Chicken Under a Brick

Pollo al Mattone, a delightful Italian dish originating from Lucca, delivers a perfectly cooked, crisp, and moist split chicken with little effort. The name “Mattone” translates to “tile,” referencing the traditional method of weighting the chicken with a cast-iron pan and heavy rocks to flatten it during cooking. The flattened chicken cooks evenly and retains its juiciness, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts. This recipe features rosemary as the primary herb, but you can easily experiment with other herbs to suit your taste preferences.

MAKES: 4 servings

TIME: 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 whole chicken, 3 to 4 pounds, trimmed of excess fat
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, plus 2 optional sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped garlic
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon, quartered

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Remove the backbone and split the chicken. With the breast facing up, use a heavy knife to cut on each side of the backbone, cutting from front to rear. Once the backbone is removed, you will be able to lay the chicken out flat and flatten it on both sides. Optionally, you can split the chicken into two halves.
2. Heat the oven to 450°F. Mix together the minced rosemary leaves, salt, chopped garlic, and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, making sure to tuck some of it under the skin as well.
3. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes. If you’re using the optional rosemary sprigs, press them into the skin of the chicken. Add the remaining olive oil to the pan and wait a minute for it to heat up. Place the chicken in the pan, skin side down, along with any pieces of rosemary and garlic. Weight the chicken with another skillet or a flat pot cover and a couple of bricks or rocks. The goal is to evenly flatten the chicken by applying substantial weight over its surface.
4. Cook the chicken over medium-high to high heat for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the chicken, still weighted, to the preheated oven and roast for an additional 15 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven and take off the weight. Flip the chicken over, so it is now skin side up, and roast for an additional 10 minutes.
5. To ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 155–165°F.
6. Cut the chicken into pieces and serve it hot or at room temperature, accompanied by lemon wedges for a burst of citrusy flavor.

TIPS:

• Adjust the cooking heat carefully to avoid burning the chicken. Medium-high to high heat works well, but keep a close eye on the chicken while it’s weighted to prevent overcooking.
• The purpose of weighting the chicken is to flatten it and ensure even cooking. If you don’t have bricks or rocks, you can use another heavy skillet or a heavy pot cover as an alternative.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to determine if the chicken is cooked through. The temperature should read 155–165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
• Lemon wedges are a delightful addition to serve alongside the chicken. Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the chicken enhances its taste and adds brightness to the dish.
• You can prepare each component of the dish ahead of time, including the chicken, the sauce, and the vegetables. Assemble the dish right before baking for a convenient and delicious meal.
• Consider trying different variations of this dish, such as using different herbs, replacing the tart crust with mashed potatoes or biscuit crust, or making a faster version with leftover chicken.
• Serve the Pollo al Mattone with your favorite sides, such as a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Enjoy the delightful flavors and tender texture of Pollo al Mattone—a classic Italian dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.