Chicken wrapped in bacon

Chicken wrapped in bacon - a simple yet refined delight that perfectly combines flavors and textures to create an unforgettable dish. This recipe, inspired by various culinary traditions, promises to quickly become one of your favorites, offering a rich taste and an attractive presentation.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 3 hours
Baking time: 2 hours
Total time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 1 whole chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 300 g thinly sliced bacon
- 200 g cherry tomatoes
- 4 large plums (or 6-8 small plums)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground rosemary

Step by Step Guide:

Step 1: Preparing the chicken
Start by washing the chicken thoroughly under cold running water, ensuring you remove any impurities. Use a sharp knife to cut the skin from the breast and a bit from the thighs. Be careful not to completely remove the skin, as it will help retain the juices in the chicken during cooking.

Step 2: Marinating
In a bowl, mix the cream with salt and pepper. Rub the chicken all over with this mixture, ensuring it gets under the skin to enhance the flavors. Cover the chicken with plastic wrap and leave it in the fridge for at least 3 hours, but ideally overnight. Marinating is essential for achieving tender and flavorful meat.

Step 3: Preparing the bacon
The bacon slices should be uniform so that they fit well on the chicken's breast and thighs. You can use a sharp knife to cut the bacon slices lengthwise, so they perfectly wrap the chicken.

Step 4: Wrapping the chicken in bacon
Now comes the fun part! Wrap the chicken breast with the bacon slices, making sure they are as even as possible. If needed, you can use toothpicks to secure the bacon, but remember to remove them before serving. Continue with the thighs, ensuring each piece of meat is generously covered.

Step 5: Preparing the baking tray
In a baking tray, place a sheet of parchment paper, so it covers the chicken as well. This will help retain the juices and prevent sticking. Place the chicken in the center of the tray, and next to it, add the washed and cleaned plums and cherry tomatoes.

Step 6: Seasoning the vegetables
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with salt, pepper, ground rosemary, and sweet paprika. Drizzle the mixture over the chicken, plums, and tomatoes, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.

Step 7: Baking
Cover the tray with aluminum foil to retain moisture and place it in a preheated oven at 185-190 degrees Celsius. Bake the chicken for 1 hour, then remove the foil and let it continue cooking for another hour until it becomes golden and crispy.

Practical Tips:

- Choose a quality chicken: An organic or free-range chicken will provide superior flavor and texture.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through; the ideal temperature should be 75 degrees Celsius.
- Vary the ingredients: You can substitute plums with apples or peaches for a different sweetness or add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for extra flavor.
- Serving: I recommend serving this dish with mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a pleasant contrast.

Nutritional Benefits:

This dish is rich in protein due to the chicken and contains healthy fats from the bacon and olive oil. The cherry tomatoes and plums bring antioxidants, vitamins, and essential minerals, making this meal a balanced choice.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use another type of meat? Absolutely! This recipe also works well with turkey or even pork.
- What drinks pair well with this dish? A dry white wine or a pale ale would perfectly complement the flavors of the chicken.
- How do I store leftovers? You can keep the leftover chicken in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to regain its crispiness.

This bacon-wrapped chicken recipe is not only a delicious dish but also a culinary experience that will bring joy to your table. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, the result will always be impressive. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: a chicken 2 tablespoons of heavy cream salt pepper 300 g of thinly sliced bacon cherry tomatoes plums oil - 2 tablespoons a little ground rosemary 1/2 teaspoon of sweet paprika

 Tags:  chicken bacon sour cream oven chicken unisol