Lemon-Dill Chicken Thighs with Bacon

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

Juicy chicken thighs baked with smoky bacon and bright citrus, ideal for a satisfying keto dinner. This american-inspired keto ready in about 35 minutes pairs ounces chicken thighs, bacon, tablespoon olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat 12 ounces chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  2. Step 2: In an oven-safe skillet, cook 4 slices chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes; remove bacon, leaving 1 tablespoon bacon fat in pan.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet, then place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5 minutes until golden.
  4. Step 4: Flip chicken, add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons chopped dill; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Squeeze juice of 1 lemon over chicken and add 1/4 cup water.
  6. Step 6: Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
  7. Step 7: Remove chicken, top with reserved bacon, and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Dill Chicken Thighs with Bacon take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken Thighs with Bacon?

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 ounces chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Chicken Thighs with Bacon?

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 Lemon-Dill Chicken Thighs with Bacon 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.

What goes well with Lemon-Dill Chicken Thighs with Bacon?

American keto like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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