If you’re searching for a show-stopping dinner that brings the whole family together around the table, look no further than Oven Roasted Rosemary Garlic Brick Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Family Feast Recipe. This dish combines vibrant herbs, zesty lemon, and garlic-infused olive oil to create juicy, golden chicken with irresistibly crispy skin. The secret? Spatchcocking the bird and pressing it flat with a brick or heavy skillet for even roasting and unbeatable texture. Whether it’s a weekend feast or a special occasion, this recipe guarantees hearty satisfaction and aromas that fill your home with warmth and comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully to highlight the natural flavors of the chicken. Each ingredient is essential, from fragrant herbs that add a burst of earthiness to bright notes of lemon that lift the dish perfectly. The simplicity here is key—it allows the chicken’s succulence and crispy finish to shine every time.
- 1 whole chicken (about 3.5–4 pounds), spatchcocked: Flattening the chicken ensures even cooking and crisp skin all over.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the marinade cling and promotes a golden, luscious crust.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses every bite with aromatic depth and a subtle pungency.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried): Adds piney, woodsy notes that pair perfectly with roasted chicken.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped: Brings gentle herbal brightness to the dish.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Packs vibrant citrus oils that brighten the marinade without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Tenderizes the meat and adds zesty tang.
- 2 bricks wrapped in foil or a heavy cast iron skillet: Used to press down the chicken and ensure evenly crispy skin.
- Optional rosemary sprigs and lemon slices: Perfect for garnish and extra flair when serving.
How to Make Oven Roasted Rosemary Garlic Brick Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Family Feast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken
Start by mixing the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a small bowl. This marinade marries fresh herbaceousness, citrus brightness, and a hint of spice. Pat your spatchcocked chicken dry with paper towels—this little step is crucial for crispy skin. Then, massage the marinade all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin where you can. This ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Set Up for Roasting with Weight
Place the marinated chicken skin-side down on a parchment-lined or oiled cast iron skillet or roasting pan. Now, carefully place two foil-wrapped bricks or a heavy cast iron skillet on top of the chicken. This weight presses the bird flat, making it cook evenly and crisp up better than any uncovered roast. It’s a kitchen hack that transforms the texture and overall experience.
Step 3: Roast the Chicken
Roast the chicken with the weight on for 25 minutes at 425°F. Then, carefully remove the weight and flip the chicken skin-side up. Return it to the oven and roast for another 20 to 25 minutes until the skin is deep golden and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—the thickest part should reach 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to lock in those delicious juices before carving.
How to Serve Oven Roasted Rosemary Garlic Brick Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Family Feast Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with extra rosemary sprigs and lemon slices instantly elevates your presentation and adds subtle fragrance to each bite. The fresh herbs and citrus slices brighten up the plate and invite everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This chicken shines alongside roasted seasonal vegetables or a creamy mashed potato that soaks up all the pan juices beautifully. For a lighter option, try a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to complement the rich, roasted flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive family feast vibe, carve the chicken and arrange it on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by rustic bread and colorful veggies. You could also serve it family-style directly from the skillet, making it cozy and communal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken skin separated if possible to help preserve crispness. The leftovers reheat wonderfully if done gently.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken by wrapping portions tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To maintain the crispy skin and juicy meat during reheating, use an oven or air fryer at 350°F for around 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make the skin soggy and the meat rubbery.
FAQs
What is the purpose of using bricks or a heavy skillet in this recipe?
Pressing the chicken down with weight flattens it so it cooks evenly and the skin crisps up beautifully. This technique mimics the traditional “brick chicken” method and delivers unbeatable texture.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Absolutely! You can mix the marinade ahead and even marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor infusion.
Is spatchcocking difficult to do?
Not at all! It just means removing the backbone so the chicken lays flat. With a good pair of kitchen shears and a little confidence, it’s quite simple and makes a huge difference in cooking.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, dried rosemary and thyme work well if fresh aren’t available, but fresh will give a brighter, more vibrant flavor overall.
What temperature should the oven be for roasting brick chicken?
425°F is ideal for crisping skin while keeping the meat moist and tender inside.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about gathering around a table and sharing a beautifully roasted bird with loved ones. Oven Roasted Rosemary Garlic Brick Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Family Feast Recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and a sense of togetherness like no other. I warmly encourage you to give this recipe a go—you’ll be rewarded with juicy bites, crispy golden skin, and an atmosphere that transforms any dinner into a memorable feast.
Print
Oven Roasted Rosemary Garlic Brick Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Family Feast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Oven Roasted Rosemary Garlic Brick Chicken is a flavorful and crispy-skinned chicken roast that’s perfect for a family feast. The chicken is spatchcocked for even cooking, marinated with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon, then weighed down with bricks or a heavy skillet to ensure juicy meat and a beautifully crisp skin. Serve it with your favorite sides for a satisfying and impressive meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 whole chicken (about 3.5–4 pounds), spatchcocked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
For Roasting
- 2 bricks wrapped in foil or a heavy cast iron skillet (to weigh down the chicken)
- Optional: extra rosemary sprigs and lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s properly heated for roasting.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well to create a fragrant marinade.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the spatchcocked chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin for maximum flavor.
- Position and Weight the Chicken: Place the chicken skin-side down on a parchment-lined or lightly oiled cast iron skillet or roasting pan. Lay the foil-wrapped bricks or heavy skillet on top of the chicken to press it down for even roasting.
- Roast the Chicken (First Phase): Place the weighted chicken in the preheated oven and roast for 25 minutes. This step helps the chicken cook flat and evenly.
- Flip and Finish Roasting: Carefully remove the weight, flip the chicken so the skin side is up, and continue roasting for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. Roast until the skin is golden and crispy and an internal thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes out of the oven to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Garnish and Serve: Add optional rosemary sprigs and lemon slices for a fresh presentation before carving and serving your flavorful brick chicken.
Notes
- Spatchcocking the chicken helps it cook evenly and produces beautifully crisp skin.
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Serve this dish alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete family meal.
