Fire Department Chicken Recipe

Get ready to taste the legendary flavor of your local fire department's grilled chicken! This copycat recipe recreates that irresistible smoky, tangy goodness. Marinate juicy chicken (halves or quarters work best) overnight in a vibrant sauce packed with poultry seasoning and a hint of black pepper. The bold vinegar aroma during cooking is part of the magic (cook outside for best results!). This recipe is inspired by Copy Kat Chat and adapted for home cooks, offering a simpler method for applying the flavorful mop. Prepare for rave reviews – your family will be hooked!

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Calories 316.8 kcal

Protein 0g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Fire Department Chicken

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How to Make Fire Department Chicken

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 3 tablespoons poultry seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Let cool completely.
Place your chicken (approximately 2-3 lbs) in a large resealable bag. Pour the cooled sauce over the chicken, ensuring it's coated evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade).
Grill chicken for approximately 20-25 minutes, basting frequently with the reserved marinade. Use tongs to turn the chicken and ensure even cooking. Internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for breasts and 180°F (82°C) for thighs.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the incredible flavor!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

105 g

Sugar

Fat

62g

Carbs

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Side Dishes Poultry Chicken Recipes The Americas American Southern Gluten Free Summer Recipes Game Day Recipes Grilling & Bbq

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Preparation Low Protein 5 Ingredients Or Less Very Low Carbs Condiments Etc Easy Marinades And Rubs Dietary Low Carb Low In Something

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Fire Department Chicken?

Fire Department Chicken takes about 45 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Fire Department Chicken?

Fire Department Chicken has approximately 316.8 calories per serving, with about 0 g protein, 0 g carbohydrates and 51 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Fire Department Chicken?

The key ingredients for Fire Department Chicken are Cider Vinegar, Oil, Worcestershire Sauce, Salt, Butter. See the full list with measurements above.