Pollo al Carbon

Step 1

For whole chickens, remove the back bone and flatten (see post on spatchcock chicken for demo)

Step 2

Combine marinade ingredients in blender and whizz to liquefy the achiote paste.

Step 3

RESERVE 1/2 cup marinade. Pour the rest over the chicken and cover. Marinade 2-4 hours.

Step 4

Prepare a grill with a hot side and a cool side (meaning, pile all the coals onto one half of the grill)

Step 5

Lightly oil the grill

Step 6

First, lay chicken bone-side down on the hot side of the grill. Replace the cover and let sear 2-3 minutes.

Step 7

Move chicken to cool side of the grill and cover. Cook 20 minutes.

Step 8

Turn chicken, baste heavily with marinade, Cover and cook on the cool side another 20 minutes.

Step 9

Turn chicken, baste heavily with marinade, Cover and cook on the hot side another 20 minutes.

Step 10

Turn chicken, baste heavily with marinade, Cover and cook on the hot side another 20 minutes.

Step 11

After 80 minutes, your chickens will be cooked!

Step 12

Serve with lime wedges, salsa, rice and charro beans