This grilled chicken recipe has been in my family of origin for many, many years. It is difficult to attend a Hershberger family gathering without this simple poultry dish crowing its way to the front of the table. The chicken pieces are essentially parboiled in a vinegar based marinade, so the dilemma of chicken which is charred on the outside and still underdone on the inside, is solved. Rather than skinless, boneless pieces, you use bone in and skin on, resulting in a more moist, flavorful meat. There is a slight vinegar tang with each bite, which is the signature of this dish. It is a year round favorite at my home as well. It is great paired with wild rice pilaf and grilled fresh pineapple. In the summertime, try this on the deck at dusk with a chilled sauvignon blanc and you will all be sending me thank you notes. :)
Recipe for Vinegar Marinaded Grilled Chicken
10-12 chicken pieces with bones in and skin on (I use a combination of breasts, thighs, and legs)
4 c. apple cider vinegar
4 c. water
4 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. worchestershire sauce
2 Tbsp. salt
2 tsp. black pepper
Combine everything except the chicken in a large stock pot and bring to a boil. Drop in the chicken pieces and stir around so all is covered with the marinade. Bring back to a simmer; cover the pot and remove from the heat. Let set at room temperature for an hour and then refrigerate the whole filled pot for 6 hours (or overnight) until ready to grill.
Clean the grill grate well and oil it, to assure that the chicken skin doesn't stick. Grill the pieces on medium heat, starting with the pieces with most skin surface face down on the grill. Turn the pieces after 15-20 minutes, taking care to keep the skin intact. The chicken usually takes 30-40 minutes total to grill, depending on the size of the pieces. Remove to a platter and cover with foil to keep warm. To grill fresh pineapple slices, sometimes I brush them with balsamic vinegar and grill each side for a few minutes, or I just place them on the grill plain. Grilled fresh pineapple produces a wonderful charred sweetness that is addictive!