Chicken Under a Brick
Start planning this dish a day ahead so you can marinate it overnight. I like to serve the crisp chicken with a side of silky mashed potatoes as a foil.
Start planning this dish a day ahead so you can marinate it overnight. I like to serve the crisp chicken with a side of silky mashed potatoes as a foil.
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 216.000000620825 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 29.8252800857236 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (222g)
- Sodium 2329.80000001242 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 5.84928001681196 g
- Calories 1909 calories
Step-by-step
- Rinse the chicken in cold water and pat dry.
- Follow the directions in the Photo-essay to split and partially bone the chicken.
- Rinse and dry the chicken halves again.
- Combine the thyme, rosemary, garlic, and olive oil in a large zip-top bag or mixing bowl.
- Add the chicken halves.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
- Heat the oven to 450°F.
- Wrap two bricks in a couple of layers of foil. (If you don't have bricks, use heavy rocks, 2-lb. weights, or another heavy pan weighed down with cans.)
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator, let the excess marinade drain off, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Set a large cast-iron or other heavy ovenproof pan over medium-high heat.
- When hot, add just enough vegetable oil to lightly film the pan.
- Put the chicken halves, skin side down, in the pan and immediately put a brick on top of each half.
- Turn the heat to medium and cook (without moving the chicken) until the skin is a deep golden brown (check with a spatula) and the chicken is cooked about halfway through, 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove the bricks, turn the chicken halves over, and put the pan in the hot oven to finish roasting the chicken until a thermometer registers at least 165°F, another 20 to 25 minutes.
Chicken Under a Brick: A Simple Yet Impressive Dish
As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and easy to prepare. This Chicken Under a Brick recipe has become a staple in my household, impressing both my family and unexpected guests. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity; the process is straightforward, yet the result is a succulent, flavorful chicken with perfectly crispy skin. The overnight marinade is key—it infuses the chicken with herbs and garlic, resulting in incredibly tender meat.
The "brick" technique, while seemingly unconventional, is surprisingly effective. The weight of the bricks presses down on the chicken, ensuring even cooking and that wonderfully crispy skin. It’s a clever technique that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor and texture. I often use this method for other meats as well; it's a reliable way to achieve that perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness. The best part? The cleanup is minimal—just a pan to wash! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner when time is precious, or for a more relaxed weekend meal when you want to impress.
I usually serve this chicken with a simple side of roasted vegetables or a creamy mashed potato, allowing the chicken's flavor to truly shine. The herbs in the marinade—thyme and rosemary—pair beautifully with the chicken, creating a fragrant and aromatic dish that's sure to become a favorite. The method is so versatile; you can experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize the recipe to your taste.
Beyond its practicality, this recipe brings a sense of satisfaction. There’s something incredibly rewarding about creating a gourmet-style dish with minimal fuss. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes the most impressive meals come from the simplest of techniques. It’s become a go-to recipe for entertaining; it’s always a conversation starter, and people are always curious about the “secret” behind the perfectly crisp skin. The truth is, there's no secret, just a little bit of weight and a lot of flavor.
This recipe is a true testament to the magic of simple ingredients and clever techniques. It’s a keeper, and I highly recommend you give it a try. You might be surprised at how easily you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. The compliments will be worth it!
Beyond the practical aspects, this dish offers a sense of accomplishment. It's a chance to show off a little culinary creativity without getting bogged down in complex procedures. It's the kind of dish that can easily be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences. For example, you can easily adjust the herbs and spices to create different flavor profiles. It's versatile and adaptable, perfect for those who love to experiment in the kitchen.
Finally, this Chicken Under a Brick recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a journey. It’s a journey from the initial planning stage, where you marinate the chicken and anticipate the delicious outcome, to the final moment when you savor the perfectly cooked, crispy-skinned delight. It's a process that engages all the senses, from the fragrant herbs to the satisfying crunch of the skin, making it a truly memorable culinary experience. Give it a try and experience the culinary journey yourself. You won't regret it.
