Save 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 on a cool evening when we wanted something both hearty and easy. The potatoes come together while the chicken bakes, so dinner is ready in just about an hour with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: 8 bone-in, skin-on
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Onion powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp, plus more for potatoes
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp, plus more for potatoes
- BBQ sauce: 1/2 cup (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 olive oil for dairy-free)
- Chopped fresh chives: 2 tbsp (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. 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. Arrange chicken thighs, skin side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Make the sauce:
- While the chicken bakes, in a bowl whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
- Glaze and finish the chicken:
- After 25 minutes of baking, 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.
- Cook mashed potatoes:
- 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. Drain potatoes and garlic well, then return to the pot.
- Mash and season potatoes:
- Add warm milk, butter, salt, and black pepper to the potatoes and garlic. Mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped chives if using.
- Serve:
- Serve the honey BBQ chicken thighs hot, alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
Save My family loves gathering around the table for a big platter of this sticky chicken and creamy potatoes—it always brings smiles and requests for seconds.
Serving Suggestions
Add steamed green beans or a fresh slaw for a well-rounded plate. This meal also pairs nicely with cornbread or a crisp garden salad.
Allergen & Nutritional Information
This dish contains dairy and mustard. Substitute ingredients where needed for dietary preferences. Per serving: 520 calories, 25g fat, 44g carbs, 31g protein.
Variations
Try this recipe with drumsticks or boneless chicken to suit your taste—just adjust the cook time. For a spicier kick, add cayenne or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ glaze.
Save With tender chicken and velvety potatoes, this dinner will warm both heart and stomach. It's sure to become a family favorite you'll reach for again and again.
Recipe Guide
- → What temperature should I bake the chicken thighs?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for optimal roasting of the chicken thighs, ensuring a crispy skin and juicy interior.
- → Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken can be substituted but may require a shorter cooking time. Adjust accordingly to prevent overcooking.
- → How do I make the garlic mashed potatoes creamy?
Use warm milk and butter when mashing the potatoes for a smooth, creamy texture. Ensure potatoes are well cooked and drained before mashing.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and verify all ingredients to maintain a gluten-free meal.
- → Can I add extra heat to the BBQ sauce?
Yes, incorporate cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the honey BBQ glaze to achieve a spicier profile according to your taste.
- → What side dishes pair well with this meal?
Steamed green beans, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad complement the flavors and provide a balanced plate.