Prepare to revolutionize your dinner routine with the most mouth-watering, crispy chicken dish that will make your taste buds dance! This isn't just another chicken recipe - it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a restaurant-quality masterpiece. Imagine perfectly crisp, golden-brown skin, tender meat infused with tangy buttermilk, and a refreshing Caesar slaw that adds the perfect crunch. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or a food lover craving something extraordinary, this "Chicken Under a Brick" technique will elevate your cooking game and have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together buttermilk and Worcestershire sauce. Submerge chicken thighs in the mixture and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- While chicken marinates, prepare the slaw: Shred green cabbage and mix with Caesar dressing in a bowl. Refrigerate to let flavors meld.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk marinade and pat completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cover with a heavy brick wrapped in aluminum foil to press the chicken and ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes until skin is golden brown and crisp, occasionally checking to prevent burning.
- Flip chicken and continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Plate chicken thighs and top with prepared buttermilk Caesar slaw.
- Serve immediately while chicken is hot and skin remains crispy.
Tips
- Pat the chicken COMPLETELY dry before cooking - moisture is the enemy of crispy skin!
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the most even heat distribution and best crispy results.
- The brick technique isn't just a gimmick - it ensures uniform cooking and creates that irresistible crispy skin.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep the meat juicy and tender.
- Don't rush the marinating process - 30 minutes allows the buttermilk to tenderize the meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
- Prep your slaw ahead of time to let the flavors meld and develop.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 180mg
