate it in a Ziploc bag. Marinate for a minimum of four hours but it is much better to marinate overnight or as long as possible.
2. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate. Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess. Discard remaining marinade.
3. Cook on a preheated grill until no longer pink in the center. The cooking time will depend on the type of chicken pieces you are using. Start with 10 minutes per side and add time until the juices run clear and the meat is white.
There you have it, one of my all time favorite summer recipes. Really, it doesn’t get much better than this! What are some of your favorite summer recipes? Share them in the comments.
This awesomegrilled chickenrecipe was crafted by the skilled hands ofLynne Morris, a professional food stylist for 9 years who has worked with companies including Kroger, Procter & Gamble, John Morrell and HoneyBaked Ham just to name a few. View more ofLynne’s creations.
The individual responsible for bringing Lynne’s handiwork to life isLarry White. He has been a professional food photographer for 15 years and has also worked for many of the who’s who in the industry. Learn more aboutLarry and his impressive work.
The Best Grilled Chicken Recipe Ever
Prep Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours
The Best Grilled Chicken Recipe Ever - This healthy and flavorful recipe is a must for your summer cookout.
Ingredients
- 1 pint white distilled vinegar
- 1 pint water
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 4 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 pound butter (2 sticks)
- 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
- 4 Tablespoons garlic salt
- 2 Tablespoons black pepper
- Several pounds of chicken (I used a variety of pieces and took all of the skin off prior to marinating.)
Instructions
- Put all of the marinade ingredients in a pot on the stove and heat until boiling. Let the marinade cool off and then pour over the chicken. I marinate it in a Ziploc bag. Marinate for a minimum of four hours but it is much better to marinate overnight or as long as possible.
- Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate. Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess. Discard remaining marinade.
- Cook on a preheated grill until no longer pink in the center. The cooking time will depend on the type of chicken pieces you are using. Start with 10 minutes per side and add time until the juices run clear and the meat is white.
About Kelli
Kelli Bhattacharjee is the owner of Freebie Finding Mom. When she's not goofing around with her son, she's busy blogging, or just hanging out with the family which usually involves listening to music too loud and having dance parties.
Reader Interactions
Comments
Terri S says
I love, Love, LOVE grilled chicken! I am always looking for new recipes for it. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Kelli says
You are very welcome! Let me know if you enjoy it! 🙂
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Jenna Gossett says
Oh my gosh, that looks so good! Can’t wait to try it out!
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Leslie Rodriguez says
That looks amazing
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Nancy says
Can I use apple cider vinegar, bought the wrong one?
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Alex says
Sorry for the three year delayed reply but to anyone wondering, I have made this with both Apple cider vinegar and another time with lemon juice as subs for the white vinegar and it was delicious both times. It’s also awesome the normal way, it’s just a great recipe!!
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Sally T. says
This sounds like a fabulous recipe~nothing like chicken
on the grillReply
Janis says
Oops, I didn’t boil all the ingredients first. Is this going to turn out OK? I did get the let it marinate overnight part right. Probably why I messed up on the boil the ingredients, it’s really late:( Wish me luck, making this for company tomorrow.
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Kelli says
Hope it turned out delicious for you, Janis!
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Katy says
I used this marinade recently for dinner with my entire family. Each family made their own chicken recipe and we put all of them out (4 different recipes). This chicken was hands down the favorite of all 20 people and was gone in minutes. Thank you for sharing.
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Lindy says
Marinating in the acidic brine is the trick to this…same as marinating in buttermilk for the best fried chicken. Hadn’t thought about it for the grill but now I have. Thank you … Cheers
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Amy Cramer Emmelhainz says
Hi Kelli! I grew up eating the BBQ FROM Versailles Poultry Days. I miss going there soooo much.
How close it this recipe to what the chicken dinners taste like at poultry days?
I am looking forward to trying it!!!
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Kelli says
Hi Amy, Well, in all honesty nothing beats Poultry Days chicken, but this recipe is very good. Remember you aren’t making it on huge pits which definitely effects the tastes, but this recipe is as close as I’ve gotten to making it myself. Hope that helps. 🙂
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Amy Emmelhainz says
Wonderful! Yes I understand. I was just looking for the same genre of BBQ – not tomato-y.
I never actually got to see how they BBQ’d the chicken from PD, do they do it over an open flame?
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Kelli says
Amy, You should watch sometime. They use these huge pits to make the chicken. They usually set them up near the track. That makes a huge difference with the taste. 🙂 Kelli
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Michelle says
I am so thankful that I found this. My aunt gave me the recipe once and I lost it.
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Kelli says
That’s awesome, Michelle! Glad this recipe comes in handy for you. 🙂 Kelli
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Ron says
Kelli, I have hand the for up tune of living in Versailles my whole life and enjoying the chicken every year for the past 40 plus years. This recipe is as close to the original taste and smell that I’ve found. Yes, the smell of this on the grill will attract attention! I’ve made it three times in three weeks since finding your recipe and all three times my neighbors have commented.
The key to really good results is charcoal grill, just like they do at the festival in June. This year they will make 29,000 dinners – ina town with a population of less than 2900 people.
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Kelli says
Hi Ron, I’m happy to hear you are enjoying this recipe too! Wish I was getting the real thing this year, but this is second best for sure! Thanks for sharing! 🙂 Kelli
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Anthony says
I grew up in Versailles so I had this chicken every year. This year I pre-purchased a cooler of 20 chicken halves from the Poultry Days festival. It is so delicious. I hope to make your recipe soon.
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Marie Ano says
That sounds amazing, Anthony! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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