Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

Featured in: Comfort Food Favorites

This dish features tender, oven-baked chicken thighs coated in a sticky honey BBQ glaze, delivering a sweet and smoky taste. The chicken pairs perfectly with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, which are made by mashing Yukon Gold potatoes with butter, warm milk, and fresh garlic for smooth richness. Simple spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder enhance the chicken’s flavor, while optional chives add a fresh touch to the potatoes. A comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 16:56:00 GMT
Succulent honey BBQ chicken thighs paired with creamy garlic mashed potatoes on a plate.  Pin
Succulent honey BBQ chicken thighs paired with creamy garlic mashed potatoes on a plate. | quickcrav.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 recipe combines bold flavors and comforting textures that I love to make for family dinners.

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 Cloves: 4, peeled
  • Whole Milk: 1/2 cup, warmed (or use dairy-free alternative)
  • Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (or substitute with olive oil for dairy-free)
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Chopped Fresh Chives: 2 tbsp (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Step 2:
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.
Step 3:
Arrange chicken thighs, skin side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
Step 4:
Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
Step 5:
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.
Step 6:
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.
Step 7:
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.
Step 8:
Serve the honey BBQ chicken thighs hot, alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
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| quickcrav.com

My family always looks forward to this meal especially on weekends when we gather to relax and share stories.

Notes

Add a side of steamed green beans or coleslaw for a complete meal.

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

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

Golden-brown chicken thighs glazed with honey BBQ sauce, served with fluffy garlic mashed potatoes.  Pin
Golden-brown chicken thighs glazed with honey BBQ sauce, served with fluffy garlic mashed potatoes. | quickcrav.com

This comforting dish is perfect for any occasion and sure to please your loved ones.

Recipe Q&A

How do I keep the chicken thighs juicy?

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning and baking skin-side up helps retain moisture, while the honey BBQ glaze adds flavor and locks in juices during cooking.

Can I make the mashed potatoes dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free milk alternative to keep the mashed potatoes creamy without dairy.

Is grilling recommended after baking the chicken?

Grilling the chicken after glazing can add a smoky finish and caramelize the sauce further, enhancing depth of flavor.

How do I ensure the BBQ sauce is gluten-free?

Use a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce or check the label carefully to avoid hidden gluten ingredients in the sauce.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Drumsticks or boneless chicken can be used as alternatives, but adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.

Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

Juicy chicken thighs glazed in honey BBQ sauce, served with smooth garlic mashed potatoes for rich flavor.

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR)

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Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers

Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers BPA Free Airtight Lids Set of 5 (3.2 Cup)

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Preparation time
20 min
Cooking time
40 min
Total time
60 min


Difficulty Easy

Origin American

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary specifications None specified

Ingredients

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 BBQ sauce (gluten-free if necessary)
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 whole milk, warmed (or dairy-free alternative)
04 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or olive oil as substitute)
05 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
07 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

Glaze and Continue Baking: Brush chicken thighs generously with honey BBQ sauce. Return to oven and bake 15 minutes more until cooked through and sauce caramelizes.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Mash Potatoes: Drain potatoes and garlic. Return to pot. Add warmed milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Fold in chives if desired.

Step 08

Serve: Plate honey BBQ chicken thighs alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes and serve immediately.

Required equipment

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

Allergen information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens and seek advice from a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (milk, butter) and mustard.
  • BBQ sauce may contain gluten or soy; select gluten-free or soy-free products as needed.

Nutritional values (per serving)

These details are offered as a general guide only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 520
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Carbs: 44 g
  • Protein: 31 g