Holiday Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs with a Crispy Bacon Gravy

This recipe is a fantastic choice for a festive meal. It’s a perfect blend of flavors, with the tangy lemon and aromatic herbs complementing the rich, savory gravy. The crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch to the dish. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy cooks.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Gravy:

• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment:

• Large skillet
• Baking sheet
• Large pot

Instructions:

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper, making sure to get the skin as well.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, until golden brown and ¹ crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.  
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4. Flip the chicken thighs and sear the other side for a couple of minutes.
5. Transfer the chicken thighs to a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Making the Gravy:

1. While the chicken is roasting, start making the gravy. In the same skillet you used to sear the chicken, add the bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Deglaze the pan with the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and butter to form a roux.
6. Gradually whisk the roux into the gravy, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
7. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
8. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Stir in the crispy bacon.

Serving the Dish:

1. Serve the roasted chicken thighs with the rich, flavorful gravy.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme.
3. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the flour before dredging the chicken thighs.
• If you want a spicier gravy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the onion and garlic while they’re cooking.
• To make the gravy ahead of time, simply prepare it as directed and reheat it gently before serving.

Additional Ideas:

• Serve the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal.
• Add a side salad with a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• For a holiday twist, serve with cranberry sauce or roasted Brussels sprouts.

This recipe is a delicious and impressive dish that is sure to impress your guests. It’s a great way to celebrate the holidays or any special occasion.