Pollo al Mattone (Italian Roast Chicken Under a Brick)
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Prep Time
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Cook Time
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Total Time
1h 30m
This Italian roast chicken, also known as Pollo al Mattone, is marinated in olive oil, lemon, red pepper flakes, rosemary, sage, and garlic, then grilled under a weight to ensure a crispy, golden-brown skin. A simple but flavorful dish that's perfect for a special dinner.
Recipe Options
Ingredients
Servings:
4
Scale:
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Steps
1
In a medium bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, red pepper flakes, rosemary, sage, and garlic.
2
Using sharp kitchen shears or poultry shears, remove spine from chicken (reserve spine for stock or another use). Flatten chicken by placing it skin side up on a cutting board and applying firm pressure to the breastbone. Transfer to a baking dish, season all over with salt and pepper, add marinade, and rub all over chicken. Cover dish with plastic. Marinate, refrigerated, at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
3
Preheat oven, along with all cooking equipment for whichever setup you're using, including skillets, foil-wrapped bricks, chicken press, barbell weight, et cetera (see the "Special Equipment" section below for more info), to 475°F (245°C).
4
Scrape marinade and minced aromatics off chicken as best you can. Using cooking spray or oil, grease the interior of the bottom skillet/roasting vessel. Lay chicken down in skillet, skin side up, arranging it so that it lies flat.
5
Using cooking spray or oil, grease the bottom of the top weight. (Depending on your setup, this could be one side of the foil-wrapped bricks, or the bottom of the second skillet or chicken-press weight.) Press the top weight down on the chicken, making sure it evenly covers it and is in contact with both the breast and the legs.
6
Transfer to oven and cook until thickest part of breast, close to bone, registers 150°F (66°C) on an instant-read thermometer, about 30 minutes.
7
Remove chicken from oven, remove top weight, and let rest 5 to 10 minutes. Carve and serve with lemon wedges, drizzling fresh olive oil over chicken at the table.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition facts are based on 1 serving. If servings is not specified, 6 is assumed for the total
recipe.
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Calories842kcal
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Fat60g
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Saturated Fat13g
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Carbohydrates1g
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Fiber0g
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Sugar0g
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Protein64g
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Cholesterol213mg
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Sodium367mg
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.