Ingredients

• 1 x 2kg/4lb chicken
• 40g/1½oz butter
• ½kg/1lb pickling onions
• ¾kg/1½lb small new potatoes
• 6 back bacon rashers, diced
• 1 bouquet garni

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F, Gas Mark 4.
2. Rub the chicken inside and out with salt and pepper.
3. Melt the butter in a flameproof casserole. Add the chicken and brown lightly on all sides. Remove the chicken from the casserole.
4. Put the onions, potatoes and bacon in the casserole and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Return the chicken to the casserole and add the bouquet garni. Cover the casserole and transfer it to the oven. Cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the chicken is tender.
6. Discard the bouquet garni and serve the chicken with the bacon and vegetables.