How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, marinate the chicken a day in advance for more flavor.

Can I use an oven instead of a grill?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) until the chicken is fully cooked and skin is crisp.

What can I use instead of pimento seeds?

You can use an equal amount of ground allspice as a substitute.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some chopped habanero or scotch bonnet peppers to the marinade or sauce.

Smoky Jamaican Woodfire Pimento Chicken

Name: Smoky Jamaican Woodfire Pimento Chicken
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Chicken quarters; Pimento seeds (allspice berries); Ground ginger; Garlic powder; Smoked paprika; Salt; Black pepper; Lime juice; Vegetable oil; Wood chips soaked in water (preferably hickory or applewood); Charcoal or wood for the grill; Scallions, finely chopped; Ginger, minced; Vegetable oil; Soy sauce; Rice vinegar; Sugar

Delicious, smoky, and packed with island flavor

Experience the authentic taste of Jamaican cuisine with this smoky chicken dish, grilled to perfection over a woodfire and served with a vibrant ginger scallion sauce.

3 h
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Marinated Chicken

Chicken quarters

Pimento seeds (allspice berries)

2 tablespoons

Ground ginger

1 tablespoon

Garlic powder

½ tablespoon

Smoked paprika

1 tablespoon

Salt

2 teaspoons

Black pepper

1 teaspoon

Lime juice

2 tablespoons

Vegetable oil

2 tablespoons

For the Woodfire Grilling

Wood chips soaked in water (preferably hickory or applewood)

Charcoal or wood for the grill

For the Ginger Scallion Sauce

Scallions, finely chopped

1 bunch

Ginger, minced

2 tablespoons

Vegetable oil

¼ cup

Soy sauce

2 tablespoons

Rice vinegar

1 tablespoon

Sugar

1 teaspoon

Preparation

Marinating the Chicken

Make the marinade

In a large bowl, combine pimento seeds, ground ginger, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, lime juice, and oil to create a paste.

For more intense flavor, lightly crush the pimento seeds before using.

Marinate the chicken

Rub the marinade thoroughly over the chicken quarters.

Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Allow the chicken to marinate overnight for a deeper flavor infusion.

Creating the Ginger Scallion Sauce

Heat oil and sauté

In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil. Add scallions and ginger; sauté until fragrant.

Finish the sauce

Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar until combined. Remove from heat and set aside.

Do not over-soak the wood chips; they should be damp but not dripping.

Cooking Process

Grill Setup

Prepare your charcoal grill for indirect heat with soaked wood chips added to the coals for smoke infusion.

Chicken Grilling

Place marinated chicken on the grill away from coals. Cover and grill until cooked through and skin is crispy.

Sauce Finishing

Drizzle the prepared ginger scallion sauce over the grilled chicken before serving.

Plating & Serving