Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

Featured in: Everyday Comforts

Oven-baked chicken thighs are seasoned and coated with a sticky honey BBQ glaze, then baked to caramelized perfection. Alongside, creamy garlic mashed potatoes offer a rich and velvety complement. This dish balances smoky, sweet, and savory notes, creating a comforting and hearty meal ideal for family dinners. Simple preparation involving seasoning, baking, and mashing ensures delicious results with minimal effort, making it a versatile American-inspired main course.

Updated on Thu, 13 Nov 2025 11:46:00 GMT
Juicy honey BBQ chicken thighs glistening, served with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, a flavorful plate. Save
Juicy honey BBQ chicken thighs glistening, served with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, a flavorful plate. | butterhollow.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.

The first time I made these honey BBQ chicken thighs and garlic mashed potatoes, everyone kept coming back for seconds. The kitchen smelled incredible and it was a meal that brought everyone to the table with big appetites.

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 (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: 4 cloves, peeled
  • Whole milk: 1/2 cup, warmed (or 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
  • Fresh chives: 2 tbsp chopped (optional)

Instructions

Prep Oven & Pan:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Season Chicken:
Pat chicken thighs dry. Combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub evenly over chicken.
Bake Chicken:
Arrange chicken, skin side up, on baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
Make BBQ Sauce:
Whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
Glaze & Finish Chicken:
After 25 minutes, brush thighs with sauce. Bake another 15 minutes until cooked through and sauce is caramelized.
Prepare Potatoes:
While chicken bakes, boil potatoes and garlic in salted water until tender, 15-18 minutes.
Mash & Season:
Drain well, add milk, butter, salt, and black pepper. Mash until creamy. Stir in chives if desired.
Serve:
Plate hot honey BBQ chicken thighs alongside garlic mashed potatoes.
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| butterhollow.com

This recipe has become a staple for Sunday dinners and gatherings, and my family always requests it when they want a comforting homemade feast.

Required Tools

Baking sheet, mixing bowls, large pot, potato masher or ricer, brush for glazing, knife and cutting board are all you need to bring this dinner together.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy and mustard. BBQ sauce may contain gluten or soy. Check ingredient labels for dietary restrictions.

Nutritional Information

Each serving is approximately 520 calories, with 25g fat, 44g carbohydrates, and 31g protein.

Oven-baked honey BBQ chicken thighs, the skin crispy, paired with fluffy mashed potatoes; a comforting supper. Save
Oven-baked honey BBQ chicken thighs, the skin crispy, paired with fluffy mashed potatoes; a comforting supper. | butterhollow.com

This dish delivers a warm, satisfying taste with every bite. Enjoy your honey BBQ chicken thighs and mashed potatoes whenever you want joyful comfort food.

Kitchen Tips & Answers

How do I achieve tender chicken thighs?

Ensure the chicken thighs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and let them rest briefly after baking to retain juices and tenderness.

Can I use boneless chicken instead?

Yes, boneless thighs or drumsticks can be used; just adjust the cooking time to prevent drying out.

What makes the mashed potatoes creamy?

Adding warm milk and unsalted butter when mashing potatoes creates a rich, creamy texture with a smooth consistency.

How to get a sticky glaze on the chicken?

Brushing the honey BBQ sauce onto the chicken halfway through baking allows the sugars to caramelize and form a glossy, sticky finish.

What are good side options to pair with this dish?

Steamed green beans, fresh coleslaw, or roasted vegetables complement the flavors and round out the meal well.

Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

Tender chicken thighs glazed with honey BBQ sauce served alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes.

Prep duration
20 min
Heat duration
40 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Eating preferences 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 garlic cloves, peeled
03 1/2 cup warm whole milk
04 1/4 cup unsalted butter
05 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
07 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Phase 02

Season Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub seasoning mixture evenly over chicken.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Glaze and Finish Baking Chicken: Brush the chicken thighs generously with the honey BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and sauce is caramelized.

Phase 06

Cook Potatoes and Garlic: Place potatoes and garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover with cold salted water, bring to a boil, and cook until tender, approximately 15 to 18 minutes.

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

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

Kitchen tools needed

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

Allergy details

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

Nutrient breakdown per portion

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