My family loves this chicken! It is always so tender and moist and is a perfect Sunday dinner. The bacon helps to 'baste' the chicken while it cooks. Recipe can be adjusted to any size whole chicken.
Preparation Time
30 mins
Cooking Time
2 hr
Total Time
2 hr 30 mins
Calories
495 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Step 2
Rub butter over the entire chicken. Season with salt, pepper and thyme. Place the carrots inside the cavity, and tie the legs together. Place the chicken breast side up in a roasting pan. Lay bacon strips across the top of the chicken, and secure with toothpicks. Sprinkle with paprika. Pour the beef broth into the roasting pan - do not pour over the bacon.
Step 3
Roast for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, the reduce the heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Baste with some of the broth. Continue to roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 180 degrees F (82 degrees C) when taken in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste every 15 minutes with the broth.
Step 4
Remove the bacon and discard toothpicks. Roast the chicken for 15 more minutes to brown the skin. Transfer to a serving platter, and remove the ties. You may eat the bacon, but it is best to discard the carrots.
