Calories in 1 serving Chicken Under A Brick?

1 serving Chicken Under A Brick is 1440 calories.

Looking for a delicious and hearty chicken recipe? You'll love 1 serving Chicken Under A Brick, which packs in 1440 calories to keep you feeling full and satisfied. This recipe is perfect for those who love rich, savory flavors and want to impress their dinner guests.

The chicken in this recipe is packed with protein and nutrients, making it a healthy option for any meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

In this article, we'll explore the history of Chicken Under A Brick, as well as provide tips for cooking and serving this delicious dish at home.

1 serving Chicken Under A Brick

The History of Chicken Under A Brick

Chicken Under A Brick is a traditional Italian dish that dates back centuries. Originally known as 'Pollo al Mattone', the dish was created as a way to cook chicken quickly and evenly over an open fire. The weight of the brick helps to flatten the chicken, ensuring it cooks evenly and stays juicy. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include different seasonings and cooking methods, but the core concept of cooking chicken under a brick remains the same. Today, it's a popular dish in Italian restaurants and is a favorite among home cooks looking for an easy but sophisticated meal.

What Makes Chicken Under A Brick So Delicious?

The key to the deliciousness of Chicken Under A Brick is the way the chicken is cooked. By pressing the chicken flat and cooking it under a brick or heavy object, the skin becomes crispy and the meat stays juicy and tender. Additionally, the recipe usually includes ingredients like garlic, lemon, and rosemary, which help to infuse the chicken with flavor. When cooked over high heat, these flavors deepen and create a rich and complex taste that's hard to beat.

The Best Way to Cook Chicken Under A Brick

To cook Chicken Under A Brick, you'll need a sturdy pan that can withstand high heat. First, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Then, place the chicken in the pan, breast-side down, and place a heavy object on top of the chicken to flatten it. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, until the skin is crispy and browned. Then, flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

The Ingredients You Need to Make Chicken Under A Brick

To make Chicken Under A Brick, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including a whole chicken, garlic, lemon, rosemary, salt, and pepper. You'll also need a sturdy pan, like a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-duty frying pan, and a heavy object to place on top of the chicken. Optional ingredients include additional herbs or spices, like thyme or paprika, as well as vegetables like potatoes or onions that can be cooked alongside the chicken.

How to Prepare the Chicken for Cooking

Before cooking the chicken, you'll need to remove any giblets or organs from the cavity of the chicken. Then, pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Next, stuff the cavity with garlic, lemon, and rosemary, or any other herbs and spices you prefer. To flatten the chicken, use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to remove the backbone of the chicken. Then, place the chicken breast-side down in the pan and press down firmly with a heavy object, like a brick or cast-iron skillet.

Cooking Tips and Techniques for Chicken Under A Brick

To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken. You can test the temperature by adding a drop of water to the pan – if it sizzles, it's ready. When cooking the chicken, resist the urge to peek or move it around too much. To get that crispy skin, the chicken needs to stay in one place and cook undisturbed. Finally, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful final result.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Under A Brick

Chicken Under A Brick pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a flavorful sauce, like a chimichurri or lemon-caper sauce, to add an extra burst of flavor. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, start with a simple antipasto platter and finish with a sweet dessert, like tiramisu or panna cotta.

Variations and Twists on the Classic Chicken Under A Brick Recipe

While the classic Chicken Under A Brick recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to switch up the flavors and add variety to the dish. Try adding different herbs or spices, like oregano or cumin, to the seasoning mix. You can also add different vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to the pan while cooking. For a Mediterranean twist, substitute the lemon and rosemary with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese. Or, for a spicy kick, rub the chicken with a mixture of chili powder and paprika.

Wine Pairing Suggestions for Chicken Under A Brick

Chicken Under A Brick pairs well with a variety of wines, including light-bodied reds like Pinot Noir and Merlot. For a white wine option, try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. If you prefer a sparkling wine, Prosecco or Champagne are both excellent options and add a festive touch to any dinner party.

Health Benefits of Chicken Under A Brick

Chicken Under A Brick is a healthy and nutritious option for any meal. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. It's also low in fat and calories, making it a great option for weight management. Additionally, the recipe includes garlic, lemon, and rosemary, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These ingredients can also help boost your immune system and improve heart health. Overall, Chicken Under A Brick is a delicious and healthy option for any meal, and can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of sides and sauces.

Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all. -- Harriet van Horne

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Under A Brick

What is Chicken Under A Brick?

Chicken Under A Brick is a method of cooking chicken where a weight (such as a brick) is placed on top of the chicken while it cooks, resulting in a crispier skin and faster cooking time. It is often cooked on the grill or stovetop.

How many calories are in one serving of Chicken Under A Brick?

One serving of Chicken Under A Brick typically contains around 1440 calories. However, the calorie count can vary depending on the recipe and any added ingredients.

What are some variations of Chicken Under A Brick?

While the traditional preparation of Chicken Under A Brick involves marinating the chicken in olive oil and herbs before cooking, there are many variations of the recipe that incorporate different flavors and cooking methods. Some variations include using different spices or marinades, cooking the chicken in the oven instead of on the stovetop or grill, or adding vegetables to the dish.

How do I flatten the chicken for Chicken Under A Brick?

To flatten the chicken for Chicken Under A Brick, place it on a cutting board breast side down and use a large knife or kitchen shears to cut along the backbone on either side. Remove the backbone, turn the chicken over, and press down firmly on the breastbone until you hear a crack. This will flatten the chicken and help it cook more evenly under the weight of the brick.

What are some side dishes that go well with Chicken Under A Brick?

Chicken Under A Brick pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple salad with vinaigrette dressing. Fresh herbs or lemon wedges can also be added to the dish for extra flavor.

Nutritional Values of 1 serving Chicken Under A Brick

UnitValue
Calories (kcal)1440 kcal
Fat (g)115 g
Carbs (g)24 g
Protein (g)76 g

Calorie breakdown: 72% fat, 7% carbs, 21% protein

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