Bacon Wrapped Chicken with Leeks Peas and Basil
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Serves 4
10 mins prep time
40 mins cook time
recipe courtesy of our friends at British Leeks
Bacon Wrapped Chicken with Leeks Peas and Basil is a comforting yet elegant dish that combines rich, savoury flavours with fresh, vibrant ingredients. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner or a relaxed weekend meal, it offers a delicious balance of indulgence and lightness in every bite.
The chicken is the star of the dish, typically wrapped in streaky bacon, which crisps up beautifully during cooking. As the bacon cooks, it bastes the chicken naturally, locking in moisture and infusing the meat with a smoky, salty depth of flavour. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a golden, slightly crisp outer layer that is both rich and satisfying.
Leeks form the soft, aromatic base of the dish, adding a gentle sweetness and delicate onion-like flavour. Slowly cooked until tender, they create a comforting and slightly creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the bacon and chicken. Their subtle flavour helps to balance the dish without overpowering it.
Peas bring a burst of freshness and a pop of natural sweetness, adding both colour and contrast. Their bright, juicy texture lifts the dish, preventing it from feeling too heavy and complementing the softer elements perfectly.
Fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbal finish that ties everything together. Its light, slightly peppery aroma enhances the overall flavour profile, bringing a touch of brightness and freshness that elevates the dish.
Often served with a light cream sauce or pan juices, this dish can be paired with new potatoes, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavours. The combination of smoky bacon, tender chicken, sweet vegetables, and fresh herbs creates a well-rounded and deeply satisfying meal.
Bacon Wrapped Chicken with Leeks Peas and Basil is a simple yet flavourful dish that delivers comfort and elegance, making it a perfect choice for both everyday cooking and special occasions.
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Ingredients
You'll Need
- 4 chicken leg quarters, skinned and cut into thighs and drumsticks
- handful fresh basil
- 8 thin rashers smoked streaky bacon
- 1 tsp vegetable or sunflower oil
- 2 medium leeks, trimmed and sliced thickly at an angle
- 200ml/7fl oz chicken stock
- 200g/7oz frozen garden peas
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Method
- Season the chicken with black pepper, put one basil leaf on top of each piece, then wrap tightly with a rasher of bacon. Tuck the bacon into itself to stop it unraveling.
- Heat the oil in a large shallow casserole or frying pan. Add the chicken and fry for 5 minutes on each side until the bacon is golden. Remove to a plate.
- Add the leeks to the pan and soften in the bacon juices for 5 minutes. Return the chicken pieces, basil-side up, pour in the stock, then cover the pan and simmer for 25 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Tear half of the basil into the sauce, stir in the peas, then simmer for a few more minutes until the peas are tender and bright. Check the seasoning then scatter the rest of the basil over the dish. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.