Pollo al mattone is the Italian name for a chicken that’s pressed under bricks to speed up cooking and create a very crisp skin. Traditionally made in a cast-iron skillet, this version is hot off the grill. Either a whole butterflied chicken or chicken halves work beautifully. The zesty marinade makes the most of those later summer herbs that overrun the garden.
To shorten the roasting time, butterfly the chicken. Remove the backbone with poultry shears, open the chicken up like a book, and press flat on the baking sheet. Rub with the oil and smoky spice blend rub.
This herb paste used to flavor the chicken can be slathered on just before popping it onto the grill. Otherwise, try gently loosening the bird’s skin with your fingers, then rubbing the paste directly onto the meat under the skin. This combination of seasonings is called charmoula—sort of a North African pesto.
Roast some seasonal late harvest veggies to fill the platter with the glazed bird…Brussels sprouts and sliced acorn squash are particularly nice. Otherwise make root vegetable “chips” by thinly slicing sweet potatoes, parsnips, and Yukon gold potatoes, tossing with a generous glug of olive oil, and roasting until crisp.
Brining a whole chicken, or chicken parts, is a method that only improves the texture and flavor of the meat—and keeps it very moist during roasting.
This recipe elegantly feeds a nice-sized dinner party, but is easy to cut in half for a smaller supper. The sweetness of the dried plums (formerly known as prunes), contrasts with the brininess of the olives and capers—delicious with the richness of bone-in chicken.
Making little pastry-covered pies was once a creative way to use leftover chicken or other meats. Now we just love them for their warmth and comfort.
If you need to feed more than your family, why not roast two birds at the same time? It’s no more work and is easy to serve. Any leftovers are ready and waiting to make sandwiches, a small pot of soup, or a pan of chicken enchiladas.
With both brining and cooking on the wood, you’re guaranteed tender, juicy chicken every time.
Squeeze a few chunks of fresh lime or lemon over the finished bird and fruit. Complete the meal with a pan of quick-cooking orzo pasta tossed with some crumbled feta cheese and a bowl full of fresh arugula dressed in a vinaigrette.