-
1
At least 1 day before cooking, pat chicken dry with paper towels.
-
2
Combine remaining ingredients in a blender or food processor and grind to a coarse paste.
-
3
Slather all over chicken, including under skin.
-
4
Refrigerate 12 to 36 hours.
-
5
Bring to room temperature before cooking and lightly sprinkle with more salt and ground allspice.
-
6
Prepare a charcoal grill: Clean and oil grates, and preheat to medium heat using one chimney of charcoal.
-
7
The temperature can start as high as 300 degrees and go as low as 250.
-
8
For best results, coals should be at least 12 inches away from chicken.
-
9
If necessary, push coals to one side of grill to create indirect heat.
-
10
Add two large handfuls of soaked pimento (allspice) wood sticks and chips (see note) or other aromatic wood chips to coals, then close grill.
-
11
When thick white smoke billows from grill, place chicken on grate, skin side up, and cover.
-
12
Let cook undisturbed for 30 to 35 minutes.
-
13
Uncover grill.
-
14
Chicken will be golden and mahogany in places.
-
15
Chicken thighs may already be cooked through.
-
16
For other cuts, turn chicken over and add more wood chips, and charcoal if needed.
-
17
Cover and continue cooking, checking and turning every 10 minutes.
-
18
Jerk chicken is done when skin is burnished brown and chicken juices are completely clear, with no pink near the bone.
-
19
For large pieces, this can take up to an hour.
-
20
Serve hot or warm, with rice and beans.