Crispy Bacon Roasted Chicken: An Irresistibly Delicious Recipe

Roast chicken is a classic comfort food, but sometimes you want to elevate it to something truly special. Enter: Bacon Roasted Chicken. This recipe takes the humble roast chicken and infuses it with the smoky, savory goodness of bacon, creating a dish that’s guaranteed to impress. The bacon not only bastes the chicken as it roasts, resulting in incredibly moist and flavorful meat, but it also crisps up beautifully, providing a delectable, salty crunch. This recipe provides a detailed guide to achieving the perfect Bacon Roasted Chicken, complete with tips for seasoning, roasting, and achieving that coveted crispy skin. Get ready to experience roast chicken like never before!

Why This Recipe Works

* **Bacon Infusion:** The bacon draped over the chicken renders its fat during roasting, constantly basting the bird and imparting a smoky, savory flavor that penetrates deep into the meat. This results in a chicken that’s incredibly moist and flavorful from the inside out.
* **Crispy Skin:** The bacon also contributes to the crispy skin of the chicken. As the fat renders, it helps to crisp up the skin, creating a delightful contrast to the tender meat.
* **Simple Ingredients:** This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
* **Minimal Effort:** While the results are impressive, the preparation is relatively simple. It mostly involves seasoning the chicken and arranging the bacon, then letting the oven do the work.
* **Versatile:** Bacon roasted chicken can be served with a variety of side dishes, from roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes, making it a versatile meal for any occasion.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds):** Choose a good quality chicken for the best flavor. Organic or free-range chickens often have better flavor and texture.
* **8-12 slices of bacon:** Use your favorite type of bacon, but thick-cut bacon is recommended for better coverage and a meatier bite. Applewood smoked or hickory smoked bacon will add extra flavor.
* **2 tablespoons olive oil:** Used to lightly coat the chicken for even cooking and to help the seasonings adhere.
* **1 tablespoon kosher salt:** Essential for seasoning the chicken and drawing out moisture, resulting in crispier skin.
* **1 teaspoon black pepper:** Adds a subtle spice and enhances the overall flavor.
* **1 teaspoon garlic powder:** Provides a savory depth of flavor.
* **1 teaspoon onion powder:** Complements the garlic powder and adds another layer of savory flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon paprika:** Adds a touch of color and a subtle smoky flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon dried thyme:** An aromatic herb that pairs well with chicken and bacon.
* **Optional: 1 lemon, quartered:** Stuffing the chicken cavity with lemon quarters adds a subtle citrus flavor and helps to keep the chicken moist.
* **Optional: Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage):** Adding fresh herbs to the chicken cavity enhances the aroma and flavor of the dish.

## Equipment

* **Roasting pan:** A roasting pan with a rack is ideal for this recipe. The rack allows air to circulate around the chicken, promoting even cooking and crispier skin. If you don’t have a roasting pan, you can use a baking sheet with a wire rack.
* **Baking sheet:** Used if you don’t have a roasting pan.
* **Wire rack:** Elevates the chicken, crucial for air circulation and crispy skin.
* **Kitchen twine (optional):** Used to truss the chicken legs, which helps it cook more evenly.
* **Meat thermometer:** Essential for ensuring the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
* **Basting brush (optional):** Useful for basting the chicken with pan juices, but not strictly necessary.
* **Carving knife:** For slicing and serving the chicken.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. **Pat the chicken dry:** Remove the chicken from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving crispy skin. Removing excess moisture allows the skin to crisp up more effectively in the oven.
2. **Trim excess fat:** Trim any excess fat from around the cavity of the chicken. This will help to prevent the chicken from becoming greasy.
3. **Truss the chicken (optional):** If desired, truss the chicken legs using kitchen twine. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and gives it a more appealing shape. To truss the chicken, simply tie the legs together tightly with twine. You can find tutorials online if you’re unfamiliar with the process.
4. **Optional: Add Aromatics to the Cavity:** Stuff the chicken cavity with quartered lemon and/or fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage). These aromatics will infuse the chicken with flavor as it roasts.

### Step 2: Season the Chicken

1. **Combine the seasonings:** In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix well to create a seasoning paste.
2. **Season the chicken:** Rub the seasoning paste all over the chicken, both inside and out. Make sure to get the seasoning under the skin of the breast for maximum flavor. This step is crucial for ensuring that the chicken is flavorful and well-seasoned.

