Juicy Keto Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs in 35 Minutes

Oh my gosh, if you’re looking for the easiest, most flavorful keto dinner that’ll have everyone begging for seconds, you’ve gotta try these bacon-wrapped chicken thighs! Seriously, they’re my go-to when I need something quick but impressive – juicy chicken wrapped in crispy bacon with just the right kick of spices. My family goes crazy for them every Thursday (our unofficial “bacon night”), and I love that they’re packed with protein while keeping carbs crazy low. The best part? You only need 6 simple ingredients and about 35 minutes from fridge to table. Trust me, once that bacon starts sizzling, your kitchen will smell like heaven!

Why You’ll Love These Keto Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Okay, let me count the ways these beauties will become your new weeknight hero:

• Crazy simple prep – We’re talking 10 minutes of hands-on time! Just season, wrap, and pop ’em in the oven.
• Minimal ingredients – You probably have everything in your pantry right now (bacon + chicken = magic).
• That perfect crispy-chewy bacon hugging every juicy bite of chicken? Pure bliss.
• Totally keto-approved with just 1g net carbs per serving – guilt-free indulgence at its finest!

Honestly, what’s not to love? Even my picky nephew devours these like they’re going out of style.

Ingredients for Keto Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these flavor-packed bundles of joy:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs – about 6 oz each (trust me, thighs stay juicier than breasts!)
• 8 slices thin-cut bacon – regular thickness works, but thin gets crispier
• 1 tsp garlic powder – the flavor backbone
• 1 tsp paprika – for that gorgeous color and subtle smokiness
• 1/2 tsp salt – enhances all the flavors
• 1/2 tsp black pepper – just enough kick
• 1 tbsp olive oil – for that perfect sear

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Try smoked paprika instead of regular for extra depth, or swap olive oil with avocado oil for higher heat. Turkey bacon works if you’re watching fat, but it won’t crisp as nicely. Warning: Skip thick-cut bacon – it’ll leave you with rubbery spots while the chicken overcooks. And hey, if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of rosemary in the seasoning mix is *chef’s kiss*!

How to Make Keto Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Alright, let’s get cooking! These bacon-wrapped thighs are foolproof if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) – This gives you that perfect crisp while keeping the chicken juicy.
2. Season those thighs! Rub the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper all over the chicken. Don’t be shy—get those spices into every nook!
3. Bacon blanket time! Wrap each thigh with 2 slices of bacon, tucking the ends underneath. If they’re being stubborn, secure them with toothpicks (just remember to take ‘em out later!).
4. Sear for the perfect crunch. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Place the thighs seam-side down first—sear 2-3 minutes per side until the bacon starts to crisp. (Careful, it splatters!)
5. Bake to perfection. Slide the whole skillet into the oven for 20-25 minutes. Check the internal temp—165°F (74°C) means they’re done!
6. Let ‘em rest. 5 minutes off heat = juicier chicken. Patience is tough when it smells this good, but trust me!

Tips for Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken

Want next-level results? Here’s my cheat sheet:

• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning—moisture is the enemy of crispy bacon!
• Space thighs evenly in the skillet so they cook uniformly.
• Broil 1-2 minutes at the end if you’re after extra crunch (watch closely—it burns fast!).
• Resting is non-negotiable. Letting those juices redistribute means every bite stays moist.

Serving Suggestions for Keto Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Now for the best part—what to serve with these bacon-wrapped beauties! My family loves them with simple keto sides that let the chicken shine. Try roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in garlic butter (they’re practically made for bacon). Creamy cauliflower mash soaks up all those juicy drippings beautifully. For something fresh, a quick spinach salad with avocado and a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness. And hey—if you’re feeling extra, sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese over everything. Pure heaven!

Storing and Reheating Keto Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Okay, confession time—these rarely last long in my house! But if you’ve got leftovers (lucky you), here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:

Store cooled thighs in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. When reheating, skip the microwave—it turns bacon soggy faster than you can say “keto disaster.” Instead, pop them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. For extra crispiness, a quick minute under the broiler works magic. Pro tip: If the chicken seems dry, drizzle a tiny bit of broth over before reheating—it brings back that juicy perfection!

Keto Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs Nutritional Info

Just so you know what you’re biting into (not that you’ll care once you taste these beauties!):

• Calories: 320 per thigh
• Fat: 22g (hello, deliciousness!)
• Protein: 28g (muscle fuel!)
• Carbs: Just 1g net – practically nothing!

Nutritional values are estimates and vary by ingredients. But honestly, with numbers this good, who’s counting?

FAQs About Keto Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about this recipe:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Technically yes, but I highly recommend sticking with thighs. Breasts dry out faster in the oven, while thighs stay juicy even if you accidentally overbake them a bit (we’ve all been there!). Thighs also have more flavor to stand up to that glorious bacon wrapping.

How do I keep the bacon from unraveling? Toothpicks are your best friends here! Just poke them through to secure the ends – remember to remove them before serving (trust me, biting into a toothpick ruins the magic). If you’re out of toothpicks, tucking the bacon ends tightly underneath works okay too.

Is this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your spice blends if you’re sensitive – some pre-mixed spices can contain sneaky fillers.

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