Chicken Braised with Bacon, Onions and Riesling

INGREDIENTS

• 12 red or white boiling onions
• 1 chicken, about 4 lb.
• 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more, to taste
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper, plus more, to taste
• 4 thick-cut bacon slices
• 12 small carrots
• 2 shallots, minced
• 2 Tbs. cognac or other brandy
• 2 cups Riesling
• 3 Tbs. unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3 Tbs. all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme