The Best Darned Grilled Chicken Ever

southernliving.com

• Ready In: 3 hrs 55 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 5  tablespoons  cajun  meat seasoning
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons ground cardamom
• 1  tablespoon onion powder, plus
• 1  teaspoon onion powder
• 1  tablespoon ground ginger, plus
• 3⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1  tablespoon  grated lemon peel
• 1  tablespoon lime zest
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons  ground savory
• 3⁄4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 3⁄4 teaspoon  ground dried pasilla chili pepper
• 1  tablespoon soy sauce, plus
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 4  lbs roasting chickens, cut into 8 pieces
• 4  bay leaves
• 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter

Directions

1. Combine first 11 ingredients in a large bowl. Remove 1/4 cup mixture, and set aside. Add soy sauce to remaining seasoning, and stir well to form a paste. Place chicken pieces and bay leaves in a large bowl, and rub chicken evenly with paste. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, and chill 6 to 8 hours.
2. Remove chicken from refrigerator about 1 1/2 hours before grilling so it reaches room temperature. Melt butter, and stir in reserved 1/4 cup seasoning mixture. Set aside.
3. Prepare a hot fire (400-450Fº) by piling charcoal on one side of grill, leaving other side empty. If using gas grill, light only one side. Place chicken pieces over cooler side, and grill, covered with grill lid, 25 minutes for breasts and 30 minutes for thighs and legs.
4. Transfer chicken to hot side, and grill, turning several times and basting with reserved butter mixture, until internal temperature reaches 175ºF, about 7 1/2 minutes per side for breasts, 3 1/2 minutes per side for thighs, and 2 1/2 minutes per side for legs. Remove from grill, and let stand 10 minutes before serving.