Grilled Pollo al Mattone (Chicken Under a Brick) with Lemon & Rosemary

Pollo al Mattone (Chicken under a Brick)
Category: Main Dishes
Serves: 4

Pollo al Mattone is a traditional Italian dish known for its simple yet incredibly flavorful preparation. The chicken is marinated in a vibrant mix of lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, and a hint of chili, then cooked on a grill under a hot brick for a crispy, golden crust. This dish is ideal for outdoor grilling and brings out the essence of rustic Italian cooking.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. Add in the ground black pepper, chili powder, and fresh rosemary. Mix well to create a fragrant marinade.

2. Marinate the Chicken:
   Take the chicken breasts and place them in the bowl with the marinade. Toss the chicken thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for more flavor, refrigerate it for a few hours.

3. Preheat the Grill:
   Prepare your grill to medium heat. While it’s heating, place a brick (wrapped in aluminum foil) on the grill to warm up.

4. Grill the Chicken:
   Once the grill and brick are hot, place the chicken breasts onto the grill. Lay the heated brick on top of the chicken to press it down. This will help create a crispy, golden crust on the chicken. Cook for about 5 minutes.

5. Flip and Rotate:
   After 5 minutes, remove the brick and carefully rotate the chicken by 90 degrees. Replace the brick on top and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

6. Finish the Cooking:
   Once the chicken is golden and crisp, remove the brick, brush the chicken with the remaining marinade, and flip the chicken to cook the other side. Place the brick back on top and cook for another 5-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and crispy on both sides.

7. Serve and Garnish:
   Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a serving plate. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary for a fresh, aromatic touch.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This Pollo al Mattone is perfect for a summer barbecue or a hearty weeknight meal. The crispy chicken with a slightly tangy and herbal marinade, paired with the smoky aroma from the grill, is sure to impress. Serve alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!