Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Drumsticks

Why wrap bacon around an already tender piece of chicken? Because you can, that's why. Truth is, I like to remove chicken skin before roasting, but I don't like to risk the meat drying out. The bacon adds a smoky dimension to the chicken, keeps the meat moist, and crisps up, just as the skin would do. I also like to brush the chicken with zesty honey mustard, for another layer of flavor. The whole process should take you about 5 minutes, and then the oven does the rest.

2 pounds chicken drumsticks (8 drumsticks), skin removed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons honey mustard
8 pieces smoked bacon

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Season the chicken drumsticks all over with salt and pepper. Brush the mustard all over the flesh of the chicken. Wrap one piece of bacon around each chicken drumstick.
Arrange the chicken in a shallow roasting pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

Serves 4






Photo: Apolonia