Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

Featured in: Comfort Baking

Enjoy tender, oven-baked chicken thighs coated in a sticky honey BBQ glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. This dish pairs perfectly with creamy garlic mashed potatoes made from Yukon Gold potatoes, enriched with warm milk and butter for smooth texture. A blend of smoked paprika and spices adds smoky depth, while fresh chives add a subtle herbaceous note. Easy to prepare and full of comforting flavors, this dish is perfect for an inviting main course any night of the week.

Updated on Thu, 13 Nov 2025 09:49:00 GMT
Juicy honey BBQ chicken thighs, glistening with sauce, alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes. Save
Juicy honey BBQ chicken thighs, glistening with sauce, alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes. | butterhearth.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 with garlic mashed potatoes, my family couldn&t believe how quickly everyone cleaned their plates. The sweet and smokey glaze pairs so well with the creamy potatoes and instantly became a request for gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: 8 bone-in, skin-on
  • 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 dairy-free alternative)
  • Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (or substitute 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 & Chicken:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Pat chicken thighs dry.
Season Chicken:
Mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub mixture on chicken thighs.
Bake Chicken:
Arrange thighs skin side up on prepared sheet. Bake 25 minutes.
Make Honey BBQ Sauce:
Whisk BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a bowl.
Glaze & Finish Chicken:
Brush thighs with honey BBQ sauce. Bake another 15 minutes, until cooked through and sauce caramelizes (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
Boil potatoes and garlic in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-18 minutes. Drain, return to pot, add warm milk, butter, salt, and black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy, stir in chives if using.
Serve:
Plate honey BBQ chicken thighs hot with creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
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| butterhearth.com

The aroma fills the whole kitchen and gets everyone excited for dinner. Sharing this meal turns any evening into a little celebration with laughter and full bellies.

Required Tools

Baking sheet, mixing bowls, large pot, potato masher or ricer, brush for glazing, knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains dairy and mustard. BBQ sauce may contain gluten or soy. Always check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories: 520, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 44 g, Protein: 31 g

Tender honey BBQ chicken thighs, beautifully browned, with savory sauce, served with perfect mashed potatoes. Save
Tender honey BBQ chicken thighs, beautifully browned, with savory sauce, served with perfect mashed potatoes. | butterhearth.com

Enjoy every bite of this cozy dinner. Leftovers are just as delicious the next day!

Recipe Questions

What type of chicken is best for this dish?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for juicy, tender results and to help the honey BBQ glaze caramelize nicely.

Can I use a gluten-free BBQ sauce?

Yes, opting for gluten-free BBQ sauce makes the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising flavor.

How do I make the garlic mashed potatoes creamier?

Use warm milk and butter while mashing for a smooth, creamy texture. Avoid over-mashing to keep the potatoes light.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Chicken thighs can be seasoned and glazed in advance, then baked just before serving. Mashed potatoes are best made fresh but can be reheated gently.

What variations can add more flavor to the chicken?

Grilling the chicken after glazing adds a smoky finish. Adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ glaze can introduce a spicy kick.

Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

Oven-baked chicken thighs glazed with honey BBQ sauce, served alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes.

Prep duration
20 min
Time to cook
40 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations None specified

Components

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 required)
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)

Directions

Stage 01

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

Stage 02

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

Stage 03

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

Stage 04

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

Stage 05

Glaze and Finish Baking Chicken: Brush chicken with honey BBQ sauce thoroughly. Return to oven and bake for 15 more minutes until cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and sauce is caramelized.

Stage 06

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

Stage 07

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

Stage 08

Serve: Plate honey BBQ chicken thighs alongside garlic mashed potatoes while hot for a comforting meal.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you're unsure about certain ingredients.
  • Contains dairy (milk, butter) and mustard.
  • BBQ sauce may contain gluten or soy; verify to use gluten-free or soy-free versions as needed.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 520
  • Fats: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Protein Content: 31 g