Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of tender chicken wrapped in crispy bacon with this delectable bacon-wrapped chicken recipe. The combination of savory bacon, fragrant thyme, and zesty citrus creates a delightful blend of tastes that will leave you craving for more. This recipe yields two servings, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or a special meal with a loved one. With a simple preparation process and a cooking time of just over an hour, you can easily whip up this impressive dish to impress your family and friends. Get ready to savor the irresistible combination of bacon and chicken, complemented by a flavorful mustard gravy. Let’s dive into the recipe and elevate your culinary experience!

Preparation Time: 60 minutes

Yield: 2 Servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 pounds whole chicken, gutted
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 medium lemons
• ½ small lime
• 12 strips bacon
• 1 tablespoon grain mustard
• Salt, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff the chicken with the lime, lemons, and thyme sprigs.
4. Season the bacon with a little salt and wrap the bacon strips over the chicken, ensuring they cover the chicken entirely.
5. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken in a baking dish or roasting pan.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
7. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue baking for an additional 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
8. Remove the chicken from the oven and place it on a foil-lined plate or cutting board to rest.
9. While the chicken is resting, transfer the pan juices from the baking dish to a cooking pan and bring it to a boil.
10. Add the grain mustard to the pan juices and cook for about 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
11. Carve the chicken into serving portions and drizzle the cooked gravy over the chicken.
12. Serve the bacon-wrapped chicken with the delicious gravy.

NUTRITION INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• Calories: 483
• Total fat: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 202 mg
• Sodium: 339 mg
• Carbohydrates: 9.9 g
• Protein: 66.7 g

VARIATIONS:

• Stuffed with Cheese: For an extra indulgent twist, consider stuffing the chicken with your favorite cheese before wrapping it in bacon. Mozzarella, cheddar, or even goat cheese can add a creamy and melty element to the dish.

• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy spicy flavors, you can add a touch of heat to your bacon-wrapped chicken. Sprinkle some cayenne pepper, paprika, or chili powder on the chicken before wrapping it in bacon. You can also add a few dashes of hot sauce or a sliced jalapeño pepper to the stuffing for an extra kick.

• Herb-infused: Experiment with different herbs to infuse the chicken with aromatic flavors. Besides thyme, you can try using rosemary, sage, or even a blend of Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley. Add the herbs to the stuffing and also sprinkle some over the chicken before wrapping it in bacon.

• Sweet and Savory: For a delightful combination of flavors, brush the chicken with a glaze made from a mixture of maple syrup and grain mustard before wrapping it in bacon. This will create a sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes during baking, adding a delicious dimension to the dish.