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 this dish for a Sunday family dinner, and everyone loved the rich flavors from the honey BBQ glaze and extra-garlicky mashed potatoes; it instantly became a requested favorite.
Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: 8 bone-in, skin-on pieces
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp for coating the chicken
- Smoked Paprika: 1 tsp for smoky depth
- Garlic Powder: 1 tsp for extra flavor
- Onion Powder: 1 tsp to enhance savoriness
- Salt: 1/2 tsp for seasoning
- Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp for mild heat
- BBQ Sauce: 1/2 cup (use gluten-free if needed)
- Honey: 3 tbsp for sweetness and stickiness
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tbsp for balance
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tsp for tang
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: 2 lbs (900g), peeled and chunked
- Garlic Cloves: 4, peeled
- Whole Milk: 1/2 cup, warmed (or use dairy-free alternative)
- Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (or olive oil for dairy-free)
- Salt (Mashed Potatoes): 1/2 tsp
- Black Pepper (Mashed Potatoes): 1/4 tsp
- Chopped Fresh Chives: 2 tbsp, optional
Instructions
- Prep Oven & Pan:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Season Chicken:
- Pat chicken thighs dry. Mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub onto chicken thighs.
- Bake Chicken:
- Place thighs skin side up on sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Make Honey BBQ Sauce:
- Whisk BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard together.
- Glaze & Finish Chicken:
- After 25 minutes, brush thighs with sauce. Bake another 15 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and sauce is caramelized.
- Boil Potatoes and Garlic:
- While chicken bakes, place potatoes and garlic in a pot. Cover with cold salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, 15-18 minutes.
- Mash & Mix:
- Drain potatoes and garlic. Return to pot. Add warm milk, butter, salt, and black pepper. Mash until creamy. Stir in chives if desired.
- Plate & Serve:
- Serve hot honey BBQ chicken thighs with creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
Pin it When everyone gathered around the table, the aroma of honey BBQ and garlic filled the house, and my kids couldn't resist scooping extra potatoes for themselves. It's become our go-to dinner for both weeknights and celebrations.
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. Use gluten-free BBQ sauce for a gluten-free meal and check for soy.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 520 calories, 25g fat, 44g carbohydrates, 31g protein
Pin it Enjoy these honey BBQ chicken thighs with garlic mashed potatoes as a satisfying dinner any night of the week. Simple steps and bold flavors make this recipe a family favorite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What is the best way to achieve crispy chicken skin?
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and bake skin-side up at a high temperature to help render fat and crisp the skin.
- → Can I make the honey BBQ glaze spicier?
Yes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze before applying it to the chicken.
- → What variety of potatoes works best for creamy mashed potatoes?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their buttery texture and natural creaminess when mashed.
- → How can I keep the mashed potatoes smooth and creamy?
Warm the milk and butter before mixing into the potatoes and mash while still hot to ensure a silky texture.
- → Is there a way to add a smoky flavor to the chicken?
Grilling the chicken after baking or using smoked paprika in the seasoning will enhance the smoky notes.