Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thigh Tray Bake (Print Version)
Juicy chicken wrapped in crispy bacon, oven-roasted with hearty vegetables for a flavorful one-pan meal.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Chicken & Bacon
01 - 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
02 - 8 slices streaky bacon
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
07 - ½ teaspoon salt
→ Vegetables
08 - 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
09 - 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
10 - 1 red onion, cut into wedges
11 - 7 oz green beans, trimmed
12 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
13 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - Salt and pepper to taste
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil.
02 - In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly to form a paste.
03 - Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture evenly over each thigh, coating all surfaces.
04 - Wrap each seasoned chicken thigh with one slice of bacon, tucking the ends underneath to secure during cooking.
05 - Arrange baby potatoes, carrots, and red onion wedges on the prepared baking tray. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
06 - Place the bacon-wrapped chicken thighs evenly over the seasoned vegetables, ensuring pieces are not overcrowded.
07 - Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until bacon begins to crisp and vegetables start to soften.
08 - Remove the tray from the oven. Add trimmed green beans and toss gently with the partially cooked vegetables using tongs.
09 - Return to the oven and roast for an additional 15 minutes until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and bacon is crispy.
10 - Let the tray rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve directly from the baking tray.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Everything cooks on one tray which means almost no cleanup afterward.
- The bacon fat renders down into the vegetables making them outrageously flavorful.
02 -
- Do not skip drying the chicken before seasoning or the spice rub will slide right off.
- Check your bacon label for hidden gluten if cooking for someone with celiac disease.
03 -
- Take the chicken out of the fridge twenty minutes before cooking so it roasts evenly.
- Save any leftover bacon drippings from the tray to roast other vegetables later in the week.