Step 1

Step 1 Preheat oven to 300F and thoroughly wash the chicken.

Step 2

Step 2 In a wide Dutch Oven, drizzle in the oilve oil, add in the chopped onions, and bay leaf.

Step 3

Step 3 Place the whole chicken over the bed of onions.

Step 4

Step 4 With a sharp knife, make surface cuts in the chicken.

Step 5

Step 5 In a large bowl, add all the other ingredients, except for the garlic and bacon strips, thyme stems and butter. Stir the ingredients and brush the chicken evenly, pour the rest of the mixture into the Dutch oven.

Step 6

Step 6 Insert the sliced garlic and bacon strips into the cuts, the flavour will melt into the chicken meat.

Step 7

Step 7 Place fresh thyme stems over the chicken to give that extra flavour.

Step 8

Step 8 Cover with a lid and allow the chicken to cook slowing in the preheated oven for 4 hours or until the chicken is golden on the outside and fork tender in the inside.

Step 9

Step 9 Remove the chicken from the oven and coat it with melted butter.

Step 10

Step 10 Without the lid, place it back into the oven and broil for about 4-5 minutes or until chicken skin is golden brown and crispy.