Fundraising Chicken: A Taste of Nostalgia and Community

There are certain dishes that transcend mere sustenance; they become touchstones, anchors to cherished memories and the people who shared them. For me, this Fundraising Chicken is one such dish. I first encountered its magic when I was just sixteen, a whirlwind of youthful enthusiasm and a volunteer spirit at a church fundraiser. The air buzzed with activity, the scent of grilled meat mingling with the hopeful murmur of community gathering. This chicken, simple yet profoundly flavorful, was the undisputed star of the day, a testament to how humble ingredients, prepared with care, can bring people together and leave everyone craving more. Its easy preparation and irresistible taste quickly made it a beloved staple, a reminder that the most memorable meals often come from the heart.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 1 (for the chicken piece)
• Yield: 1 roasting chicken leg and thigh
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

This recipe relies on a few key players to create its signature flavor. The beauty lies in its simplicity, allowing the natural taste of the chicken to shine through while being elevated by a bright, tangy marinade.

• 1/4 cup Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
• 1 roasting chicken (specifically a leg and thigh portion)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup pickle juice

Equipment Needed

While this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, a few essential tools will ensure success:

• A large container or resealable bag for marinating
• A grill
• Tongs
• A fork or thermometer for checking doneness

Instructions

The magic of this Fundraising Chicken lies in its straightforward preparation and the slow, patient cooking process that yields incredibly tender and flavorful results.

1. Begin by preparing the chicken. Take your roasting chicken leg and thigh and pat it dry with paper towels. This simple step helps to create a better surface for the seasoning to adhere to.
2. Next, generously rub the chicken all over with the Lawry’s Seasoned Salt. Ensure every nook and cranny is coated; this is where a significant portion of the flavor will come from.
3. Add the chopped onion to the chicken. The onion will impart a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the marinade.
4. Now, it’s time to create the marinade. In a large container, combine the lemon juice and the pickle juice. The combination of acidity from the lemon and the briny, dilly notes from the pickle juice is key to tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with a unique tanginess.
5. Place the seasoned chicken and the chopped onion into the container with the lemon and pickle juice. Ensure the chicken is fully submerged as much as possible.
6. Marinate the chicken in this mixture for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and begin the tenderizing process. You can marinate for longer if time allows, but an hour is the minimum for this recipe.
7. Preheat your grill for indirect heat. This is crucial for slow, even cooking and preventing the chicken from burning on the outside before it’s cooked through. Aim for a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
8. Carefully place the marinated chicken onto the grill, positioning it for indirect heat. This means the heat source will be to the side of the chicken, not directly beneath it.
9. Allow the chicken to grill until done. This process typically takes two to three hours. The exact time will depend on the size of your chicken piece and the consistent temperature of your grill.
10. To check for doneness, poke the chicken with a fork in the thickest part of the thigh. Juices should run clear. If there is any pinkness or blood, return the chicken to the grill to continue cooking. You can also use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) in the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
11. Once cooked through and the juices are clear, carefully remove the Fundraising Chicken from the grill.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Marination Matters: While one hour is sufficient, if you have the foresight, marinating for up to four hours can yield even more tender and flavorful chicken. Just ensure the chicken remains refrigerated during this extended marination period.
• Grill Management: Maintaining a consistent grill temperature is key. If you find your grill is running too hot, briefly open the lid to release some heat. If it’s too cool, adjust the vents or add a few more coals (if using charcoal).
• The Power of Pickle Juice: Don’t underestimate the pickle juice! It’s not just about the dill; the acidity helps break down the chicken’s fibers, leading to a more tender result than lemon juice alone. Any brine from dill pickles will work.
• Visual Cues: While the fork test is reliable, visually, the chicken should have a beautiful, golden-brown exterior with some nice char marks from the grill, indicating it’s well-cooked and flavorful.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Fundraising Chicken is wonderfully versatile and shines when served as is, allowing its distinct flavors to take center stage.

• Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for about 5-10 minutes after coming off the grill. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moister final product. Serve hot, perhaps alongside a simple garden salad, coleslaw, or corn on the cob for a truly classic meal.
• Storage: Leftover Fundraising Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, the best method is to place the chicken in a baking dish, add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth, cover with foil, and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. This helps to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content for this flavorful Fundraising Chicken:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	182.6 kcal
Calories from Fat		106 g
Total Fat	11.8 g	18%
Saturated Fat	3.4 g	16%
Cholesterol	53.5 mg	17%
Sodium	51.5 mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	6.8 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	0.7 g	2%
Sugars	2.7 g	10%
Protein	13.1 g	26%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

While the original recipe is a classic for a reason, here are a few ways to adapt it:

• Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
• Herbaceous Notes: Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs added to the marinade can introduce a lovely aromatic dimension.
• Different Cuts: While leg and thigh are recommended for their moisture content, this marinade could also be used on chicken breasts, though cooking times would need to be adjusted significantly to prevent drying out.
• Vegetable Marinade: The marinade itself, sans chicken, can be a fantastic base for marinating vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions for grilling.

FAQs

Q: Why is indirect heat important for grilling this chicken?
A: Indirect heat allows the chicken to cook through slowly and evenly without the exterior burning. This is essential for achieving tender results with the longer cooking time required for this recipe.

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
A: Yes, bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute for fresh lemon juice. However, fresh lemon juice will provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor.

Q: How do I know if the pickle juice is still good to use?
A: As long as the pickle juice is within its expiration date and has been stored properly, it should be perfectly fine to use for marinating. It should smell fresh and tangy, not off or fermented.

Q: What if I don’t have a grill? Can I bake this chicken?
A: You can bake this chicken in the oven. Place the marinated chicken in a roasting pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until cooked through. While it won’t have the smoky char of grilled chicken, it will still be flavorful and tender.

Q: Is Lawry’s Seasoned Salt the only option?
A: While Lawry’s provides a specific blend of spices and salt that works wonderfully, you could experiment with other seasoned salt blends. However, be mindful of their salt content, as you may need to adjust accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Fundraising Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to recreate a piece of shared history and community spirit in your own kitchen. It’s a reminder that the simplest ingredients, when treated with care and patience, can yield extraordinary results. Whether you’re making it for a gathering, a family meal, or simply for yourself, I encourage you to embrace the process, savor the aromas, and share the delicious outcome with those you care about. It’s a dish that truly nourishes the body and the soul, just as it did all those years ago. Enjoy every flavorful bite!