Sage-Infused Chicken Thighs with Crispy Bacon

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

Juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked with smoky bacon and earthy sage, finished with a rich pan sauce that clings to every bite. This american-inspired keto (low-carb) ready in about 33 minutes pairs chicken thighs, smoked bacon, finely chopped fresh sage leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 2, 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: 18 min Serves 2 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and cook for 4 minutes until crisp, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add chicken thighs skin-side down to the skillet and cook for 8 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Add minced shallot and 1/4 cup chopped sage to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 2 tbsp heavy cream, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Return bacon to the skillet, toss to coat, and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sage-Infused Chicken Thighs with Crispy Bacon take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 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 Sage-Infused Chicken Thighs with Crispy 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sage-Infused Chicken Thighs with Crispy 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 Sage-Infused Chicken Thighs with Crispy Bacon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Sage-Infused Chicken Thighs with Crispy Bacon 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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