Pin it Succulent oven-baked chicken thighs glazed in a sticky honey BBQ sauce, served with creamy garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting and flavorful meal.
I first made these honey BBQ chicken thighs for a weeknight dinner and my family couldn&t stop raving about the sweet and smoky flavors. They loved how the mashed potatoes soaked up the rich sauce.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Onion powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- BBQ sauce: 1/2 cup (use gluten-free if needed)
- Honey: 3 tbsp
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tbsp
- Dijon mustard: 1 tsp
- Yukon Gold potatoes: 2 lbs (900g), peeled and cut into chunks
- Garlic: 4 cloves, peeled
- Whole milk: 1/2 cup, warmed (or use dairy-free alternative)
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (or substitute with olive oil for dairy-free)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Fresh chives: 2 tbsp chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Season the chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture over the chicken thighs.
- Bake the chicken:
- Arrange chicken thighs, skin side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Prepare the honey BBQ sauce:
- Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
- Glaze the chicken:
- After 25 minutes, brush chicken thighs generously with the honey BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and the sauce is caramelized.
- Boil potatoes and garlic:
- While the chicken is baking, place potatoes and garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover with cold salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-18 minutes.
- Mash the potatoes:
- Drain potatoes and garlic well. Return to the pot. Add warm milk, butter, salt, and black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped chives if using.
- Serve:
- Serve the honey BBQ chicken thighs hot, alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
Pin it This dish is one of our go-to Sunday dinners. Everyone gathers around the table, scooping extra potatoes and reaching for seconds of the sticky chicken thighs.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, mixing bowls, large pot, potato masher or ricer, brush for glazing, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (milk, butter) and mustard. BBQ sauce may contain gluten or soy. Always check labels and select gluten-free or soy-free versions as needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 520, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 44 g, Protein: 31 g
Pin it Serve your honey BBQ chicken thighs and garlic mashed potatoes with a fresh salad for a complete comfort meal. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Common Questions
- → Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks can be used but will require shorter cooking time to remain juicy.
- → How do I make gluten-free BBQ sauce?
Choose BBQ sauces labeled gluten-free or make your own with tomato paste, honey, vinegar, and gluten-free spices.
- → What’s the best way to mash potatoes for this dish?
Boil Yukon Gold potatoes until tender, then mash with warmed milk and butter for a creamy, smooth consistency.
- → Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
You can marinate and glaze the chicken in advance, then bake just before serving to preserve freshness.
- → How to add a smoky flavor after baking?
Grill the glazed chicken thighs briefly after baking to enhance smoky notes and caramelize the sauce further.