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 still remember the first time I made this dish for my family—the honey BBQ aroma filled our kitchen and everyone eagerly anticipated dinner. This meal has become a staple comfort food in our home.
Ingredients
- Bone-in skin-on chicken thighs: 8 pieces
- 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 cloves: 4 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 (for potatoes): 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper (for potatoes): 1/4 tsp
- Chopped fresh chives: 2 tbsp optional
Instructions
- Prep and Preheat:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Season the Chicken:
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Mix olive oil smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and black pepper. Rub mixture over chicken thighs.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Arrange chicken thighs skin side up on the baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Make Honey BBQ Sauce:
- Whisk together BBQ sauce honey apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard in a bowl.
- Glaze and Finish Chicken:
- After 25 minutes brush chicken thighs with the honey BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and the sauce is caramelized.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes:
- While chicken is baking place potatoes and garlic 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 and Finish Potatoes:
- Drain potatoes and garlic. Return to pot and add warm milk butter salt and black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped chives if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve honey BBQ chicken thighs hot alongside garlic mashed potatoes.
Save Cooking together brings our family closer and meals like this spark fond memories of laughter around the dinner table.
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—choose versions that fit dietary needs and always check product labels.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 520 Total Fat: 25 g Carbohydrates: 44 g Protein: 31 g
Save This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp salad and is perfect for weeknight family dinners. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Recipe Questions
- → What type of chicken is best for this dish?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal as they stay juicy during baking and develop a crispy skin under the honey BBQ glaze.
- → Can I use dairy-free alternatives for mashed potatoes?
Yes, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and olive oil to keep the mash creamy without dairy.
- → How can I make the BBQ sauce gluten-free?
Choose a gluten-free BBQ sauce brand or prepare your own to ensure the dish remains suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → What is the cooking time for perfectly baked chicken thighs?
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 40 minutes total, glazing with honey BBQ sauce after the first 25 minutes for a caramelized finish.
- → Can I add extra spice to the honey BBQ glaze?
Yes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the glaze mixture for a spicier kick.
- → How do I achieve creamy garlic mashed potatoes?
Boil Yukon Gold potatoes with garlic until tender, then mash with warm milk, butter, salt, black pepper, and optional fresh chives for extra flavor.