Mastering Chicken Brick Cooking: What to Make and How to Do It

Ever since I moved to Nashville from the Bay Area, I’ve been on a culinary adventure, exploring all sorts of cooking techniques. One that’s really caught my attention lately is chicken brick cooking. It’s a unique method that involves cooking a whole chicken under a brick, resulting in a beautifully crispy skin and succulent meat. If you’re new to this, don’t worry—I was too, but it’s surprisingly simple and the results are amazing. Let’s dive in and see what we can make with this technique!

When I first heard about chicken brick cooking, I was skeptical. How could something so simple produce such fantastic results? But after trying it out, I was hooked. The combination of even heat distribution and the weight of the brick creates a perfect cooking environment. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your friends with your culinary skills without too much effort.

Understanding Chicken Brick Cooking

What Is Chicken Brick Cooking?

Chicken brick cooking, also known as pollo al mattone, is an Italian method where a whole chicken is flattened and cooked under a brick. The brick helps to distribute heat evenly and presses the chicken against the cooking surface, resulting in a crispy skin and juicy meat. It’s a fantastic way to cook chicken, especially if you love that perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness.

Why Use a Brick?

The brick serves a dual purpose: it acts as a weight to flatten the chicken and ensures even cooking. The weight of the brick presses the chicken against the cooking surface, creating that beautiful crispy skin we all love. Plus, it helps to cook the chicken more evenly, reducing the risk of undercooked or overcooked parts.

Benefits of Chicken Brick Cooking

There are several benefits to chicken brick cooking:

• Even cooking: The brick ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, reducing the risk of undercooked or overcooked parts.
• Crispy skin: The weight of the brick presses the chicken against the cooking surface, creating a beautifully crispy skin.
• Juicy meat: The even heat distribution helps to retain the chicken’s natural juices, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
• Simple preparation: The process is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills.

Choosing the Right Brick

When it comes to choosing the right brick, you want something that’s clean, unglazed, and free of any chemicals. A standard red brick from a hardware store will do the trick. Make sure to wrap it in aluminum foil to keep it clean and prevent any unwanted flavors from transferring to your food.

Preparing the Chicken

Preparing the chicken for brick cooking is fairly simple. You’ll need a whole chicken, some seasonings, and a bit of elbow grease to flatten it. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Remove the backbone: Place the chicken breast-side down on a cutting board. Using kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone and remove it. You can save the backbone for making stock.
2. Flatten the chicken: Turn the chicken breast-side up and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten it. You should hear a cracking sound as the bone breaks. This is called spatchcocking.
3. Season the chicken: Rub the chicken with your choice of seasonings. I usually go for a mix of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Cooking the Chicken

Now that your chicken is prepared, it’s time to cook it. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your cooking surface: Whether you’re using a grill or a stovetop, preheat it to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill, make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled.
2. Place the chicken: Put the chicken breast-side down on the cooking surface.
3. Add the brick: Wrap your brick in aluminum foil and place it on top of the chicken. Make sure it’s evenly distributed.
4. Cook: Cook the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Then, flip the chicken (carefully, as it will be hot) and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Rest: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

What to Make with Chicken Brick Cooking

One of the great things about chicken brick cooking is its versatility. You can use this method to create a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Roast Chicken

The most straightforward option is a classic roast chicken. Season your chicken with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs like rosemary and thyme. Cook it under the brick for a beautifully crispy skin and juicy meat. Serve it with roasted vegetables and a side of mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

Lemon Herb Chicken

For a brighter flavor profile, try a lemon herb chicken. Marinate your chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley and oregano. Cook it under the brick and serve it with a fresh salad and crusty bread. It’s a perfect dish for summer evenings.

Spicy Chicken

If you like a bit of heat, go for a spicy chicken. Rub your chicken with a blend of chili powder, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook it under the brick and serve it with a cooling yogurt sauce and a side of grilled vegetables. It’s a great option for those who enjoy bold flavors.

Chicken with Pesto

For a Mediterranean twist, try chicken with pesto. Spread a layer of pesto under the skin of the chicken before cooking it under the brick. The pesto will infuse the meat with a rich, herby flavor. Serve it with roasted potatoes and a side of green beans.

Chicken with BBQ Sauce

If you’re a fan of barbecue, you can’t go wrong with chicken with BBQ sauce. Brush your chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce before cooking it under the brick. The sauce will caramelize and create a delicious, sticky glaze. Serve it with coleslaw and corn on the cob for a classic BBQ meal.

Experimenting with Flavors

One of the best things about chicken brick cooking is that it allows for a lot of experimentation. You can try different marinades, rubs, and sauces to create unique flavor profiles. Don’t be afraid to mix and match ingredients to see what works best for you.

Is this the best approach? Let’s consider… Maybe I should clarify that while chicken brick cooking is versatile, it’s important to remember that the key to success is the even distribution of heat and weight. So, while you can experiment with flavors, the cooking method itself should remain consistent.

Tips for Successful Chicken Brick Cooking

To ensure your chicken brick cooking is a success, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use a clean, unglazed brick: Make sure your brick is clean and free of any chemicals. Wrapping it in aluminum foil will help keep it clean and prevent any unwanted flavors from transferring to your food.
• Preheat your cooking surface: Whether you’re using a grill or a stovetop, preheat it to medium-high heat. This will help create a crispy skin.
• Flatten the chicken evenly: Make sure to press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten the chicken evenly. This will ensure even cooking.
• Season generously: Don’t be afraid to use a generous amount of seasoning. The chicken will absorb the flavors as it cooks.
• Rest the chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Conclusion: Embrace the Art of Chicken Brick Cooking

Chicken brick cooking is a fantastic way to elevate your culinary skills and impress your friends and family. With its crispy skin and juicy meat, it’s a dish that’s sure to please. So, why not give it a try? Experiment with different flavors and see what you can create. I’m torn between trying a new marinade or sticking with my tried-and-true lemon herb recipe, but ultimately, the joy is in the experimentation.

Maybe I should clarify that while chicken brick cooking is simple, it does require a bit of practice to get it just right. But don’t worry—with a little patience and some trial and error, you’ll be a pro in no time. And who knows? You might just discover your new favorite way to cook chicken.

FAQ

Q: What kind of brick should I use for chicken brick cooking?
A: You should use a clean, unglazed brick. Make sure to wrap it in aluminum foil to keep it clean and prevent any unwanted flavors from transferring to your food.

Q: How long should I cook the chicken under the brick?
A: Cook the chicken for about 20-25 minutes on the first side, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Then, flip the chicken and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Q: Can I use this method with other types of poultry?
A: While chicken brick cooking is specifically designed for chicken, you can experiment with other types of poultry. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Q: What should I serve with chicken brick cooking?
A: Chicken brick cooking pairs well with a variety of sides. Try serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, fresh salad, or crusty bread.

@article{mastering-chicken-brick-cooking-what-to-make-and-how-to-do-it,
    title   = {Mastering Chicken Brick Cooking: What to Make and How to Do It},
    author  = {Chef's icon},
    year    = {2025},
    journal = {Chef's Icon},
    url     = {https://chefsicon.com/chicken-brick-cooking-what-to-make/}
}