Pin this Succulent oven-baked chicken thighs are glazed in a sticky honey BBQ sauce and served with creamy garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting and flavorful meal that brings together savory and sweet in perfect harmony.
I first made these honey BBQ chicken thighs for a cozy weekend dinner and the aroma filled the kitchen as they baked. The mashed potatoes, creamy and garlicky, were the ideal comforting side and disappeared fast at the table.
Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp for coating chicken
- Smoked Paprika: 1 tsp for depth of flavor
- Garlic Powder: 1 tsp to infuse savory notes
- Onion Powder: 1 tsp for subtle sweetness
- Salt: 1/2 tsp for seasoning chicken and potatoes
- Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp for chicken, 1/4 tsp for potatoes
- BBQ Sauce: 1/2 cup (choose gluten-free if needed)
- Honey: 3 tbsp for a sticky glaze
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tbsp for tanginess
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tsp for depth
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: 2 lbs (900g), peeled and chunked
- Garlic Cloves: 4, peeled for the potatoes
- Whole Milk: 1/2 cup, warmed (or use dairy-free alternative)
- Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (or olive oil for dairy-free)
- Fresh Chives: 2 tbsp, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep and Season Chicken:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet. Pat chicken thighs dry and rub with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Bake Chicken:
- Arrange thighs skin side up on the sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Make Honey BBQ Sauce:
- Mix BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a bowl.
- Glaze and Finish Chicken:
- Brush thighs with sauce and bake another 15 minutes until caramelized and cooked through (165°F/74°C).
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil potatoes and garlic in salted water until tender (15-18 min). Drain, return to pot, add milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until creamy. Stir in chives if using.
- Serve:
- Plate hot honey BBQ chicken with creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
Pin this When my family comes together for a special meal, this combo always gets everyone excited and brings out big smiles, especially as the honey glaze bubbles in the oven. Sharing it fresh and hot, with a big scoop of mashed potatoes, truly feels like a warm embrace.
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; always check labels for safe options.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 520 Calories, 25 g Total Fat, 44 g Carbohydrates, 31 g Protein.
Pin this Let leftovers cool before storing, and enjoy reheated for lunch the next day. Try adding green beans or coleslaw for a more colorful plate.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the chicken thighs stay juicy?
Pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning and avoid overbaking. Baking skin side up helps retain moisture under the crispy skin.
- → Can I prepare the honey BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Yes, mixing the honey BBQ glaze a day in advance allows flavors to meld, enhancing the glaze's depth when baked onto the chicken.
- → What potatoes work best for creamy mashed potatoes?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their buttery texture and natural creaminess, which blend smoothly with butter and milk.
- → How can I make the mashed potatoes dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free milk alternative warmed before mashing.
- → Is it possible to add a smoky flavor to the chicken?
Grilling the chicken thighs after baking or adding smoked paprika to the seasoning mix enhances a subtle smoky note.