Chicken dish with bacon and potatoes

Chicken with Bacon and Potatoes – A Comforting Recipe Full of Flavors

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

When it comes to soul-warming dishes, chicken with bacon and potatoes tops the list. This recipe brings together simple yet flavorful ingredients in a dish that will remind you of family meals spent around the table. With a perfect mix of juicy meat, colorful vegetables, and a rich sauce, this dish is ideal for a quick and delicious dinner.

Necessary ingredients:
- 2 whole chicken thighs (about 800 g)
- 300 g smoked bacon
- 3 medium potatoes
- 1-2 ripe tomatoes
- 1 large onion
- 1 carrot
- 2-3 bell peppers (preferably colorful for a pleasant appearance)
- 1 chili pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- A few sprigs of fresh parsley
- 1 cube/1 teaspoon chicken concentrate
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 50 ml tomato puree
- 2-3 florets of cauliflower
- 10 ml oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt, pepper, paprika, thyme (to taste)

Recipe history:
This dish combines culinary traditions from various cultures, where chicken and bacon are the stars of the meal. Slow-cooked meat dishes have always been favored for the way flavors blend, transforming basic ingredients into unforgettable delights. It is a versatile dish, perfect for serving on a Sunday evening or during chilly winter days.

Step by step to a perfect result:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
- Wash the chicken thighs well and cut them into smaller pieces.
- Cut the bacon into large cubes to add a crunchy texture to the dish.
- Peel and cut the potatoes into larger pieces, the onion into cubes, the carrot into rounds, and the bell peppers into strips. All these vegetables will contribute to a rich flavor and a pleasant appearance.
- Finely chop the garlic and tomatoes.

2. Seasoning the meat:
- In a bowl, season the chicken and bacon with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. This spice mix will give a savory taste to the dish.

3. Sautéing the vegetables:
- In a cast iron pot (or another cooking pot), heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent.
- Then, add the pieces of meat and bacon, allowing them to brown for 5-7 minutes. This step helps seal in the juices from the meat.

4. Adding the vegetables and liquids:
- Add the chopped peppers and cauliflower florets to the pot. After a few minutes, take a bowl and mix 2 cups of water with the tomato puree, ketchup, sugar, and chicken concentrate cube. Pour this mixture over the meat.
- Finally, add the chopped potatoes and stir gently.

5. Cooking the dish:
- Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. This time will allow the flavors to blend and penetrate the meat.

6. Adding the final ingredients:
- In the last 7-8 minutes of cooking, add the diced tomatoes and sliced garlic. These will provide a fresh taste and a hint of acidity that will complement the dish.

7. Finalizing:
- Check the taste and adjust with salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, add the chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness.

8. Serving:
- Arrange pieces of meat, bacon, vegetables, and sauce on plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your meal!

Useful tips and variations:
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add spices like smoked paprika or oregano.
- Replace the potatoes with zucchini or carrots for a lighter version.
- Serve the dish with a fresh salad or homemade bread, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- If you want a spicy note, add fresh chili peppers or chili flakes.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This recipe offers a balanced meal, being rich in protein due to the chicken and bacon, as well as fiber from the vegetables. Approximately, one serving contains between 600-700 calories, depending on the proportions of the ingredients used. The potatoes and vegetables provide complex carbohydrates, essential for energy.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can replace the chicken with pork or beef, making sure to adjust the cooking time.
- Is this recipe suitable for diets? Depending on the ingredients used, it can be adapted for a balanced diet by reducing the amount of oil and bacon.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, the dish keeps well in the refrigerator and can be reheated the next day.

Pair this recipe with a dry red wine or a fresh lemonade for a perfect culinary experience. I invite you to try this chicken with bacon and potatoes dish, which will surely become a favorite in your kitchen!