Cindys Recipes

Jerk Chicken

Ingredients

2 3 1/2-to 4-pound chickensquartered, or 8 whole legs, or 5 to 6bone-in, skin-on thighs
1large bunch scallionswhite and green parts, about 8
2 shallotspeeled and halved
4 to 6 Scotch bonnet chili peppersstems removed, or habaneros
12-inch piece fresh gingerpeeled and coarsely chopped
6 garlic clovespeeled
¼cup fresh thyme leavesor 1 tablespoon dried
2tablespoons ground allspicemore for sprinkling
2tablespoons soy sauce
2tablespoons dark brown sugar
1tablespoon saltmore for sprinkling
1tablespoon black pepper
½cup vegetable oil
1tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar
Freshly squeezed juice of 2 limes

Instructions

At least 1 day before cooking, pat chicken dry with paper towels. Combine remaining ingredients in a blender or food processor and grind to a coarse paste. Slather all over chicken, including under skin. Refrigerate 12 to 36 hours. Bring to room temperature before cooking and lightly sprinkle with more salt and ground allspice.
Prepare a charcoal grill: Clean and oil grates, and preheat to medium heat using one chimney of charcoal. The temperature can start as high as 300 degrees and go as low as 250. For best results, coals should be at least 12 inches away from chicken. If necessary, push coals to one side of grill to create indirect heat. Add two large handfuls of soaked pimento (allspice) wood sticks and chips (see note) or other aromatic wood chips to coals, then close grill. When thick white smoke billows from grill, place chicken on grate, skin side up, and cover. Let cook undisturbed for 30 to 35 minutes.
Uncover grill. Chicken will be golden and mahogany in places. Chicken thighs may already be cooked through. For other cuts, turn chicken over and add more wood chips, and charcoal if needed. Cover and continue cooking, checking and turning every 10 minutes. Jerk chicken is done when skin is burnished brown and chicken juices are completely clear, with no pink near the bone. For large pieces, this can take up to an hour. Serve hot or warm, with rice and beans.

Recipe Notes

Pimento wood sticks and chips are available at www.pimentowood.com