Save to Pinterest 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 chilly weekend and the delicious glaze paired perfectly with fluffy garlic mashed potatoes. It quickly became a family favorite, especially for gatherings or cozy dinners at home.
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
- 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 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
- Chives: 2 tbsp chopped fresh (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Season chicken:
- Pat chicken thighs dry. In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub mixture over chicken.
- Bake chicken:
- Arrange thighs, skin side up, on baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Make honey BBQ sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
- Glaze chicken:
- After 25 minutes, brush thighs with honey BBQ sauce. Bake 15 minutes more, until cooked through and sauce is caramelized.
- Make mashed potatoes:
- While chicken bakes, place potatoes and garlic in large pot. Cover with salted water, bring to boil, and cook until fork-tender, about 15-18 minutes.
- Drain and mash:
- Drain potatoes and garlic. Return to pot. Add warm milk, butter, salt, and black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in chives if using.
- Serve:
- Serve chicken thighs hot alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
Save to Pinterest When I served these chicken thighs at our Sunday meal, everyone dove in before I even finished setting the table. The kids always request extra sauce and the mashed potatoes never last long.
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 have gluten or soy; always check labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 520; Total Fat: 25 g; Carbohydrates: 44 g; Protein: 31 g.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this comforting main dish with your favorite sides and savor the sticky sweet flavor. The mashed potatoes make every bite even more irresistible.
Recipe FAQs
- → What temperature should the chicken be cooked to?
Chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- → Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks can be used but adjust baking time accordingly, usually reducing it for boneless cuts.
- → How can I make the garlic mashed potatoes creamier?
Use warm milk and plenty of butter or olive oil while mashing. For an extra smooth texture, consider using a potato ricer or masher.
- → Is it possible to prepare this meal gluten-free?
Absolutely, just ensure the BBQ sauce used is labeled gluten-free and check all other ingredients for gluten content.
- → Any tips for enhancing flavors?
Grilling the chicken briefly after glazing adds a smoky finish. Adding fresh herbs like chives to the potatoes brightens the dish.