Martha's Jerk Chicken

Name: Martha's Jerk Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 16 pieces, 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 3 fresh scotch bonnet peppers or 3 habanero peppers, seeded and finely chopped; 1 small yellow onion, coarsely chopped; 8 scallions, coarsely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, crushed with the flat side of a large knife; 3 tablespoons fresh thyme (about 1 bunch, finely chopped); 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar; 2 tablespoons ground allspice; 1 tablespoon coarse salt; 1 1/4 teaspoons ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup white vinegar; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (2 to 3 limes, plus lime wedges for serving); 1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus more for brushing grill; fresh ground pepper; 2 whole chickens (about 5 pounds each, cut into 8 pieces each, or 16 drumsticks and thighs, rinsed well and patted dry)

(4)

Recipe by alligirl

From the article -"Scotch bonnet and habanero chiles are native to the Caribbean and are extremely hot. Scotch bonnets are traditional, but you can use habaneros, which are similar and easier to find. Use fewer or more, according to your taste. Protect your hands by wearing gloves when cutting the peppers and when rubbing the chicken with marinade. Plan ahead so the chicken can marinate overnight; allowing it to come to room temperature before grilling makes for faster and more even cooking." Prep time does not included overnight marinading. Posted for ZWT 5.

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READY IN: 35mins

SERVES: 8

YIELD: 16 pieces

UNITS: US

INGREDIENTS

Nutrition

3

fresh scotch bonnet peppers or 3 habanero peppers, seeded and finely chopped
1

small yellow onion, coarsely chopped
8

scallions, coarsely chopped
4

garlic cloves, crushed with the flat side of a large knife
3

tablespoons fresh thyme (about 1 bunch, finely chopped)
¹⁄₄

cup packed dark brown sugar
2

tablespoons ground allspice
1

tablespoon coarse salt
1 ¹⁄₄

teaspoons ground nutmeg
1

teaspoon ground cinnamon
¹⁄₂

cup white vinegar
¹⁄₄

cup soy sauce
¹⁄₄

cup freshly squeezed lime juice (2 to 3 limes, plus lime wedges for serving)
¹⁄₄

cup vegetable oil, plus more for brushing grill
fresh ground pepper
2

whole chickens (about 5 pounds each, cut into 8 pieces each, or 16 drumsticks and thighs, rinsed well and patted dry)

DIRECTIONS

Make jerk marinade: Process chiles, onion, scallions, garlic, and thyme in a food processor until mixture forms a coarse paste.
Add brown sugar, allspice, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, and oil; season with pepper.
Process until smooth. Marinade can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 1 day before proceeding.
Transfer 1/3 of the marinade (about 1 cup) to a small bowl; set aside to use for brushing chicken.
Transfer remaining marinade to a large bowl.
Add chicken; toss to coat, rubbing marinade under the skin and all over chicken. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before grilling.
Heat a grill to low (if using a charcoal grill, coals are ready when you can hold your hand 5 inches above grate for 7 seconds).
Brush grate lightly with oil.
Place chicken on grill, skin sides down. Discard used marinade.
Grill chicken, brushing occasionally with reserved cup of fresh marinade, until the skin sides are well browned but not charred, about 25 minutes. Turn chicken, and continue to cook, basting it occasionally, until cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes.
Cut chicken breast halves into 2 or 3 pieces, if desired.
Serve with lime wedges.

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