Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter

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

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Juicy chicken thighs wrapped in crispy bacon, baked and finished with a garlic butter glaze for a decadent keto dinner. This American-inspired keto recipe (gluten free), ready in about 50 minutes, pairs bone-in chicken thighs, bacon slices, cream cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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: 35 min Serves 6 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 4 oz softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; mix until uniform.
  3. Step 3: Season 6 bone-in chicken thighs evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Spread about 1 tbsp of the cheese mixture on top of each chicken thigh.
  5. Step 5: Wrap each chicken thigh tightly with 1 slice of bacon, securing with toothpicks if necessary, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 30 minutes until the bacon is crispy and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  7. Step 7: While chicken bakes, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  8. Step 8: Remove chicken from oven and brush each piece generously with the garlic butter; serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter?

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 Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter 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 Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, gluten free, 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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