If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that combines the rich taste of chicken with the smoky essence of bacon, this Bacon Roasted Chicken recipe is just for you! This dish offers a beautiful blend of savory roasted chicken with crispy bacon for an indulgent experience. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to master this simple yet elegant dish!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (around 4-5 lbs)
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 lemon (quartered)
- 4 garlic cloves (smashed)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 lbs potatoes (quartered, optional)
- 1 large onion (quartered, optional)
- 2 carrots (sliced, optional)
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, removing any excess moisture. This helps achieve crispy skin during roasting.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the inside cavity of the chicken with salt, pepper, and half of the chopped rosemary and thyme. Stuff the cavity with lemon quarters and smashed garlic cloves for extra flavor.
- Cover with Bacon: Drape the bacon slices over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully covered. The bacon will add a rich, smoky flavor while keeping the chicken moist during roasting. You can tuck the bacon ends under the chicken wings and legs to secure them.
Roasting the Chicken
- Arrange Vegetables (optional): If you’re including potatoes, onions, and carrots, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them evenly in a roasting pan.
- Place Chicken in Pan: Place the bacon-covered chicken on top of the vegetables or directly in the roasting pan. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the chicken for added crispiness.
- Roast: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked in the thickest part of the thigh. The bacon should be crispy, and the chicken golden brown.
- Baste and Rest: Baste the chicken occasionally with pan drippings. Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
Serving Suggestions
Carve the chicken and serve with roasted vegetables or your favorite sides. The crispy bacon and juicy chicken pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, a light salad, or crusty bread. Don’t forget to drizzle some of the delicious pan juices over the meat for added flavor!
Tips and Variations
Tips for Perfect Bacon Roasted Chicken:
- What is chicken bacon made of?: Chicken bacon is often made from ground chicken that’s cured, smoked, and sliced like traditional pork bacon. It can be leaner and lower in fat than pork bacon while still adding rich flavor to dishes.
- Is chicken bacon fully cooked?: Some chicken bacon varieties are fully cooked, while others are not. Be sure to check the packaging instructions before using it. For this recipe, traditional pork bacon is recommended, but chicken bacon works as a leaner alternative.
- Is cooking chicken in bacon grease good?: Yes, cooking chicken in bacon grease adds an extra layer of flavor! The bacon fat keeps the chicken moist and gives the skin a delicious crispness.
- Why does bacon make chicken pink?: Bacon can sometimes leave a pinkish hue on the chicken due to the nitrates in cured bacon. Rest assured, as long as your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Roast Chicken with Bacon (Jamie Oliver Style): Jamie Oliver’s approach to roast chicken with bacon includes stuffing the chicken with fresh herbs and vegetables while placing bacon strips over the skin. This method keeps the chicken moist and adds a smoky, savory flavor. Feel free to incorporate some of his techniques!
Recipe Variations
- Bacon Roasted Chicken Thighs: If you prefer chicken thighs, follow the same steps, but adjust the cooking time to 35-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Thighs tend to be juicier and will pair beautifully with crispy bacon.
- Bacon Roasted Chicken with Potatoes: Adding potatoes to the pan not only saves time but also makes a complete meal. The potatoes roast in the rendered bacon fat, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
- Roast Chicken Breast and Bacon: If you’re looking for a lighter version, try using chicken breasts. Cover them with bacon and roast them for 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C) or until cooked through.
- Bacon Stuffed Roast Chicken: For extra indulgence, try stuffing the chicken cavity with a mixture of bacon, herbs, and breadcrumbs. This adds another layer of flavor and texture to the dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 900mg
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Bacon Roasted Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that marries the succulent flavors of chicken and bacon in a beautifully roasted dish. Whether you serve it with crispy roasted vegetables or your favorite sides, this recipe will surely become a go-to for cozy family dinners or special occasions.