Delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken Wrapped in Bacon

This tasty dish features tender chicken drumsticks marinated in a flavorful lemon and garlic sauce and wrapped in crispy bacon. The combination of zesty lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and smoked bacon creates a mouth-watering taste experience. The chicken becomes tender as it absorbs the marinade, while the bacon adds a savory crunch. Cooking this dish is simple and quick, making it a wonderful choice for both family dinners and special occasions. It's perfect for serving with a side of fresh salad or fluffy rice. The blend of flavors in this recipe is sure to impress and please everyone at the table. Not only is it delicious, but it's also a wholesome choice for a comforting meal. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your cooking repertoire. Try this dish for your next meal and enjoy the praise it brings!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 8 thin slices of smoked bacon

Spices

• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 lemon
• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation Time

• Total time: 40 minutes
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F), ensuring it reaches the right temperature for even cooking.
2. Peel and crush the garlic cloves, using a garlic press or finely chopping them with a knife.
3. Slice the lemon in half and juice it, removing any seeds, and set the juice aside.
4. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice with the crushed garlic, adding a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to create your marinade.
5. Take each chicken drumstick and carefully poke a few shallow slits with a sharp knife. This will help the marinade penetrate deeper into the meat.
6. Brush the lemon-garlic marinade over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
7. Wrap each drumstick in a slice of bacon, ensuring it covers the chicken thoroughly for added flavor and moisture.
8. Place the bacon-wrapped drumsticks in a baking dish, arranging them side by side for even cooking.
9. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken to enhance the taste further.
10. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked.
11. To check if the chicken is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a drumstick; it should read at least 75°C (165°F).
12. Once cooked, carefully remove the dish from the oven, allowing it to cool slightly before serving.
13. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and added fragrance.
14. Serve hot, paired with a fresh side salad or a bowl of steamed rice.
15. For a richer taste, drizzle the dish with a small amount of olive oil before serving.
16. This dish is also delightful with a squeeze of additional fresh lemon juice on top.
17. Consider serving it with crispy roasted potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
18. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
19. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) until warmed through.
20. Remember, cooking times may vary depending on your oven, so always check your food is done before serving.

Tips

• Use fresh garlic and lemon for the best flavor.
• You can season the chicken with your favorite herbs for extra taste.
• If you're looking for a milder taste, reduce the amount of garlic used.
• Ensure the bacon overlap slightly to prevent them from shrinking away from the chicken.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 520 per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Fats: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 5g

Variations

• Replace bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter version.
• For a spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Use chicken thighs or breasts instead of drumsticks if preferred.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette.
• Complement with a side of creamy mashed potatoes.
• Offer roasted vegetables like carrots and asparagus for a colorful plate.

Best Places

• The Chicken House - Known for its mouth-watering roasted chicken dishes. Location: 66 Chapel Street, Melbourne, Australia.
• La Poulette Gourmande - Offers exquisite French chicken recipes. Location: 23 Rue de Seine, Paris, France.
• BacoBar - Famous for innovative bacon-wrapped delicacies. Location: 112 3rd Avenue, New York, USA.
• Casa del Pollo - Offers authentic Mediterranean flavors. Location: 48 Via della Chiesa, Rome, Italy.
• El Pollo Loco - Renowned for its bold and spicy chicken plates. Location: Av. Insurgentes, Mexico City, Mexico.
• Chicken & Co - Delightful dishes with a twist of local ingredients. Location: 7 High Street, London, UK.
• Gallina Fresca - Offers organic and farm-to-table options. Location: Carrera 10, Bogotá, Colombia.
• Le Coq Fumé - Perfect for smoky, charred chicken specialties. Location: Breisacher Str. 14, Berlin, Germany.
• Kip Koken - Known for traditional Dutch chicken comfort food. Location: Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
• Chichen Shack - Offers a casual dining experience with bold flavors. Location: 334 Beacon Street, Boston, USA.