Chicken with Fennel Rub and Bacon

The traditional stuffed pork roast is so delicious but so laborious. This chicken has all the same garlicky, herby flavours - not to mention lots of crispy bacon bits - and it’s optimized for a weeknight meal.

2 tsp. fennel seeds
1 (3½-4 lb) chicken, halved, or 4 lbs chicken legs (thigh and drumstick)
sea salt
black pepper, freshly ground
8 oz bacon, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely grated
1 cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp. lemon zest, finely grated
1 tsp. fresh thyme, chopped
½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Special Equipment:
spice mill or a mortar and pestle

Toast fennel seeds in a dry small skillet over medium, tossing occasionally, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small plate and let cool. Finely grind in spice mill or with mortar and pestle.

Pat chicken dry and sprinkle with half of fennel; season generously with salt and pepper; set aside.

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C/200°C fan, Gas Mark 7).

Cook bacon in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until bacon is crisp, 8-10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a medium bowl. Pour off all but 3 Tbsp. bacon fat; reserve for another use. Increase heat to medium-high and carefully place chicken halves, skin side down, in skillet, pressing down so skin makes good contact with surface of pan. Cook until skin is golden brown and starting to crisp, about 5 minutes. Turn chicken; transfer skillet to oven and roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thigh registers 165°F, 35-40 minutes. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes.

While chicken rests, add garlic, parsley, oil, lemon zest, thyme, red pepper flakes, and remaining fennel to bowl with bacon. Mix well; season with salt and pepper.

Serve chicken drizzled with pan juices and topped with bacon mixture.

Makes 4 servings.