Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

Featured in: Sweet Heat Treats

This dish features juicy chicken thighs baked to perfection and laced with a sticky honey BBQ glaze. Complementing the chicken are smooth garlic mashed potatoes, made creamy with butter and milk. A blend of smoky paprika and aromatic spices enhances the chicken’s flavor, while fresh chives add brightness to the potatoes. The method involves baking the seasoned chicken before glazing and finishing it off until the sauce caramelizes beautifully.

Simple to prepare yet rich in taste, this comforting main combines sweet, smoky, and savory notes in every bite. The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes balances the sticky-sweet chicken, creating a well-rounded meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Updated on Thu, 13 Nov 2025 11:16:00 GMT
Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs with glistening sauce next to creamy garlic mashed potatoes, a comforting dinner. Save
Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs with glistening sauce next to creamy garlic mashed potatoes, a comforting dinner. | fireandbites.com

Succulent, oven-baked chicken thighs glazed in a sticky honey BBQ sauce, served with creamy garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting and flavorful meal.

This dish became a family favorite on chilly evenings. I always enjoy how the chicken turns perfectly caramelized in the oven, while the garlic mashed potatoes add a cozy touch to the meal. My kids request seconds every time!

Ingredients

  • Chicken Thighs: 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 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 (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
  • Milk: 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed (or dairy-free alternative)
  • Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (or olive oil for dairy-free)
  • Salt (Mashed Potatoes): 1/2 tsp
  • Black Pepper (Mashed Potatoes): 1/4 tsp
  • Fresh Chives: 2 tbsp chopped (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Oven:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Season the Chicken:
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub over chicken thighs.
Bake the Chicken:
Arrange chicken thighs, skin side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
Prepare BBQ Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
Glaze and Finish Chicken:
After 25 minutes, brush chicken with sauce. Return to oven and bake for 15 minutes more, until cooked through and sauce is caramelized.
Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
While chicken bakes, add potatoes and garlic to a pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to boil. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-18 minutes.
Finish Mashed Potatoes:
Drain potatoes and garlic, return to pot. Add milk, butter, salt, and black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in chives if using.
Serve:
Plate chicken thighs hot with garlic mashed potatoes on the side.
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When my family gathers on weekends, these honey-glazed chicken thighs and smooth potatoes always bring smiles around the table!

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. Check BBQ sauce label for gluten or soy; opt for allergy-friendly brands if needed.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 520 Protein: 31g Fat: 25g Carbohydrates: 44g per serving

Oven-baked honey BBQ Chicken Thighs with tender meat and a vibrant, flavorful sauce served alongside fluffy mashed potatoes. Save
Oven-baked honey BBQ Chicken Thighs with tender meat and a vibrant, flavorful sauce served alongside fluffy mashed potatoes. | fireandbites.com

This hearty main makes a satisfying dinner any night. Enjoy that sweet-savory sauce and the comforting potatoes together!

Common Questions

What type of chicken works best?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for juicy, flavorful meat that crisps well in the oven. You can substitute with drumsticks or boneless thighs if preferred.

Can I make the BBQ sauce gluten-free?

Yes, using a gluten-free BBQ sauce ensures the glaze remains safe for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising flavor.

How do I get creamy mashed potatoes?

Use Yukon Gold potatoes boiled until tender, then mash with warm milk and butter. Optional fresh chives add a mild onion aroma and color.

Is there a way to add smoky flavor?

Smoked paprika in the seasoning mix enhances smokiness, and grilling chicken briefly after baking adds an extra smoky finish.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Cook chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The skin should look caramelized and the juices run clear.

Can I substitute dairy in the mashed potatoes?

Yes, you can replace milk and butter with dairy-free alternatives like olive oil and plant-based milk for a creamy texture suitable for dairy-free diets.

Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

Tender chicken thighs glazed with honey BBQ and creamy garlic mashed potatoes make a comforting dinner.

Setup Duration
20 min
Time at Heat
40 min
Complete Duration
60 min
Created by Logan Hayes

Recipe Type Sweet Heat Treats

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Background American

Output 4 Portion Count

Special Diet Info No Gluten

What You'll Need

Chicken

01 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Honey BBQ Sauce

01 1/2 cup gluten-free BBQ sauce
02 3 tablespoons honey
03 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
04 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

01 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
02 4 cloves garlic, peeled
03 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed (or dairy-free alternative)
04 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free option)
05 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
07 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

Method Steps

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Set oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

Phase 02

Season Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry. Combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper; rub evenly over chicken.

Phase 03

Bake Chicken Initially: Place chicken thighs skin side up on prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.

Phase 04

Prepare BBQ Sauce: Whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a bowl.

Phase 05

Glaze Chicken and Continue Baking: Brush chicken with honey BBQ sauce and return to oven for 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and sauce caramelizes.

Phase 06

Cook Potatoes and Garlic: In a large pot, cover potatoes and garlic cloves with cold salted water. Boil until fork-tender, approximately 15-18 minutes.

Phase 07

Mash Potatoes: Drain potatoes and garlic. Return to pot, add warm milk, butter, salt, and pepper; mash until smooth. Stir in chives if desired.

Phase 08

Serve: Plate honey BBQ chicken thighs hot alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Large pot
  • Potato masher or ricer
  • Brush for glazing
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Details

Always review ingredients individually for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy and mustard; BBQ sauce may contain gluten or soy—use appropriate alternatives if necessary.

Dietary Information (Single Portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific dietary advice.
  • Energy Content: 520
  • Fats: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Proteins: 31 g