Easy Chicken Under a Brick with Herb Roasted Potatoes Recipe

Looking for a simple yet impressive meal that’s packed with flavor? Chicken under a brick is the perfect choice! This classic cooking method involves pressing the chicken with a brick while it cooks, ensuring a perfectly crisp skin and juicy, tender meat. Paired with herb roasted potatoes, this dish is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.

The crispy chicken and savory potatoes come together for a meal that’s both satisfying and elegant. Whether you’re making dinner for a special occasion or a weeknight treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Chicken Skin: The brick method creates a crispy, golden skin that is simply irresistible.
Flavorful & Tender Chicken: The chicken stays juicy and tender while getting that perfect crispness on the outside.
Simple Yet Elegant: A dish that looks fancy but is easy to prepare with just a few ingredients.
Perfect Side Dish: The herb roasted potatoes are the ideal complement to the rich, flavorful chicken.
Customizable: Add your favorite herbs or seasonings to personalize the dish to your taste.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 heavy brick or cast-iron skillet (to weigh down the chicken)

For the Herb Roasted Potatoes:

• 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the halved baby potatoes in a large bowl.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and toss with garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper until well coated.
4. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Prepare the Chicken

1. While the potatoes are roasting, prepare the chicken.
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Rub both sides of the chicken with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh rosemary and thyme. Add lemon zest for a fresh citrusy kick.

Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken, skin-side down.
3. Place a brick (wrapped in foil) or a heavy cast-iron skillet on top of the chicken to weigh it down, ensuring even cooking and crispy skin.
4. Cook for about 10–12 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy.
5. Carefully flip the chicken and continue cooking for an additional 8–10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serve

1. Plate the crispy chicken alongside the herb roasted potatoes.
2. Garnish the potatoes with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
3. Serve and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 400 | Carbs: 25g | Fat: 20g | Protein: 35g | Fiber: 5g

Tips for Success

• Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: A cast-iron skillet can be a great alternative to a brick. It’s heavy and ensures even cooking and a crispy skin.
• Let the Chicken Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to ensure the juices stay locked in.
• Customize the Potatoes: Feel free to add other seasonings, such as paprika or chili flakes, for a bit of spice.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Potatoes: Ensure they are spread out on the baking sheet to get that golden, crispy texture.
• Check the Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy.

Why This Recipe Works

• Crispy Chicken Skin: Pressing the chicken with a brick or cast-iron skillet ensures a crispy skin and evenly cooked meat.
• Tender Chicken: The chicken remains juicy and tender, with the herbs and spices enhancing the flavor.
• Perfectly Roasted Potatoes: The potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfectly seasoned with herbs.
• Balanced Meal: This recipe is a great combination of protein and vegetables, making it satisfying and wholesome.

Chicken under a brick with herb roasted potatoes is a delicious and impressive meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. The crispy chicken and flavorful potatoes come together to create a balanced and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this meal will leave everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy the perfect combination of crisp, tender, and savory flavors in every bite.