Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary gastronomic experience! This French Style Chicken with Bacon and Peas is not just a recipe—it's a symphony of flavors that combines the rustic charm of French countryside cooking with irresistible ingredients that promise to tantalize your palate. Imagine tender, crispy-skinned chicken nestled among smoky bacon and vibrant green peas, all brought together in a single skillet that tells a story of comfort and elegance.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 cup peas
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, 4 slices of bacon, 1 cup of peas, 1 sliced onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later in the process.
- In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain excess fat. Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet for added flavor.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them for about 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side.
- Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the thyme, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them skin-side up. Crumble the cooked bacon over the chicken and add the peas around the chicken thighs.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. The peas should be tender and bright green.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the French Style Chicken with Bacon and Peas warm, garnished with additional thyme if desired, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Choose high-quality chicken thighs with the skin on for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Allow the bacon drippings to add depth to your dish—they're liquid gold for flavor!
- Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy oven-safe pan for even heat distribution and beautiful browning.
- Don't rush the searing process—golden, crispy chicken skin is key to this recipe's success.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the perfect 165°F internal temperature.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep the meat juicy and tender.
- Fresh thyme can elevate the dish, but dried thyme works perfectly well too.
- For a lighter version, you can use turkey bacon or reduce the bacon quantity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 276kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 100mg
