Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Creamed Spinach

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

Juicy chicken thighs wrapped in crispy bacon paired with rich, garlicky creamed spinach for a keto comfort meal. This american-inspired keto (low carb, high protein) ready in about 40 minutes pairs strips bacon strips, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 6 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Season 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs) evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Wrap each thigh tightly with one strip of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place bacon-wrapped chicken thighs seam side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until bacon is crisp and browned. Flip and sear other side for 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and bacon is fully crisp.
  4. Step 4: While chicken bakes, heat a large pan over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté in 1 tbsp olive oil for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 10 oz fresh spinach leaves and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 3 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, then stir in 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup heavy cream, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until creamy and heated through, seasoning with salt to taste.
  6. Step 6: Plate bacon-wrapped chicken thighs alongside a generous scoop of creamed spinach and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Creamed Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Creamed Spinach?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep strips bacon strips from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Creamed Spinach?

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 Creamed Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Creamed Spinach low carb?

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

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