RECIPE

Smoky Bacon-Roasted Chicken

  • ACTIVE: 45 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 1 HR 15 MIN Plus overnight marinating
  • SERVINGS: 4

Shea Gallante likes stuffing chicken with intense flavorings that season the meat as well as the skin. The mix of bacon, garlic and paprika adds delicious pungency.

  • ACTIVE: 45 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 1 HR 15 MIN
  • OTHER TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 4

Ingredients

  • Ingredients
    1. 4 ounces sliced bacon, chopped
    2. 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
    3. 5 small garlic cloves—3 smashed, 2 minced
    4. Salt and freshly ground pepper
    5. One 4-pound chicken, quartered and wings removed
    6. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    7. 1 small onion, coarsely chopped
    8. 1 large carrot, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
    9. 2 small celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
    10. 2 rosemary sprigs
    11. 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
    12. 1/2 cup dry red wine

Directions

  1. In a mini processor, puree the bacon, paprika, smashed garlic and a pinch each of salt and pepper to a paste. Loosen the skin on the chicken breasts and legs and spread the paste under the skin, pressing to even it out. Refrigerate the chicken for 4 hours or preferably overnight.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°. Heat the oil in a large, ovenproof nonstick skillet. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet, skin side down, and cook over moderately high heat until golden, about 5 minutes. Turn and cook until lightly browned all over, about 2 minutes longer. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
  3. Add the onion, carrot, celery, minced garlic and rosemary to the skillet and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until barely softened, about 6 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan, skin side up, and roast in the oven for about 25 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the leg and breast registers 170°. Remove the skillet from the oven and preheat the broiler.
  4. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, boil the chicken broth until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 15 minutes.
  5. Transfer the chicken to a platter, cover loosely with foil and keep warm. Spoon off the fat in the skillet. Add the red wine to the skillet and boil over high heat until almost evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add the reduced chicken broth and cook until slightly reduced, 2 to 3 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet, skin side up. Broil 4 inches from the heat for about 1 minute, just until the skin is very crisp. Discard the rosemary sprigs. Transfer the chicken, sauce and vegetables to plates and serve.