How to Cook With a Brick

Bricks aren't just for building.

Cooking chicken so that it is completely done, tender and juicy can be difficult. One way to ensure melt-in-your-mouth chicken is to cook it under a brick.

Things You'll Need

• 1 chicken breast, split
• 2 T cooking oil
• 1 brick
• Aluminum foil
• Seasonings and marinade to taste
• Flat-bottomed skillet

Instructions

1. Wrap the brick in aluminum foil. You can place it in the oven to preheat if desired. It will lie on top of the chicken, helping it cook evenly.

2. Split the chicken breast so that it will lie flat in the skillet. Marinate and/or season your chicken. When you're ready to cook, heat the skillet on medium-high, add two tablespoons of oil. No oil is needed on the bottom of the brick. Once the oil has warmed for 30 seconds to one minute on medium-high heat, add the chicken to the skillet and place the foil-covered brick directly on top.

3. Cook for about 10 minutes, keeping a watchful eye. You will not need to flip the chicken. Many prefer to finish their chicken in the oven. If you like, place the skillet with the brick remaining in place into the oven at 450 degrees for 10 minutes.

4. Remove the skillet from the oven using a potholder. Then use the potholder to remove the brick -- it's hot! Enjoy your meal.

Tips & Warnings

• The brick will get hot during the cooking process. Handle it with care.

References

• Fine Cooking: Chicken Under a Brick
• AZ Central: Recipes; Brick Cooking Trick Produces Moist Chicken
• Saveur: Cooking Under a Brick