If you’re a fan of rich and savory dishes, you’re in for a treat with our Creamy Bacon Wrapped Baked Chicken Thighs recipe. This delicious combination of tender chicken thighs, crispy bacon, and a luscious creamy sauce is sure to become a favorite in your household. The origins of bacon-wrapped chicken dishes can be traced back to European cuisines, where wrapping meats in bacon not only added flavor but helped to keep the meat juicy and tender during cooking. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouth-watering Creamy Bacon Wrapped Baked Chicken Thighs:
- 6 bone-in chicken thighs (skin on)
- 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for extra creaminess
Optional Side Ingredients:
- Roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
Instructions
Follow these steps for perfect, flavorful Creamy Bacon Wrapped Baked Chicken Thighs every time:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures a slow, even cook, making the chicken tender while allowing the bacon to crisp up perfectly.
2. Prepare the Chicken Thighs
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the chicken and bacon crisp up during baking. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme and rosemary.
3. Wrap the Chicken in Bacon
Take a slice of bacon and carefully wrap it around each chicken thigh, ensuring the entire surface is covered. If needed, secure the bacon with toothpicks to hold it in place during baking.
4. Sear the Chicken
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon-wrapped chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for about 4-5 minutes, or until the bacon starts to crisp. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for an additional 3 minutes.
5. Make the Cream Sauce
In a separate saucepan, combine the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a dash of salt and pepper. Whisk continuously over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add additional herbs like thyme and rosemary to the sauce if desired.
6. Bake the Chicken
Once the chicken thighs are seared, pour the creamy sauce over the top, making sure it covers each piece of chicken evenly. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Optional: Add Cheese
If you’d like to add extra cheesiness, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the chicken during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. This will create a beautifully melty, golden top layer.
8. Let it Rest
Once baked, remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the creamy bacon-wrapped chicken thighs with your choice of sides, such as roasted potatoes or steamed green beans. Spoon extra sauce over the top for added richness.
Tips and Variations
Is it better to cover chicken thighs when baking?
If you prefer juicier chicken, covering the dish with aluminum foil during the first half of baking can help. However, if you want the bacon to remain crispy, bake uncovered.
Is it better to fry or bake chicken thighs?
Baking allows the chicken thighs to cook evenly and thoroughly without much hands-on effort. Searing the chicken before baking gives the skin and bacon a nice crispy texture, which is key for this recipe. Frying may result in uneven cooking and could cause the bacon to burn.
How to infuse flavor into chicken thighs?
Infuse more flavor into your chicken thighs by marinating them in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and lemon juice for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as smoked paprika, oregano, or cumin.
How does Gordon Ramsay cook chicken thighs?
Gordon Ramsay often suggests seasoning chicken thighs with bold spices and cooking them in a hot pan to achieve crispy skin. He also recommends using fresh herbs and butter to enhance the flavor, which aligns with the creaminess of this recipe.
Variations:
- Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Cheese: Add shredded cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar for an even richer dish.
- Bone-in Chicken Thighs Wrapped in Bacon: Keep the bone in for extra flavor and moisture during baking.
- Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Potatoes: Add diced potatoes to the baking dish, allowing them to cook in the creamy sauce, absorbing all the flavors of the chicken and bacon.
- Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Cream Cheese: For a twist, stuff the chicken thighs with cream cheese before wrapping them in bacon.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
Our Creamy Bacon Wrapped Baked Chicken Thighs recipe is perfect for anyone who loves rich, indulgent flavors. The combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy sauce makes this dish irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating your family to a special meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Be sure to try it out, and don’t forget to leave a comment below or share your experience on social media! If you enjoyed this recipe, check out our other delicious chicken recipes, like Pan Roasted Spanish Lemon Drumsticks With Potatoes or Thick Cut Fried Pork Steaks, available on easycrispyrecipes.com.