Ingredients

  • 12 chicken thighs (about 7 ounces each)
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 small white onion, chopped
  • 3 scallions, sliced
  • 1 small habanero, stemmed
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground allspice
  • 1 tablespoon thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Coke
  • 1/4 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional)
  • 1/4 cup canola oil, plus more for brushing

Method

  • Arrange the chicken on a large baking sheet and season generously with salt.
  • Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • Rinse the chicken and pat dry.
  • Meanwhile, in a blender, puree the onion, scallions, habanero, garlic and ginger until chunky.
  • Add the allspice, thyme, sugar, cayenne, black pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon and puree until very smooth.
  • Transfer the puree to a large bowl and whisk in the vinegar, orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, Coke and liquid smoke, then whisk in the 1/4 cup of oil.
  • Add the chicken and turn to coat thoroughly.
  • Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  • Light a grill and brush the grates with oil.
  • Transfer the chicken to a large plate.
  • Transfer the marinade to a medium saucepan and boil until reduced by half, about 15 minutes.
  • Brush the chicken with oil and grill over moderate heat for 25 minutes, until lightly charred and cooked through.
  • Brush the chicken with some of the marinade and grill for 1 minute.
  • Serve the chicken with the remaining reduced marinade.