Oven-baked chicken thighs wrapped in bacon

Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs Wrapped in Bacon – a delicious, simple, and quick recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Discover an extraordinary recipe that combines the juiciness of chicken thighs with the intense flavor and crispy texture of bacon. This delicious combination will turn any meal into a culinary celebration. Even though it is a simple recipe, the final result is spectacular, and everyone will appreciate every bite.

Necessary ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (upper part)
- 4 slices of bacon
- Salt (to taste)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)

Useful tips for ingredients:
- Choose chicken thighs with skin and bone for added flavor. They cook evenly and remain juicy.
- Opt for quality bacon, which will add a rich taste and crispy texture.
- Olive oil is not just a functional ingredient, but also an element that complements the flavors. You can also use coconut oil or butter, depending on your preferences.

A brief story of the recipe:
This recipe for oven-baked chicken thighs wrapped in bacon has deep roots in culinary traditions, being a popular way to add flavor and aroma to meat dishes. Chicken thighs, due to their rich texture, have always been favorites among homemakers, and bacon, with its unmistakable aroma, is the ideal ingredient to enhance the taste. Baking allows the ingredients to combine harmoniously, resulting in a dish that delights all the senses.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the chicken thighs:
Start by washing the chicken thighs well under cold running water. This step is essential to remove impurities and obtain clean, healthy meat. After washing, place the thighs in a large pot, fill it with cold water, and add a tablespoon of salt. Put the pot on the stove and let the thighs simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes. This process will help tenderize the meat and reduce the cooking time in the oven.

2. Cooling and preparing the bacon:
Once the thighs have boiled, remove them from the water and place them in a colander to drain well. Let them cool slightly, then you can decide whether to remove the skin or leave it, depending on your preferences. While the thighs cool, you can prepare the bacon slices. Cut them in half if they are too large, so they perfectly wrap around the chicken thighs.

3. Wrapping the thighs in bacon:
Place each chicken thigh on a slice of bacon and wrap the bacon around the meat, ensuring it is well covered. This step is crucial as the bacon will not only add flavor but also a delicious crispy crust during baking.

4. Preparing for the oven:
Line a baking tray with parchment paper. This will help keep things clean and achieve a golden, crispy crust. Place the bacon-wrapped thighs in the tray, making sure to leave a little space between them. Generously drizzle them with olive oil to help the bacon become even crispier during baking.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and let the thighs bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the bacon becomes crispy and golden. It is important to check regularly to avoid burning the bacon. The aroma that will spread through the kitchen will make you want to serve the meal immediately!

6. Serving:
Once the thighs are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before transferring them to a platter. These bacon-wrapped chicken thighs are served hot, accompanied by a generous portion of French fries or a fresh salad. You can also add a yogurt sauce or garlic sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Serving suggestions:
For a complete meal, you can pair this dish with a dry white wine or a pale beer, which will add a touch of freshness. Additionally, a raw vegetable salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon dressing will perfectly contrast with the richness of the meat.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs are an excellent option, but you need to be careful with the cooking time as they may cook faster.

- What can I do if I don't have bacon?
Instead of bacon, you can use ham or even slices of prosciutto, which will add a distinct flavor.

- How can I store leftovers?
Bacon-wrapped chicken thighs can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or in a pan to keep the bacon crispy.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle development and maintaining health. Additionally, bacon, when consumed in moderation, can add a savory taste to dishes, but you should be mindful of saturated fat content. Olive oil, used generously, brings healthy fats and antioxidants.

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add spices such as paprika, garlic powder, or herbs during the olive oil drizzling stage. You can also try adding slices of cheese between the chicken thighs and bacon for an extra creaminess.

Preparing these oven-baked chicken thighs wrapped in bacon is a true pleasure, both for cooking and tasting. I encourage you to try this recipe and personalize it according to your tastes. Enjoy and don’t forget to savor every moment spent in the kitchen!