Pin 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 served this dish to my family and it quickly became a favorite for its perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors paired with creamy mashed potatoes.
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 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: 1/2 tsp
- Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Chopped Fresh Chives: 2 tbsp (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Step 2:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture over the chicken thighs.
- Step 3:
- Arrange chicken thighs, skin side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
- Step 5:
- After 25 minutes, brush chicken thighs generously with the honey BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and the sauce is caramelized.
- Step 6:
- While the chicken is baking, place potatoes and garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover with cold, salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-18 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Drain potatoes and garlic well. Return to the pot. Add warm milk, butter, salt, and black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped chives if using.
- Step 8:
- Serve the honey BBQ chicken thighs hot, alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
Pin This recipe always brings everyone to the table, creating unforgettable family moments and hearty conversations.
Tips for Best Results
For extra flavor, grill the chicken thighs after glazing for a smoky finish. Adjust cooking times if substituting chicken thighs with drumsticks or boneless chicken pieces.
Serving Suggestions
Add a side of steamed green beans or coleslaw for a complete meal that balances the sweet and savory flavors.
Allergen Information
This dish contains dairy and mustard. Use gluten-free or soy-free BBQ sauce if necessary, and always check labels for hidden allergens.
Pin This honey BBQ chicken recipe is a must-try for a delicious and comforting dinner any night of the week.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I get crispy skin on chicken thighs?
Pat the chicken skin dry before seasoning and baking. Roast skin-side up at a high temperature to crisp the skin while keeping meat juicy.
- → Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Yes, boneless chicken works. Reduce cooking time accordingly to prevent drying out the meat.
- → What’s the best way to make mashed potatoes creamy?
Use warm milk and butter, then mash potatoes thoroughly until smooth. Fresh garlic added during boiling infuses flavor.
- → How to make a gluten-free honey BBQ sauce?
Choose a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce or prepare your own using gluten-free ingredients like honey, vinegar, and spices.
- → Can this meal be prepared dairy-free?
Replace butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free milk alternative for the mashed potatoes to keep it dairy-free.
- → Why brush the chicken with sauce mid-cooking?
Brushing halfway through baking allows the glaze to caramelize without burning, creating a sticky, flavorful coating.