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.
The first time I served this honey BBQ chicken with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, it became an instant hit at our family dinner. I love how the sauce caramelizes over juicy chicken while the potatoes remain rich and velvety next to it.
Ingredients
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: 8 pieces, for juicy texture and flavor
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp, helps rub spices onto chicken
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp, brings subtle smokiness
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp, enhances overall taste
- Onion powder: 1 tsp, adds depth
- Salt: 1/2 tsp, brings out flavors
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp, mild spice
- BBQ sauce: 1/2 cup, base of the glaze (choose gluten-free if needed)
- Honey: 3 tbsp, sticky sweetness
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tbsp, brightens sauce
- Dijon mustard: 1 tsp, slight tang
- Yukon Gold potatoes: 2 lbs (900g), peeled and cut into chunks
- Garlic cloves: 4, peeled, for potatoes
- 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
- Chopped fresh chives (optional): 2 tbsp, garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and bake chicken:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment. Pat chicken thighs dry. Mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper and rub this mixture over the chicken thighs. Arrange chicken skin side up on the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
- Mix honey BBQ glaze:
- In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
- Glaze and finish chicken:
- After 25 minutes, brush the chicken generously with honey BBQ sauce. Return to oven and bake for another 15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature) and sauce is caramelized.
- Boil potatoes and garlic:
- While chicken bakes, place potato chunks and garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover with cold, salted water, bring to boil and cook until potatoes are fork-tender, 15-18 minutes.
- Mash potatoes:
- Drain potatoes and garlic. Return to pot. Add warmed milk, butter, salt and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in chives if using.
- Serve:
- Plate the honey BBQ chicken thighs alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes. Enjoy hot.
Pin The kids love helping brush the sweet BBQ glaze on the chicken, making it a fun recipe we enjoy cooking together. Family dinner always feels extra cozy with these comforting sides.
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 so always check labels and select safe alternatives if needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 520, Total Fat 25 g, Carbohydrates 44 g, Protein 31 g
Pin This hearty, satisfying dish comes together easily any night of the week. The honey BBQ glaze will quickly become a family favorite!
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the best flavor and moisture, baking evenly under the honey BBQ glaze.
- → Can the BBQ sauce be made gluten-free?
Yes, using a gluten-free BBQ sauce ensures the dish remains gluten-free while maintaining the desired flavor profile.
- → How do I get creamy garlic mashed potatoes?
Boil Yukon Gold potatoes with garlic until tender, then mash with warm milk and butter for a smooth, rich texture.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Substitute butter with olive oil and use dairy-free milk alternatives to keep the mashed potatoes creamy without dairy.
- → Can I add extra flavor to the chicken after baking?
Grilling the chicken after glazing adds a smoky finish and caramelizes the honey BBQ sauce for deeper flavor.