Chef John's Chicken Under a Brick

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Picture this: a succulent, mouthwatering chicken, perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection.

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Chef John's Chicken Under a Brick
Prep
10 min
Cook
40 min
Total
1 hr 10 min
Servings
6

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

  2. Using kitchen shears, cut down both sides of the backbone and remove and discard it.

  3. Cut through the breastbone from the inside until the chicken folds out like a book and lays flat.

  4. Season the chicken all over with salt and black pepper, and sprinkle the herbes de Provence on the inside. Let the chicken sit for 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature, then pat it dry with paper towels.

  5. Brush the skin-side of the chicken with oil and season it again with salt and black pepper.

  6. Heat an oven-proof cast iron skillet over high heat until it becomes very hot, about 5 minutes.

  7. Place the chicken, skin-side down, in the hot skillet and place bricks evenly on top to weigh it down.

  8. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

  9. Remove the bricks, turn the chicken over, and continue roasting until the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink at the bone, which should take 5 to 15 minutes more.

  10. Check the internal temperature of the chicken by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone. It should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

  11. Preheat the oven's broiler and broil the chicken until the skin is

About this recipe

Unleash the Flavor: Chef John's Chicken Under a Brick

Picture this: a succulent, mouthwatering chicken, perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection. The skin is crispy and golden, while the meat inside is tender and juicy. Every bite is a burst of flavor that leaves you craving for more. This is what awaits you when you try Chef John's Chicken Under a Brick.

The Secret Behind the Name

Why "Chicken Under a Brick," you wonder? Well, it's all about the cooking technique. By placing a weighty object, like a brick or a cast-iron skillet, on top of the chicken while it cooks, you create a pressure that results in an evenly cooked bird. The weight compresses the chicken, allowing the heat to penetrate every nook and cranny, resulting in a perfectly cooked, crispy-skinned chicken.

Preparation is Key

Before you embark on your culinary adventure, there are a few key steps you need to take. First, make sure you have a whole chicken, preferably organic, as it tends to be more flavorful. Then, you'll want to season it generously with a blend of herbs and spices that tickle your taste buds. Don't be shy with the seasoning; it's what brings the dish to life.

Grilling to Perfection

Once your chicken is seasoned to perfection, it's time to fire up the grill. Preheat it to medium-high heat, around 375째F (190째C), and carefully place the chicken on the grill, skin side down. Now, here comes the fun part - place a brick or a cast-iron skillet on top of the chicken. This will create the pressure needed for that crispy skin we all crave. Let it cook for about 25-30 minutes, then flip it over and repeat the process. The result? A beautifully grilled chicken, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Frequently asked questions

. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Indeed, you can! While the traditional recipe calls for a whole chicken, you can adapt it to boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless cuts tend to cook faster.

. Does it really need to be cooked under a brick?

Although the name suggests it, you don't necessarily need a brick. A heavy cast-iron skillet or a foil-wrapped brick will do the trick. The idea is to create pressure, so feel free to get creative!

. What other seasonings can I use?

Chef John's recipe calls for a classic blend of herbs and spices, but you can mix things up to suit your taste. Try adding some lemon zest, paprika, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a little kick.

. Can I cook this in the oven?

Absolutely! If grilling isn't an option, you can still achieve fantastic results in the oven. Preheat it to the same temperature as the grill and follow the same cooking instructions, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165째F (74째C) for safe consumption.

. Can I use this technique with other meats?

While Chef John's recipe focuses on chicken, the technique of cooking under a brick can be applied to other meats as well. From pork chops to steak, give it a try and see how it elevates the flavors of your favorite cuts.

. How do I get that extra crispy skin?

If you're after an extra crispy skin, you can remove the brick or skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. This will allow the skin to crisp up even more, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite.

. Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?

Absolutely! Marinating the chicken before cooking can add an extra layer of flavor. Just be sure to pat it dry before seasoning and grilling to achieve that perfect crispy skin.

In conclusion, Chef John's Chicken Under a Brick is a game-changer when it comes to grilling chicken. The technique of cooking under a weighty object creates pressure that ensures even cooking and a crispy skin that will have you coming back for seconds. So, go ahead and unleash the flavor with this delicious recipe!

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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