Chicken Lentingtons — A wellington for the wellness age.

Name: Chicken Lentingtons — A wellington for the wellness age.
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trim excess fat); • 8 slices thick-cut smoked bacon; • Butcher’s twine or toothpicks (optional but helps maintain shape); 2 tsp kosher salt; • 1 tsp smoked paprika; • 1 tsp garlic powder; • 1 tsp onion powder; • ½ tsp cayenne pepper; • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; • 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 Tbsp fresh thyme (chopped); ½ cup dry green or black lentils; ½ cup mushrooms (cremini/shiitake); 1 medium shallot; 2 cloves garlic; 1½ Tbsp olive oil; 1 cup loosely packed spinach or kale; ½ tsp rosemary + 1 tsp thyme; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; 2 Tbsp goat cheese or feta; ¼ cup flaxseed meal; • 2 Tbsp walnut or pecan meal (or finely ground nuts); • 2 tsp chia seeds; • 1 tsp smoked paprika; • ½ tsp black pepper; • 1½ tsp Dijon mustard (as binder); 1 Tbsp maple syrup; • 1 Tbsp white miso paste; • 1 tsp Dijon mustard; • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar; • 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

27 steps

Prep:30minCook:2h

Here’s a restaurant-quality, advanced-level recipe for Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs that balances crispiness, juiciness, and layers of complex flavor using proper seasoning, aromatics, and a controlled two-stage cook method (pan sear + oven finish) Slice crosswise to reveal colorful, textured stuffing. • Garnish with microgreens, crushed walnuts, or chili threads. Serve with: • Farro salad • Charred broccolini • Roasted carrot puree • Pickled onions for acid pop

Updated at: Thu, 10 Jul 2025 04:56:16 GMT

Nutrition balance score

Good

Glycemic Index

Low

Glycemic Load

Low

Nutrition per serving

Calories800 kcal (40%)

Total Fat46.4 g (66%)

Carbs27 g (10%)

Sugars6.8 g (8%)

Protein68.2 g (136%)

Sodium2394 mg (120%)

Fiber11.6 g (42%)

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Ingredients

4 servings

Instructions

Cook Lentils

Step 1

Rinse ½ cup dry green or black lentils under cold water.

Step 2

Add to saucepan with 1½ cups water and ¼ tsp salt.

Step 3

Bring to boil, reduce heat to simmer, cook uncovered ~18–20 minutes until just tender (not mushy).

Step 4

Drain and let cool.

Sauté Aromatics

Step 5

Heat 1½ Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Step 6

Add finely diced shallot and cook ~2 minutes.

Step 7

Add garlic and mushrooms, sauté until golden and dry (~5–7 min).

Step 8

Add chopped spinach or kale and cook until wilted (~1 min).

Step 9

Stir in lentils, thyme, rosemary, nutmeg. Mix well.

Step 10

Remove from heat, fold in goat cheese if using. Cool mixture before stuffing.

Prep Chicken

Step 11

Pat chicken thighs dry. If thick, gently pound to even ½” thickness.

Step 12

Lightly season both sides with the dry rub mix.

Step 13

Place 1–2 Tbsp of the cooled lentil mixture in center of each thigh. Fold or roll the thigh over it to enclose stuffing

Apply Crust Layer

Step 14

Mix flaxseed meal, walnut meal, chia seeds, paprika, and pepper in a shallow bowl.

Step 15

Lightly rub the outside of the stuffed thigh with Dijon mustard.

Step 16

Press both sides of each thigh into the crust mixture. Do not crust the sides — just top and bottom

Wrap with Bacon

Step 17

Wrap each thigh with 1 slice of thick-cut bacon. Ensure seam is on bottom.

Step 18

Tuck ends under or secure with butcher’s twine or toothpicks.

Pan-Sear

Step 19

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 20

Heat a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron ideal) over medium-high heat with 1 Tbsp neutral oil.

Step 21

Place bacon-wrapped thighs seam-side down. Sear on all sides until bacon begins to crisp (~1–2 min per side). Do not fully cook bacon — just render slightly