Keto Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs
Juicy boneless chicken thighs wrapped in crisp bacon, brushed with garlic-paprika oil and roasted until golden. At just 1g net carb and 610 calories per serving, this protein-packed dinner comes together in 45 minutes with almost no cleanup.
Head of Nutrition · June 18, 2026
Nutrition per serving
Per serving · makes 4. Values are estimates; brands vary.
These bacon wrapped chicken thighs are the ultimate low-effort keto dinner: smoky, garlicky, and crisp on the outside while staying tender inside. Two ingredients do the heavy lifting, and the oven handles the rest.
Ingredients
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs total)
- 8 slices thin-cut bacon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and set a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, thyme, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper into a paste. Pat the chicken thighs dry and coat them all over with the seasoning paste.
- 3
Roll each thigh into a compact bundle, then wrap a slice of bacon snugly around it, tucking the ends underneath. Place seam-side down on the wire rack, spacing them apart.
- 4
Roast for 25 minutes, then increase the oven to 425°F (or switch to broil for the last 3 minutes) and cook 5 more minutes until the bacon is crisp and the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- 5
Rest 5 minutes, scatter with fresh parsley, and serve.
Tips & notes
- Use thin-cut bacon so it crisps in the same time the chicken cooks through; thick-cut bacon stays floppy and needs a longer broil.
- For extra crunch, finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely so the bacon doesn't scorch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer to re-crisp the bacon, rather than the microwave.
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Frequently asked questions
- How many carbs are in keto bacon wrapped chicken thighs?
- Each serving has just 1g net carb (1.4g total carbs minus 0.4g fiber), along with 610 calories, 42g protein, and 47.5g fat. This recipe makes 4 servings of 2 thighs each.
- Can I make bacon wrapped chicken thighs in an air fryer?
- Yes. Air fry at 380°F for about 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crisp and the chicken reaches 165°F internally. Work in batches so the thighs aren't crowded, which helps the bacon render and crisp.
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
- You can, but breasts are leaner and dry out faster. Use thin breasts or pound them to even thickness, reduce the cook time by a few minutes, and pull them at 160°F. Thighs stay juicier and pair better with the bacon's richness.
