Frugal Gourmet Chicken
If you’re a fan of juicy, tender grilled chicken with that unmistakable smoky flavor, then you’re going to love this classic recipe. Inspired by the technique used by the Frugal Gourmet on his 80’s television show, this method is all about sealing in the natural juices of the chicken, ensuring it’s perfectly cooked every time, whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking on a busy weeknight. It’s a simple yet effective method, one that eliminates the guesswork when it comes to grilling chicken, making it juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner, this chicken is tender, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Recipe Name | Frugal Gourmet Chicken |
| Total Time | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Cuisine | American |
| Course | Main Course |
| Recipe Category | Poultry |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Calories | 281.9 kcal per serving |
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5) |
| Review Count | 1 review |
| Keywords | Meat, Summer, Easy, < 4 hours |
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need very simple ingredients, but the technique is what truly makes it stand out.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Drumsticks | 8-10 pieces |
| Barbecue Sauce | 1 cup (or as needed) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 281.9 kcal |
| Fat Content | 13.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 118.3 mg |
| Sodium | 630.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 0.8 g |
| Sugar | 2.5 g |
| Protein | 29.3 g |
Instructions
This recipe may look simple, but it’s the technique that guarantees juicy, flavorful chicken every time. Here’s how to prepare this Frugal Gourmet-inspired chicken:
-
Prepare Your Pot and Water
Choose a stockpot or large saucepan, depending on how many chicken drumsticks you’re making. Make sure the pot is large enough to comfortably fit the chicken with enough room for the water to cover the pieces. Fill the pot with water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. -
Initial Boiling of Chicken
Carefully place the chicken drumsticks, skin-on, into the boiling water. Allow the water to come back to a boil and continue boiling until the water starts to simmer down (it should stop boiling completely). This process helps to “seal in” the natural juices of the chicken, making it tender and moist when it hits the grill. -
Remove the Chicken
Once the chicken has been briefly boiled and the water has stopped boiling, carefully remove the chicken from the pot. Set it aside. Be sure to keep the pot with the hot water for the next step. -
Bring the Water to a Boil Again
Place the pot back on the stove and bring the water to a boil once more. This ensures that any residual flavors in the water are reactivated for the next step. -
Return Chicken to the Pot
Now, return the chicken drumsticks to the pot and bring the water to a full, rolling boil again. Once the water is boiling, cover the pot with a lid, and remove it from the heat. -
Let it Sit
Allow the chicken to sit, covered, for about 1 hour. This is the key step to lock in all the flavors and moisture. The chicken will finish cooking in its own steam while absorbing the flavors from the water. -
Grilling the Chicken
After the hour is up, it’s time to grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure an even golden brown color on all sides. During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken generously with your favorite barbecue sauce to add flavor and create that classic caramelized finish. -
Serve and Enjoy
Once grilled to perfection, remove the chicken from the grill. Serve immediately with extra barbecue sauce on the side, if desired.
Why This Recipe Works
This method of preparing chicken was popularized by the Frugal Gourmet, and for good reason: it’s an effective and foolproof way to ensure juicy, flavorful chicken every time. By briefly boiling the chicken, you’re helping it retain its moisture, even after it’s been grilled. The result is perfectly cooked drumsticks with a crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior.
This method also allows for easy preparation ahead of time. You can even boil the chicken in the morning, let it sit, and then grill it just before dinner, making it a convenient choice for busy families or those looking to prepare a meal ahead of time.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this flavorful chicken with your favorite summer side dishes, such as:
- Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw complements the smoky richness of the chicken.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn adds a sweet, charred element to the meal.
- Potato Salad: A classic and hearty side to balance out the juicy chicken.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken
- Use Bone-In Chicken: While boneless chicken may be quicker to cook, bone-in chicken tends to stay juicier and more flavorful. This recipe works best with drumsticks or thighs that still have the bone.
- Don’t Skip the Boil Step: The brief boil helps “seal in” the juices and ensure the chicken cooks evenly on the grill. Skipping this step might leave you with dry chicken.
- Control the Heat: When grilling, be mindful of the heat. A medium-high grill is ideal to get the skin crispy while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside.
Conclusion
The Frugal Gourmet Chicken recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious, foolproof way to make juicy, grilled chicken. By using the unique technique of boiling and then finishing on the grill, you’re guaranteed to have flavorful chicken every time. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just looking for a simple weeknight meal, this method ensures that your chicken will always be cooked to perfection, with just the right balance of smokiness and moisture. So fire up the grill and enjoy this classic, easy-to-make chicken dish!
