Indulge in the delicious flavors of Tuscan Grilled Chicken Under a Brick, a classic Italian cooking method that ensures perfectly cooked, juicy chicken with crispy skin.
By using a brick or a heavy skillet to press the chicken down while grilling, this technique helps achieve even cooking and a delightful char, infusing the dish with bold Tuscan flavors.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Tuscan Grilled Chicken Under a Brick hot, garnished with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a simple arugula salad, or creamy polenta for a complete meal. For a touch of elegance, drizzle a balsamic reduction over the chicken before serving.
Tips and Notes
- Chicken: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts for the best results. The skin adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist during grilling.
- Marinade: Marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Grilling Method: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. After placing the chicken on the grill, cover it with a brick wrapped in aluminum foil or a heavy skillet to ensure even cooking.
- Cooking Time: Grill the chicken for about 15-20 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Storage: Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the grill to maintain moisture.
Enjoy the flavorful and juicy experience of Tuscan Grilled Chicken Under a Brick as a standout dish in your cooking repertoire!
Tuscan Grilled Chicken Under a Brick
Equipment
- Grill
- Large bowl
- Mixing spoon
- Sharp knife
- Tongs
- Aluminum foil
- Brick or heavy object wrapped in foil
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 boneless - skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic - minced
- 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lemon - thinly sliced
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your grill on medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, mix together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Add chicken breasts to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes.
- Take the chicken out of the marinade and discard the excess liquid.
- Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5 minutes on each side.
- While the chicken is cooking, wrap a brick or heavy object in aluminum foil.
- After 10 minutes, take the chicken off the grill and place it on a sheet of aluminum foil.
- Place the lemon slices on top of the chicken, then place the foil-wrapped brick on top of the lemons.
- Return the chicken to the grill and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F on a meat thermometer.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.