What is Marfar Chicken? An Exploration of This Unique Southern Oregon Specialty

Marfar chicken is a popular and interesting dish that comes from southern Oregon. Marfar chicken has a cult following in the area because of its unique way of being cooked and flavor. But people who haven’t tried this specialty yet still want to know: what is marfar chicken and how did it become so popular? This article will talk about the history, ingredients, and appeal of this one-of-a-kind dish.

A Brief History of Marfar Chicken

While the precise origins of marfar chicken are unknown, most accounts trace it back to the town of Marfar, Oregon in the late 19th century Marfar was founded as a logging community and the resident loggers developed marfar chicken as an easy, tasty meal that could be prepared over an open fire after a long day of work.

The dish was popularized in the 1920s when Marfar residents began holding public marfar chicken dinners to showcase the specialty. Travelers passing through the region got a taste of marfar chicken and began spreading the word. Restaurants in southern Oregon added it to their menus and a regional favorite was born.

What Makes Marfar Chicken Unique?

So what makes marfar chicken different from other chicken dishes? Its unique taste and texture come from a few main things:

• Brining: Marfar chicken is brined before it is cooked. This keeps the meat very moist and gives it flavor. The brine often contains salt, sugar, and herbs.

• Smothered in sauce – Marfar chicken is cooked in a large pot then smothered and simmered in a thick, creamy sauce. The sauce adheres to every nook and cranny of the meat.

• One-of-a-kind sauce: white wine, mustard, parsley, dill, and lemon give the marfar sauce its rich, sour taste. Cream gives the sauce its signature thickness.

• Slow cooking – Marfar chicken cooks low and slow in the sauce, resulting in incredibly tender and fall-off-the-bone meat. The slow cooking allows the sauce to fully permeate the chicken.

• Served on the bone – Marfar chicken is served on the bone rather than deboned. This adds flavor and also makes for a dramatic, shareable presentation.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Marfar Chicken

Making authentic marfar chicken takes some time and effort, but it’s a labor of love. Here is an overview of the process:

• Select your chicken – A whole cut-up chicken works best. Opt for a good quality bird with skin and bone-in.

• Make the brine – Whisk together 1 cup salt, 1/2 cup sugar, and aromatics like garlic, peppercorns, and herbs in a pot of water. Cool then submerge chicken. Refrigerate 1-2 hours.

• Sauté aromatics – Sauté onion, celery, carrots, garlic, and herbs like thyme and rosemary. Deglaze pan with white wine.

• Simmer in sauce – Whisk in cream, mustard, lemon juice, and chopped parsley and dill. Add chicken and liquid to pot and simmer for 60-90 minutes.

• Finish and serve – Once chicken is fall-apart tender, taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with more parsley and dill. Serve with egg noodles or rice.

Why Marfar Chicken is So Satisfying

There are several reasons why marfar chicken is considered such a satisfying and crave-worthy dish:

• Comfort food appeal – With its rich sauce, tender meat, and hearty flavor, marfar chicken is the epitome of comfort food. It’s deeply satisfying.

• Community tradition – Because the dish is so tied to Marfar history, it evokes a sense of community and connection. Eating it feels like taking part in a tradition.

• Richness – Between the brining, smoking, and creamy sauce, marfar chicken simply tastes decadent. The richness pairs perfectly with the acidity from the white wine and lemon.

• Shareability – Served whole and on the bone, marfar chicken is meant to be shared with family and friends. The experience feels intimate.

• Reputation – For those in southern Oregon, marfar chicken has an almost legendary status. Trying this famed local specialty feels like an exciting treat.

Where to Get Your Marfar Chicken Fix

While you can try making marfar chicken at home, for the true experience you need to visit one of these southern Oregon establishments:

• Pine Street Grill – This Ashland restaurant serves classic marfar chicken just like you’d find in Marfar along with local beers and live music. Get it as an entree or sandwich.

• MaMoss Restaurant – For an upscale take, head to MaMoss in Gold Hill. Their crispy marfar chicken in white wine cream sauce comes with grilled veggies and cheesy polenta.

• Marfar Chicken Festival – Marfar hosts this annual festival each summer with vendors serving all kinds of marfar chicken dishes. Don’t miss their signature cook-off contest!

• Rogue Valley Food Tours – Take a tasting tour of the Rogue Valley and you’ll get to sample marfar chicken along with other regional favorites. It’s a fun way to experience local cuisine.

Marfar Chicken – A Oregon Specialty Worth Trying

From its humble logger camp beginnings to its current status as a southern Oregon legend, marfar chicken has come a long way. The dish offers a truly unique eating experience thanks to its briny, saucy preparation and rich, tender meat. For foodies and comfort food lovers alike, marfar chicken is a regional specialty that deserves a place on your bucket list. So next time you’re in the area, be sure to get a heaping plate of this Oregon original!