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 this meal for my family on a chilly Sunday evening. The aroma of honey BBQ and garlic was so inviting that everyone gathered in the kitchen before dinner was even served.
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 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 and Chicken:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Pat the chicken thighs dry. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture over chicken thighs.
- Bake Chicken:
- Arrange chicken thighs, skin side up, on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Prepare Honey BBQ Sauce:
- While chicken bakes, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a bowl.
- Glaze Chicken:
- After 25 minutes, brush chicken thighs generously with honey BBQ sauce. Return to oven and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C) and sauce is caramelized.
- Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
- While chicken bakes, 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 Potatoes:
- 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 honey BBQ chicken thighs hot, alongside the creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
Save My kids love helping me brush the sauce on each chicken piece. It is a special moment when we all sit together to enjoy this cozy meal made with love.
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 include gluten or soy, so use gluten-free or soy-free versions as needed. Always check labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 520, Total Fat 25 g, Carbohydrates 44 g, Protein 31 g.
Save This hearty dinner is perfect for sharing; everyone will reach for seconds.
Cooking Questions
- → What is the best way to ensure tender chicken thighs?
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning and baking at a consistent temperature helps retain moisture and yields tender, juicy thighs.
- → Can I make the honey BBQ sauce spicier?
Yes, adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the honey BBQ glaze enhances its heat without overpowering the sweet flavors.
- → How do I get creamy consistency in mashed potatoes?
Using warm milk or a dairy-free alternative and mashing the potatoes while still hot ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
- → Can I prepare this meal gluten-free?
Absolutely; using gluten-free BBQ sauce ensures the dish remains free of gluten while maintaining full flavor.
- → Is there a way to add smoky flavor to the chicken?
Grilling the chicken after glazing or using smoked paprika in the seasoning blend adds a pleasant smoky depth.