I’ve been told, in no un-certain terms, I’ve been a jerk lately. Not those exact words, but otherwise, this post wouldn’t work as well. So what does a jerk who likes to cook do? He makes jerk.
Jerk Chicken (makes good tacos too!)
3 pounds Chicken leg quarters
4 green onions, chopped
½ medium red onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, peeled
1 habanero or scotch bonnet pepper seeded and chopped
1 lime, juiced
¼ cup soy sauce
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 Tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 Tablespoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger
Kosher salt and fresh-ground pepper, to taste
¼ cup vegetable oil
Combine all marinade ingredients except the oil in a food processor and blend for 10 to 15 seconds. Continue blending for another 10 seconds and slowly pour in the oil through the feed tube until a smooth, loose paste forms.
Add the chicken to a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over top, then seal the bag. Toss until the chicken is well coated and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Clean and oil your grill grates, then set up for two zone cooking. Place the chicken on the cooler side of the grill and close the lid. Cook for around 15 minutes.
Move the chicken to the hot side of the grill and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165º. Allow the chicken to cool for 5 minutes before serving.