This Roasted Chicken with Bacon and Morel Mushrooms is a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for dinner. The combination of tender roasted chicken, smoky bacon, and earthy morel mushrooms creates a rich and satisfying meal. Serve it with mashed potatoes or polenta and a crisp green salad for a complete dining experience.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 Green Circle Chicken, about 3 lbs
• 2 tablespoons duck fat
• Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 slices applewood smoked bacon, diced
• 1 shallot, chopped
• ½ pound fresh morel mushrooms, cleaned and halved
• Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• ¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 cup chicken stock
• ½ cup heavy cream

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Remove the neck and giblets from the chicken cavity. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Generously season the chicken inside and out with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper. Truss the chicken with butcher’s string. Rub softened duck fat over the skin. Place the chicken on a rack in a heavy roasting pan.
3. Roast for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 160°F (71°C). Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board while you prepare the sauce.
4. Pour off excess fat from the roasting pan and place the pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until just crisp.
5. Add the chopped shallot and morel mushrooms to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until the shallots are translucent and the mushrooms have softened.
6. Stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and chopped thyme; continue to cook for about 1 minute more.
7. Deglaze the pan with dry white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until the wine is nearly completely reduced.
8. Stir in the chicken stock and simmer until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
9. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Cook until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
10. Cut the roasted chicken into quarter portions and serve with the morel mushroom and bacon sauce.

Nutritional Facts

While the exact nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, a general estimation per serving (assuming 4 servings) is as follows:

• Calories: Approximately 800 kcal
• Protein: 60g
• Fat: 55g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg

The Appeal of Morel Mushrooms

One of the standout ingredients in this recipe is the morel mushroom. Morels are a highly sought-after variety of wild mushroom known for their distinctive appearance and deep, earthy flavor. Their unique honeycomb-like texture and appearance make them visually intriguing and their flavor profile rich and complex. Morels are often considered a delicacy, which makes them a great addition to elevate any dish, especially when paired with savory ingredients like bacon and chicken. While they are not commonly found in supermarkets, morels are available at specialty stores or farmers’ markets during their short growing season in spring. They are often sold fresh or dried, and when rehydrated, dried morels retain much of their signature flavor, making them a convenient option for this recipe.

Morel mushrooms are known not only for their taste but also for their impressive nutritional value. They are low in calories yet high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms complements the richness of the chicken and bacon, creating a perfect symphony of flavors in each bite. The slight bitterness of the morels is balanced by the smoky and salty bacon, while the chicken provides a neutral base that lets the other ingredients shine.

Bacon: A Flavorful Addition

Bacon is another key component in this recipe that adds an extra layer of richness. Bacon, with its unmistakable smokiness and crisp texture, enhances the overall dish with a comforting and satisfying flavor. The saltiness of the bacon helps bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and mushrooms, while the crisp texture adds a delightful contrast to the tender chicken and soft morel mushrooms.

Bacon is often used as a garnish or an accompaniment to various dishes, but in this recipe, it takes center stage alongside the chicken. It not only serves as a flavor enhancer but also contributes to the overall richness of the dish. When cooked to perfection, bacon becomes crisp and slightly caramelized, making it an excellent pairing with the mushrooms and chicken.

For those who prefer a leaner alternative, turkey bacon or pancetta can be substituted. However, traditional pork bacon adds an authentic, savory depth that is hard to replace. The choice of bacon can significantly influence the dish’s flavor profile, so it’s worth selecting high-quality bacon with a good balance of fat and meat.

The Roasting Process: Achieving the Perfect Chicken

The technique of roasting the chicken is fundamental to this dish. Roasting a chicken ensures that the meat becomes tender and juicy, while the skin crisps up and becomes golden brown. It’s important to allow the chicken to rest after roasting so that the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each piece remains moist and flavorful.

The use of duck fat, a key ingredient in this recipe, adds an extra layer of flavor to the chicken. Duck fat is known for its ability to create a crisp and golden exterior while keeping the meat inside incredibly moist. It has a higher smoke point than olive oil or butter, making it an ideal fat for roasting at high temperatures. The duck fat imparts a subtle richness that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients in the dish.

By seasoning the chicken generously with salt and pepper, you create a flavorful crust that enhances the natural taste of the poultry. Trussing the chicken ensures even cooking, preventing the breast from drying out while allowing the dark meat to cook through. The high roasting temperature allows the chicken to cook quickly, achieving a perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat.

Creating the Sauce: A Symphony of Flavors

The sauce in this dish is where the magic happens. After roasting the chicken, the pan drippings, combined with bacon fat, create the base for the sauce. Adding shallots and mushrooms to the pan allows their flavors to meld with the fat, creating a rich and savory foundation for the sauce. Morel mushrooms contribute a unique depth of flavor, with their earthy, almost smoky taste.

The sauce is further enhanced with Dijon mustard, which adds a slight tang, and fresh thyme, which brings an herbal note to the dish. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a touch of acidity, balancing the richness of the bacon and duck fat. The deglazing step with dry white wine (optional) helps lift any caramelized bits left on the pan, infusing the sauce with even more flavor.

The addition of chicken stock helps thicken the sauce, providing the perfect consistency to coat the chicken and mushrooms. Heavy cream is stirred in at the end, turning the sauce into a silky, luxurious finish. The result is a creamy, savory sauce that brings everything together, enveloping each bite of chicken and mushroom with rich, comforting flavors.

Pairing the Dish with Sides and Wine

This dish is versatile in terms of what it can be paired with. A side of mashed potatoes or creamy polenta would complement the richness of the chicken and sauce, while a crisp green salad would provide a fresh contrast to the dish. Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans, would also pair well, offering a crunchy and slightly sweet element to balance the savory flavors of the chicken and bacon.

When it comes to wine pairings, a medium-bodied white wine, such as Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc, would work well with this dish. The acidity in the white wine cuts through the richness of the sauce, providing a refreshing contrast. If you prefer red wine, a light Pinot Noir would complement the earthy flavors of the morels and the savory notes of the bacon.

Nutritional Value and Health Considerations

Roasted chicken with bacon and morel mushrooms is a hearty and flavorful dish, but it is also important to consider the nutritional value of the ingredients. While the recipe is rich in protein and healthy fats, it is also high in calories due to the use of duck fat, bacon, and heavy cream. This makes the dish best suited for special occasions or as a treat for those who enjoy indulgent, flavorful meals.

Morel mushrooms are a low-calorie, high-fiber ingredient, providing a good source of vitamins and antioxidants. They are also an excellent source of plant-based protein, which can help support muscle growth and repair. However, due to the richness of the bacon and heavy cream, this dish should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

For those looking to reduce the calorie content, consider using less bacon or substituting the cream with a lighter alternative, such as half-and-half or a plant-based cream. Additionally, pairing the dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad can help balance out the richness of the chicken and sauce.

Conclusion

Roasted Chicken with Bacon and Morel Mushrooms is a sophisticated and indulgent dish that will elevate any dinner. The tender chicken, crispy bacon, and earthy morel mushrooms come together in a rich, savory sauce that makes each bite a true delight. While the recipe may seem complex, the techniques involved are straightforward, and the results are well worth the effort.