Savory Balsamic-Braised Chicken with Crispy Bacon and Garlic
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Savory Balsamic-Braised Chicken with Crispy Bacon and Garlic. Perfectly tender chicken is braised to perfection with fragrant garlic, sweet onions, and a touch of balsamic vinegar, all enhanced by the smokiness of crispy bacon. This dish is not only comforting but also a delightful centerpiece for gatherings. Serve it alongside your favorite sides and watch it become a favorite in your household!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
6 pieces (cut into 1/4 inch strips)
chicken
1 chicken (cut into 8 pieces (or substitute with 8 pieces of your preferred chicken cuts))
onion
1 lb (thinly sliced (or can use shallots))
garlic
1 head (separated and peeled)
balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a deep heavy skillet, cook the bacon strips over medium heat until they are crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet.
2
While the bacon cooks, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
3
In the same skillet with reserved bacon grease, brown the chicken pieces in batches. Cook for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate.
4
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the sliced onions to the skillet, and cook covered, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until they are soft and lightly browned.
5
After 10 minutes, remove the lid and continue to cook the onions for an additional 10 minutes, until they are deep golden brown.
6
Add the peeled garlic cloves and 1 cup of water to the skillet. Bring to a boil, stirring for about a minute to combine all the flavors.
7
Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is coated with the onion and garlic mix. Arrange the chicken skin side up, cover, and gently simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
8
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving dish.
9
Add the balsamic vinegar to the simmering juices in the skillet, increase the heat to high, and boil uncovered. Mash the garlic into the sauce until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
10
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then pour it over the chicken. Lastly, sprinkle the crispy bacon on top and serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Balsamic-Braised Chicken with Crispy Bacon and Garlic?
It is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken braised with fragrant garlic, sweet onions, and balsamic vinegar, topped with smoky crispy bacon.
How many pieces of bacon are required for this recipe?
You will need 6 pieces of bacon, cut into 1/4 inch strips.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 whole chicken cut into 8 pieces, or you can substitute with 8 pieces of your preferred chicken cuts.
Can I substitute the onions with something else?
Yes, you can use shallots as a substitute for the 1 lb of thinly sliced onions.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires one full head of garlic, with the cloves separated and peeled.
How much balsamic vinegar is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar to finish the sauce.
How long should I cook the bacon?
Cook the bacon over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until it is crispy.
Should I keep the bacon grease in the pan?
Yes, after removing the crispy bacon, reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet for browning the chicken and onions.
How do I prepare the chicken before browning it?
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper.
How long does it take to brown the chicken?
Brown the chicken pieces in the bacon grease for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown.
What is the process for cooking the onions?
Cook the sliced onions covered for 10 minutes, then remove the lid and cook for another 10 minutes until they are deep golden brown.
When do I add the garlic cloves?
Add the peeled garlic cloves to the skillet after the onions have finished browning.
How much water is added during the braising process?
Add 1 cup of water to the skillet along with the garlic cloves.
How should the chicken be positioned in the skillet for simmering?
Arrange the chicken pieces skin side up on top of the onion and garlic mixture.
How long does the chicken need to simmer?
Cover the skillet and gently simmer the chicken for about 30 minutes until it is cooked through and tender.
What do I do with the garlic at the end of cooking?
Mash the cooked garlic cloves directly into the simmering juices in the skillet to thicken the sauce.
How is the balsamic sauce thickened?
Increase the heat to high and boil the juices with the balsamic vinegar and mashed garlic uncovered for about 5 minutes.
When is the crispy bacon added back to the dish?
Sprinkle the crispy bacon on top of the chicken just before serving.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
This dish is categorized as a main course and is considered comfort food.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is tagged as an easy recipe, making it a great choice for a centerpiece for gatherings.
Should the onions be stirred while browning?
Yes, stir the onions occasionally to ensure they brown evenly.
Do I need to peel the garlic?
Yes, the garlic head should be separated into cloves and peeled before being added to the pan.
What should I serve with this balsamic chicken?
It is recommended to serve this dish alongside your favorite sides, such as potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Can I use chicken thighs only?
Yes, you can substitute the whole chicken with 8 pieces of your preferred cuts, such as chicken thighs.
How do I ensure the chicken skin stays intact?
Arrange the chicken skin side up during the 30-minute simmering stage.
What temperature should the heat be for the onions?
The heat should be reduced to medium-low when starting the onion cooking process.
Do I add salt and pepper to the sauce?
Yes, you should season the finished sauce with salt and pepper to taste before pouring it over the chicken.
Is the balsamic vinegar boiled?
Yes, the balsamic vinegar is added to the juices and boiled on high heat to help thicken the sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: bacon, chicken, onion, garlic, and balsamic vinegar.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to cook the bacon strips in a heavy skillet until they are crispy.