Bacon-Roasted Chicken with Potatoes is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and perfectly roasted potatoes. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a hearty and flavorful meal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this savory dinner delight, ensuring that your dish turns out perfect every time.
Ingredients for Bacon-Roasted Chicken with Potatoes
For the Chicken and Bacon
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds), cleaned and patted dry
- 8 slices of bacon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Potatoes
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Additional Ingredients
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 onion, quartered
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Bacon-Roasted Chicken with Potatoes
Preparing the Chicken
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated.
- Stuff the Chicken: Place the lemon halves, smashed garlic cloves, and quartered onion inside the cavity of the chicken. This will infuse the chicken with additional flavor as it roasts.
- Wrap with Bacon: Lay the bacon slices over the top of the chicken, covering it completely. The bacon will not only add flavor but also keep the chicken moist during roasting.
Preparing the Potatoes
- Season the Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried rosemary until they are evenly coated.
- Arrange in the Pan: Place the seasoned potatoes in the bottom of a large roasting pan, spreading them out in an even layer.
Roasting the Chicken and Potatoes
- Place the Chicken: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken on top of the potatoes in the roasting pan.
- Roast in the Oven: Roast the chicken and potatoes in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the potatoes are tender and golden brown. Baste the chicken with the pan juices halfway through the roasting time to keep it moist.
- Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more succulent.
Serving the Dish
- Carve the Chicken: Carefully carve the chicken into serving pieces. Arrange the chicken pieces on a large platter.
- Serve the Potatoes: Surround the chicken with the roasted potatoes, ensuring each serving includes a bit of both the chicken and the potatoes.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken and potatoes for a pop of color and added freshness.
Tips for the Best Bacon-Roasted Chicken with Potatoes
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for a high-quality, free-range chicken and fresh baby potatoes for the best results.
- Monitor the Bacon: If the bacon starts to brown too quickly, cover the chicken loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
About the Main Ingredients
Chicken
Chicken is a versatile and popular protein that serves as the main ingredient in this recipe. A whole chicken provides a variety of cuts, including breasts, thighs, wings, and drumsticks, each offering different textures and flavors. When roasted, the chicken becomes juicy and tender, with the bacon adding a smoky richness that enhances the overall taste.
Bacon
Bacon brings a savory, smoky flavor to the dish. As it cooks, the bacon fat renders and bastes the chicken, keeping it moist and infusing it with a delectable flavor. The crispy bacon also adds a textural contrast to the tender chicken.
Potatoes
Baby potatoes are ideal for roasting due to their small size and tender texture. When seasoned and roasted, they become crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, absorbing the flavors of the herbs and spices. The potatoes also benefit from the chicken and bacon drippings, making them extra flavorful.
Herbs and Spices
The combination of garlic powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper creates a robust seasoning blend that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and potatoes. These herbs and spices add depth and complexity to the dish, making each bite deliciously savory.
Lemon and Garlic
Stuffing the chicken with lemon and garlic adds aromatic flavors that permeate the meat as it roasts. The lemon provides a subtle citrus note that brightens the dish, while the garlic adds a rich, earthy undertone.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is used to coat the potatoes and help the seasoning adhere to them. It also aids in the roasting process, ensuring the potatoes become crispy and golden brown.
Parsley
Fresh parsley is used as a garnish to add a touch of color and a hint of freshness to the finished dish. It also provides a mild, slightly peppery flavor that complements the other ingredients.
This Bacon-Roasted Chicken with Potatoes recipe is a fantastic way to bring comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply enjoying a hearty meal at home, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the delicious combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and perfectly roasted potatoes with your loved ones!
