Gordon Ramsay Holiday Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs with a Crispy Bacon Gravy

If you’re looking for a festive yet simple dish that captures all the comforting flavors of the holidays, Gordon Ramsay’s Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs with Crispy Bacon Gravy is the perfect choice. The juicy chicken thighs are infused with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and garlic, creating a balance of bright and savory notes. The addition of crispy bacon gravy brings a luxurious, smoky touch that turns an ordinary chicken dinner into a holiday-worthy masterpiece.

What are Gordon Ramsay’s Holiday Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs with Crispy Bacon Gravy?

This dish combines the freshness of lemon and herbs with the richness of golden-seared chicken thighs and smoky bacon gravy. Inspired by Gordon Ramsay’s cooking style, it uses simple ingredients and refined techniques to create a flavorful, comforting meal. The chicken is pan-seared to perfection, then finished in the oven for a crisp, golden crust. The bacon gravy, made from pan drippings, delivers a silky, umami-packed finish that ties everything together beautifully.

Other Gordon Ramsay Popular Recipes

• Gordon Ramsay Christmas Turkey with Gravy
• Gordon Ramsay Turkey with Bacon
• Gordon Ramsay Thanksgiving Turkey
• Gordon Ramsay Miso-Maple Braised Leeks

Reasons to Try Gordon Ramsay Holiday Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs with Crispy Bacon Gravy

• Perfect for Holiday Gatherings – Offers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.
• Crispy and Juicy Texture – Pan-searing locks in moisture while giving a golden crust.
• Rich and Flavorful Gravy – Bacon adds depth and smokiness to the sauce.
• Balanced Flavors – Lemon and herbs cut through the richness for a refreshing touch.
• Easy to Prepare – Uses simple techniques with stunning results.
• Great for Make-Ahead Meals – Stays flavorful even when reheated.

Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay Holiday Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs with Crispy Bacon Gravy

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 slices streaky bacon, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp flour (for gravy)
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp chopped rosemary
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment Needed

• Cast iron or oven-safe skillet
• Tongs
• Wooden spoon
• Whisk
• Oven mitts
• Small mixing bowl

Instructions to Prepare Gordon Ramsay Holiday Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs with Crispy Bacon Gravy

• Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 6–7 minutes until golden and crispy.
• Flip the chicken and cook for another 3–4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• Add chopped bacon to the same skillet and cook until crispy. Remove a few pieces for garnish and leave the rest in the pan.
• Add butter and garlic to the pan with the bacon fat, stirring until fragrant.
• Whisk in flour to form a light roux, then pour in chicken stock and lemon juice, whisking until smooth.
• Stir in mustard and herbs (thyme and rosemary), simmer for 3 minutes.
• Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon gravy over them.
• Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 75°C / 165°F).
• Garnish with parsley and crispy bacon before serving hot with the gravy.

What Goes Well With Gordon Ramsay Holiday Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs with Crispy Bacon Gravy

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Perfect for soaking up the flavorful bacon gravy.
• Buttery Green Beans – Adds freshness and color to your plate.
• Creamy Polenta – A smooth and rich base that complements the savory sauce.
• Roasted Root Vegetables – Caramelized sweetness enhances the lemon-herb flavors.
• Crispy Roast Potatoes – A holiday classic that pairs beautifully with chicken.

Key Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay Holiday Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs with Crispy Bacon Gravy

• Dry the chicken skin well – This helps achieve a crisp, golden sear.
• Don’t rush the sear – Let the skin render slowly for the best texture.
• Use fresh herbs – They add brightness and depth compared to dried ones.
• Deglaze the pan properly – Scrape up brown bits for maximum flavor in your gravy.
• Adjust seasoning last – The bacon adds salt, so taste before adding more.
• Rest before serving – Allows juices to settle and flavors to develop.
• Add a touch of cream – For a richer, smoother gravy variation.

Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay Holiday Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs with Crispy Bacon Gravy

• Creamy Mushroom Twist – Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy flavor.
• Honey-Lemon Glaze – Mix honey with lemon juice for a sweet citrus finish.
• Herb Crust Version – Coat chicken with panko and herbs before searing for extra crunch.
• Smoky Paprika Option – Add smoked paprika to the seasoning for warmth.
• Garlic Lovers’ Style – Increase garlic and add roasted cloves to the sauce.
• Spicy Kick – Stir in a pinch of red chili flakes for subtle heat.

Storage Guidelines for Gordon Ramsay Holiday Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs with Crispy Bacon Gravy

• Cool before storing – Prevents condensation and sogginess.
• Refrigerate leftovers – Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Freeze if needed – Place in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
• Separate the gravy – Keeps texture intact when reheating.
• Label and date containers – Helps maintain freshness and safety.

Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay Holiday Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs with Crispy Bacon Gravy

• Oven method: Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes until hot.
• Stovetop method: Simmer chicken in a pan with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
• Microwave method: Heat in short intervals, covering with a lid to trap steam.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 410mg

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FAQs

How do you make the chicken thighs crispy like Gordon Ramsay’s version?

To get perfectly crispy chicken thighs, start by patting the skin dry before seasoning. Sear them skin-side down in a hot skillet without moving for at least 6–7 minutes until golden and crisp. Finish the chicken in the oven to cook through while keeping the skin beautifully crunchy.

Can I make the bacon gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bacon gravy in advance. Cook the bacon and make the roux with flour, butter, and stock as usual. Once it thickens, let it cool, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stove, whisking in a splash of stock to bring it back to a smooth consistency.

How do you prevent the lemon from making the chicken taste too sour?

Use only the lemon zest during seasoning and add the juice gradually while making the gravy. This balances the flavor, giving brightness without overpowering the dish. Pairing lemon with herbs like rosemary and thyme helps mellow out its acidity for a well-rounded flavor.

What’s the secret to a flavorful bacon gravy?

The secret lies in using the bacon fat and pan drippings as your base. After cooking the bacon, keep the rendered fat in the pan and deglaze it with stock or a splash of white wine, scraping up the browned bits. Whisk in butter, flour, and herbs to build a rich, smoky, and creamy gravy that enhances the chicken perfectly.

Final Words

Gordon Ramsay’s Holiday Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs with Crispy Bacon Gravy is the kind of dish that makes any gathering feel special. The combination of juicy chicken, zesty lemon, and smoky bacon gravy creates a comforting yet refined flavor that everyone will love.

With its simple preparation and elegant presentation, it’s a recipe that delivers big results with little effort — perfect for festive dinners or cozy family nights.