Chicken thighs with ramsons and bacon

Chicken thighs with wild garlic and bacon - a simple recipe with a unique taste

If you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make recipe, chicken thighs with wild garlic and bacon are the perfect choice. This recipe will not only impress your taste buds but also transform an ordinary meal into a savory feast. A combination of rich flavors, with a subtle note of wild garlic, perfectly intertwines with the smoky richness of bacon, making each bite a true delight.

Recipe History

Wild garlic, also known as ramsons, is an aromatic plant that has been used in cooking for centuries due to its distinct flavor and nutritional benefits. Combined with succulent meat and crispy bacon, wild garlic adds a unique touch to dishes, making it a popular choice in spring. This recipe not only blends simple ingredients but also incorporates refined cooking techniques to achieve an exceptional result.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1 kg chicken thighs (drumsticks)
- 2 bunches of wild garlic
- 200 g thinly sliced bacon
- 500 g potatoes
- 100 ml coconut milk (or any other type of milk)
- 5 tablespoons sour cream
- 5 tablespoons capers, chopped
- 50 ml olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- Chicken seasoning (herb mix, salt, pepper)
- Lemon juice
- Green salad, for serving

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the chicken thighs
Start by cleaning and washing the chicken thighs thoroughly. Then, place them in a pot of salted water and boil for 5 minutes. This step will help remove impurities and make the meat more tender. After boiling, remove them and let them drain. It is important to remove the skin from the thighs to reduce fat content, but if you prefer, you can leave it on.

2. Seasoning the thighs
Now that the thighs are prepared, generously season the meat with the chicken seasoning mix, salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. Make sure all sides of the thighs are evenly coated with spices to achieve an intense flavor.

3. Wrapping in wild garlic and bacon
Take the wild garlic leaves and wrap each thigh with a few leaves. Then, take the slices of bacon and secure them with toothpicks over the wild garlic leaves so that the bacon stays attached to the thigh during baking. This technique will not only add a delicious flavor but also keep the meat juicy.

4. Baking the thighs
Place the prepared thighs in a baking tray covered with aluminum foil and put them in the preheated oven at 200°C. Let them bake for 20-25 minutes until the bacon becomes crispy and the meat is perfectly cooked.

5. Preparing the potatoes
While the thighs are baking, clean and wash the potatoes, then slice them thinly. Season them with salt, pepper, and paprika, add olive oil, and mix well. Place the potatoes in a tray, add a glass of water, and cover with foil. Bake them in the oven for 30 minutes. They will be slightly soft and flavored, perfect to complement the meal.

6. Preparing the sauce
In a bowl, mix the sour cream with the coconut milk (or any other preferred type of milk), chopped capers, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until you achieve a creamy consistency, but not too thick. If you want a more flavorful sauce, you can add some chopped fresh herbs.

7. Serving
On a plate, place a chicken thigh alongside a few potato slices and a portion of green salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Pour the sauce over the potatoes for an extra flavor boost. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends.

Useful tips

- Removing the caper taste: If you are not familiar with the taste of capers, you can chop them smaller or replace them with green olives, which offer a milder flavor.
- Ingredient variations: If you do not have wild garlic, you can use spinach or nettles, and bacon can be replaced with ham or prosciutto for a different flavor.
- Recommended drinks: A dry white wine or cider can perfectly accompany this dish, providing a pleasant contrast to the intense flavors of the meat and bacon.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe for chicken thighs with wild garlic and bacon provides a good supply of protein from the meat, vitamins, and minerals from the wild garlic and salad, and healthy carbohydrates from the potatoes. Additionally, wild garlic is known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making it a valuable ingredient in the diet. The calories for one serving are approximately 650 kcal, depending on the amount of bacon and oil used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Of course! This recipe can also be adapted for turkey thighs or even fish fillets, just be mindful of the cooking time.

2. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can season the thighs and wrap them in wild garlic and bacon a few hours before baking.

3. What is the secret to juicy thighs?
Pre-boiling helps retain the juiciness of the meat, and covering with foil during baking will prevent it from drying out.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Chicken thighs with wild garlic and bacon are not only an easy recipe but also one full of flavor and color. Enjoy every bite!