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 tried making honey BBQ chicken thighs and garlic mashed potatoes on a busy weeknight looking for something tasty but not complicated. The honey-tangy glaze and rich potatoes made it a hit with my family and I've been making it ever since!
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: 8 bone-in, skin-on pieces
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp for coating
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp for flavor
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp for seasoning
- Onion powder: 1 tsp for depth
- Salt: 1/2 tsp for taste
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp for seasoning
- BBQ sauce: 1/2 cup, use gluten-free if needed
- Honey: 3 tbsp for sweetness
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tbsp for tang
- Dijon mustard: 1 tsp for sharpness
- Yukon Gold potatoes: 2 lbs (900g), peeled and chunked
- Garlic cloves: 4, peeled
- Whole milk: 1/2 cup, warmed or swap for dairy-free
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup, or olive oil for dairy-free
- Salt for potatoes: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper for potatoes: 1/4 tsp
- Fresh chives: 2 tbsp, chopped (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:
- Arrange chicken skin side up on the baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Make BBQ Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard together.
- Glaze & Finish Chicken:
- Brush baked chicken thighs with honey BBQ sauce. Bake again for 15 minutes until cooked through (165°F/74°C) and sauce is sticky.
- Boil Potatoes & Garlic:
- Put potatoes and garlic in a pot. Cover with cold, salted water, boil until fork-tender (15-18 minutes).
- Mash Potatoes:
- Drain well, return to pot. Add warm milk, butter, salt, black pepper. Mash until creamy. Stir in chives if desired.
- Serve:
- Dish out honey BBQ chicken thighs hot with garlic mashed potatoes.
Save One Sunday, the kids helped mash the potatoes and everyone fought for the last sticky chicken thigh. It's a meal we all look forward to, especially on chilly evenings together.
Required Tools
You'll need a baking sheet, mixing bowls for sauces, a large pot for boiling, a potato masher or ricer for creamy texture, a brush for glazing, plus knife and cutting board.
Allergen Information
This dish contains dairy (milk, butter) and mustard. BBQ sauce may have gluten or soy, so always check labels for allergens and choose versions that fit your diet.
Nutritional Information
Each serving delivers about 520 calories, 25g total fat, 44g carbohydrates, and 31g protein.
Save Pair this meal with green beans or coleslaw for even more comfort. The sticky honey glaze and smooth mashed potatoes make every bite special.
Common Questions
- → What is the best way to bake chicken thighs for juicy results?
Pat the chicken dry, season well, and bake skin-side up at 400°F for around 40 minutes, brushing with sauce halfway to keep moist and flavorful.
- → How can I make the mashed potatoes creamy and smooth?
Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture, boil until tender, then mash with warm milk and butter, stirring gently for a silky finish.
- → Can the BBQ sauce be made gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free BBQ sauce options or homemade sauces free from wheat ingredients ensures the dish remains gluten-free.
- → Is there a way to add smoky flavor without a grill?
Incorporating smoked paprika and finishing the chicken in a hot oven helps replicate that smoky essence effectively.
- → What sides complement the chicken and mashed potatoes well?
Steamed green beans, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables balance the richness and add fresh, vibrant textures to the meal.