Chef John's Brick-Pressed Chicken
Ingredients List
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1 (3 1/2) pound whole chicken, wings removed
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salt and ground black pepper to taste
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1 pinch herbes de Provence, or to taste
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil, or as needed
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2 heavy clay bricks, wrapped tightly in aluminum foil
Cooking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Using kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the chicken's backbone to remove it. Discard the backbone. Then, cut through the breastbone from the inside and flatten the chicken out like an open book.
Season the chicken generously with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle herbes de Provence inside the chicken. Let it rest at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes, then pat it dry with paper towels. Brush the skin side with oil and season again with salt and pepper.
Heat an oven-safe cast iron skillet over high heat for about 5 minutes until it's very hot. Place the chicken, skin-side down, in the skillet, and place bricks on top to press the chicken down evenly.
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the bricks, flip the chicken, and continue roasting until the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink at the bone, about 5 to 15 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh should read 165°F (74°C).
Preheat the broiler and broil the chicken for 1 to 3 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| 303 | Calories |
| 13g | Fat |
| 43g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 6 | |
| Calories 303 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 13g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat 3g | 17% |
| Cholesterol 133mg | 44% |
| Sodium 154mg | 7% |
| Protein 43g | 86% |
| Calcium 22mg | 2% |
| Iron 2mg | 10% |
| Potassium 362mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
Evaluation :
5/5