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.
This recipe is an easy main dish from American cuisine, yielding 4 servings. It contains meat and can be gluten-free if a gluten-free BBQ sauce is used.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs:
- 1 tbsp olive oil:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika:
- 1 tsp garlic powder:
- 1 tsp onion powder:
- 1/2 tsp salt:
- 1/2 tsp black pepper:
- For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce: (use gluten-free if needed)
- 3 tbsp honey:
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar:
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard:
- For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes: peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 cloves garlic: peeled
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed: (or use dairy-free alternative)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: (or substitute with olive oil for dairy-free)
- 1/2 tsp salt:
- 1/4 tsp black pepper:
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives: (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven & prep chicken:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. 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.
- Bake chicken:
- Arrange chicken thighs, skin side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Prepare BBQ sauce:
- Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
- Glaze & finish baking:
- 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.
- Cook potatoes:
- 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.
- Mash potatoes:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Serve the honey BBQ chicken thighs hot, alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
Pin 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—use gluten-free or soy-free versions if needed. Always check labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 520, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 44 g, Protein: 31 g.
Pin Recipe FAQ
- → How do I know when chicken thighs are cooked?
Chicken thighs are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
- → Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Yes, boneless thighs or drumsticks work well; reduce baking time as they cook faster than bone-in cuts.
- → Is there a dairy-free option for mashed potatoes?
Use olive oil and dairy-free milk to create creamy mashed potatoes without dairy ingredients.
- → How do I make the honey BBQ sauce spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ mixture for an extra spicy kick.
- → Which potatoes are best for mashing?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for a rich and creamy texture, while russets produce fluffier mashed potatoes.
- → Can I grill the chicken thighs instead of baking?
Grilling after glazing adds a smoky flavor; watch closely to prevent sauce from burning.