Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Cream Cheese Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs wrapped in crispy bacon and smothered in a rich, tangy cream cheese sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that keeps you in ketosis. This keto (low carb) ready in about 40 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken thighs, bacon, butter into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and 1/2 tsp thyme.
  2. Step 2: Chop bacon into 1-inch pieces and wrap each chicken thigh tightly, securing with toothpicks if needed. Place in a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and bacon is crisp.
  3. Step 3: While chicken bakes, melt 2 tbsp butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup softened cream cheese, and remaining 1/2 tsp thyme until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from oven, drizzle with sauce, and top with 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Cream Cheese Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Cream Cheese Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Cream Cheese Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Cream Cheese Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Cream Cheese Sauce low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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