These Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs are a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed option for anyone following a keto or paleo diet. Juicy chicken thighs are seasoned with bold spices, wrapped in crispy bacon, and baked to perfection in under 30 minutes. It’s the ideal meal for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. High in protein and low in carbs, this dish pleases both your taste buds and your healthy lifestyle. You won’t believe how something this good can be so simple!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and the bacon to crisp up.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken thighs.
- Wrap each chicken thigh with two slices of bacon. Start at one end and spiral the bacon around the thigh to fully cover it. Tuck the ends of the bacon underneath to secure them.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken thighs seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over the top of each one.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 520
Protein (g): 45
Fat (g): 36
Carbohydrates (g): 2
Fiber (g): 0
Sugar (g): 0
Sodium (mg): 1120
Storage Instructions
Leftover bacon-wrapped chicken thighs should be allowed to cool to room temperature before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
To maintain the best texture and flavor, reheat the chicken thighs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or until heated through and the bacon becomes crispy again. If reheating from frozen, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight first. For a quicker option, you can use the microwave, but note that the bacon may lose its crispiness—cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Ingredient Modifications & Enhancements
To boost fiber and micronutrient content while keeping within a paleo approach, consider stuffing the chicken thighs with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or chopped bell peppers before wrapping in bacon. Adding a small amount of nutritional yeast can enhance the umami flavor and add B vitamins. For extra protein, serve alongside a soft-boiled egg or a scoop of mashed cauliflower with added collagen peptides. All these additions stay true to paleo principles while increasing the overall nutritional profile of the dish.
