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Jerk Chicken

There are many recipes out there for Jerk Chicken.  But the basics are herbs, allspice, habanero peppers, lime and something sweet like molasses.

Oh, and marinating for two straight days - that makes a huge difference.


6 cloves garlic, halved
2-inch piece fresh ginger, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

2 Tbsp fresh rosemary
1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves
2 Tbsp fresh sage
1 Tbsp fresh oregano

1 habanero pepper
1 jalapeño pepper (or another habanero pepper)

juice and peel of 1 lime

1 Tbsp allspice powder
1/4 cup molases
1/4 cup soy sauce

1 whole chicken, spatchcocked or split in half, or equivalent chicken pieces (on bone), enough for 4

In a small food processor, mince the garlic and the ginger.  Set aside in a large bowl.  In same processor, mince the herbs.  Set aside with the garlic.  
Then mince the peppers.  Set aside with the garlic mix. 
Be very careful not to handle the habanero with your bare hands - and don’t touch your eyes before washing your hands very well with soap. 

In same processor, mince the lime peel and add to the garlic.  
Finally add the allspice, molasses and soy sauce to the garlic mix mixture and mix well.
Place chicken halves (or pieces) in a large zip tight plastic bag or a large casserole.  Add the jerk marinade and mix to coat well.  Seal bag or cover casserole with plastic wrap.

Place chicken in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Mix up the chicken several times while marinating.

When ready to cook, remove chicken from the marinade and temper at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.  
Heat grill to high and cover.  Cook chicken on right side of grill, skin-side-up, covered for about 5-8 minutes.  
Watch for flare ups.  Now reduce left side to medium-low.  Cook the chicken on the left side of the grill, skin-side-down for about 5-8 minutes, again watching for flare ups.

Now flip chicken and cook skin-side-up again on left side of grill, covered, for another 8-10 minuets, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165F).
Remove from grill and serve with favorite sides.


Serves 4.
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