{"product_id":"bacon-kissed-rotisserie-chicken","title":"Bacon-Kissed Rotisserie Chicken","description":"\u003cp\u003eThere's something almost magical about a whole chicken turning slowly on the rotisserie — the skin crisping up, the juices running down, the smell drifting across the garden. This bacon-kissed version takes that simple pleasure and turns it up a notch. A good rotisserie chicken is cheaper than the supermarket version, tastes ten times better, and gives you enough leftovers to keep you fed for most of the week. Sandwiches, salads, pasta, soup — you're sorted.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eIngredients\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 whole chicken, approximately 1.8–2kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6–8 rashers of smoked streaky bacon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 tbsp (30ml) rapeseed oil or olive oil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 tsp (5ml) smoked paprika\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 tsp (5ml) garlic powder\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 tsp (5ml) onion powder\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 tsp (5ml) dried thyme or dried mixed herbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 tsp (5ml) flaky sea salt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e½ tsp (2.5ml) freshly ground black pepper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e½ tsp (2.5ml) cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 lemon, halved\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 garlic cloves, lightly crushed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethod\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTake the chicken out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you plan to cook — this helps it cook more evenly. Pat it dry all over with kitchen paper. Dry skin means crispy skin.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMix the oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, sea salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using) into a paste. Rub this all over the chicken, getting under the breast skin if you can — that's where the flavour really lives.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStuff the cavity loosely with the lemon halves, crushed garlic cloves, and any fresh herbs you're using. Don't pack it too tightly — you need the heat to circulate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDrape the bacon rashers over the breast of the chicken, tucking them in slightly so they stay put during the first part of the cook. They'll baste the bird as they render down.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTruss the chicken firmly with butcher's twine — legs and wings tied close to the body. A well-trussed bird is essential for rotisserie cooking. Thread it carefully onto your rotisserie spit, making sure it's centred and balanced so the motor isn't straining.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet up your grill for indirect heat at around 190°C. On a gas grill, this usually means the burners directly under the bird off, and the outer burners on. Place a drip tray underneath to catch the fat — you'll thank yourself during the clean-up.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart the rotisserie motor and close the lid. Cook for approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes for a 1.8–2kg bird. The bacon will crisp and may fall away after the first 30–40 minutes — that's fine, it'll have done its job.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe chicken is ready when a probe thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (not touching the bone) reads 72–73°C. Remove it from the heat and rest it under a loose tent of aluminium foil for 10–15 minutes. Carryover heat will bring it safely up to 75°C while keeping the meat juicy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarve, serve, and try not to eat all the crispy skin before it reaches the table.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\u003cp class=\"recipe-attribution\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eOriginally published by Bull BBQ. Adapted for UK audiences by Cedar Kitchen in the Garden.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kitchen in the Garden","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57845407252864,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0582\/0622\/4577\/files\/bacon-kissed-rotisserie-chicken-5604673.jpg?v=1777795403","url":"https:\/\/kitcheninthegarden.co.uk\/products\/bacon-kissed-rotisserie-chicken","provider":"Kitchen In The Garden","version":"1.0","type":"link"}