Chicken under a brick is a surprisingly simple yet incredibly effective cooking method that yields incredibly juicy chicken with perfectly crispy skin. This technique, popular in many cultures, uses the weight of a brick (or other heavy object) to evenly compress the chicken breast, ensuring even cooking and preventing the dreaded dry breast. This guide will explore everything you need to know about mastering this culinary technique.
What is Chicken Under a Brick?
Chicken under a brick, also sometimes referred to as "pressed chicken," involves placing a heavy weight, like a brick (wrapped securely!), on top of a chicken breast while it cooks. This weight ensures even cooking and renders the fat, leading to incredibly juicy meat and spectacularly crispy skin. The process is deceptively simple, yet the results are far superior to pan-frying or even some oven-roasting methods.
How to Cook Chicken Under a Brick: A Step-by-Step Guide
What you'll need:
- 1-2 boneless, skin-on chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Your choice of herbs and spices (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Olive oil or butter
- Heavy, oven-safe object (a brick wrapped in heavy-duty foil, a cast iron skillet, or even a heavy baking dish)
- Oven-safe pan (cast iron is ideal)
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Season generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs and spices. Consider a simple blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
- Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): For extra flavor and color, sear the chicken breasts in a hot pan with a little olive oil or butter for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step is not strictly necessary, but it significantly enhances the final product.
- Assemble and Bake: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in an oven-safe pan. Carefully place your chosen heavy object on top of the chicken breasts. Ensure the weight is distributed evenly.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the weight of your "brick."
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and carefully remove the weight. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
What Kind of Brick Should I Use?
You don't need an actual brick! While the name suggests it, using a literal brick is messy and potentially dangerous. Instead, wrap a heavy, oven-safe brick in several layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil to create a safe, clean weight. A cast iron skillet, a heavy baking dish, or even several cans of food can serve as effective substitutes. The key is sufficient weight to evenly press the chicken.
Can I Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts?
While the method works best with boneless, skin-on chicken breasts for maximum crispiness and juiciness, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, the results will be less impressive, and the chicken might become dry. If using skinless breasts, reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
How Do I Know When the Chicken is Cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is the safest way to guarantee the chicken is fully cooked and free of harmful bacteria. Don't rely solely on visual cues.
What Are Some Variations of Chicken Under a Brick?
You can experiment with different marinades, herbs, and spices to customize your chicken under a brick. Consider adding lemon slices, garlic cloves, or other aromatics to the pan for extra flavor. You can even use this technique with other meats, like pork chops or fish fillets.
Conclusion
Chicken under a brick is a fantastic cooking technique that consistently delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with perfectly crispy skin. With a little practice, you’ll master this method and enjoy delicious, restaurant-quality results at home. Try it tonight and experience the difference!