### Step 3: Add the Bacon

1. **Drape the bacon:** Lay the bacon slices over the chicken breast, overlapping them slightly to cover as much of the breast as possible. Use as many slices of bacon as needed to create a good covering. Secure the bacon with toothpicks if needed, although usually it will stay in place on its own.

### Step 4: Roast the Chicken

1. **Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C):** Make sure your oven is properly preheated before you put the chicken in. A hot oven is essential for achieving crispy skin.
2. **Place the chicken in the roasting pan:** Place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan or on a wire rack on a baking sheet. Make sure the chicken is positioned so that the bacon is facing up.
3. **Roast the chicken:** Roast the chicken for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, being careful not to touch the bone.
4. **Baste the chicken (optional):** During the last 30 minutes of roasting, baste the chicken with the pan juices every 10-15 minutes. This will help to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. However, avoid basting too frequently, as this can lower the oven temperature and prevent the skin from crisping up.
5. **Check for doneness:** The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. The legs should also move freely in their sockets.
6. **If the bacon is burning too quickly:** If the bacon starts to burn before the chicken is fully cooked, loosely tent the chicken with aluminum foil to protect the bacon from further browning.

### Step 5: Rest the Chicken

1. **Rest the chicken:** Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird. Tent the chicken loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm while it rests.

### Step 6: Carve and Serve

1. **Carve the chicken:** Carve the chicken using a sharp carving knife. Start by removing the legs and thighs, then carve the breast meat.
2. **Serve the chicken:** Serve the Bacon Roasted Chicken hot with your favorite side dishes. The crispy bacon and flavorful chicken are sure to be a hit!

## Tips for Success

* **Dry the chicken thoroughly:** As mentioned earlier, drying the chicken thoroughly is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Use paper towels to pat the chicken dry, both inside and out.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** Make sure there is enough space around the chicken in the roasting pan to allow for proper air circulation. If the pan is overcrowded, the chicken will steam instead of roast, resulting in soggy skin.
* **Use a meat thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, being careful not to touch the bone.
* **Don’t overcook the chicken:** Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C).
* **Let the chicken rest:** Allowing the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving is essential for ensuring that the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
* **Use high-quality bacon:** The quality of the bacon will significantly impact the flavor of the dish. Choose a good quality bacon that you enjoy the taste of. Thick-cut bacon is recommended for better coverage and a meatier bite.
* **Experiment with different seasonings:** Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor of the chicken. Some other spices that would work well include smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and Italian seasoning.
* **Add vegetables to the roasting pan:** Toss some chopped vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and onions, around the chicken in the roasting pan. The vegetables will roast in the chicken drippings and bacon fat, becoming incredibly flavorful.
* **Make a pan sauce:** After roasting the chicken, you can use the pan drippings to make a delicious pan sauce. Simply whisk the drippings with some flour, wine, and broth, and simmer until thickened.

## Serving Suggestions

Bacon Roasted Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Roasted vegetables:** Roasted potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus are all great accompaniments to roast chicken.
* **Mashed potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for roast chicken.
* **Green beans:** Green beans, either steamed or sautéed, provide a fresh and healthy contrast to the richness of the chicken.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing side dish.
* **Stuffing:** Stuffing is another classic side dish for roast chicken, especially during the holidays.
* **Mac and cheese:** Mac and cheese is a comforting and indulgent side dish that pairs well with roast chicken.

## Variations

* **Herb Roasted Chicken with Bacon:** Use a variety of fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and sage, to season the chicken. Add the herbs to the chicken cavity and rub them under the skin of the breast.
* **Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken with Bacon:** Add lemon zest and juice to the seasoning paste for a bright and citrusy flavor. Stuff the chicken cavity with lemon quarters and fresh herbs.
* **Spicy Roasted Chicken with Bacon:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes to the seasoning paste for a spicy kick.
* **Maple Bacon Roasted Chicken:** Brush the chicken with maple syrup during the last 15 minutes of roasting for a sweet and savory flavor.
* **Honey Garlic Roasted Chicken with Bacon:** Make a glaze with honey, garlic, and soy sauce, and brush it over the chicken during the last 15 minutes of roasting.

## Make Ahead and Storage

* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Season the chicken, drape it with bacon, and store it in the refrigerator. Bring the chicken to room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting.
* **Storage:** Leftover Bacon Roasted Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

## Bacon Roasted Chicken: A Recipe for Success

This Bacon Roasted Chicken recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends. With its crispy bacon, flavorful meat, and simple preparation, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience roast chicken like never before!

Enjoy!