Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

Featured in: Comfort Food Cravings

Experience tender, oven-baked chicken thighs coated in a sticky honey BBQ glaze that caramelizes to perfection. Served alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes made with Yukon Golds, butter, and fresh chives, this meal offers a comforting balance of smoky and sweet flavors. The chicken is seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder, enhancing its depth, while the potatoes provide a smooth, rich texture. Ideal for an easy, flavorful dinner for four.

Updated on Thu, 13 Nov 2025 08:21:00 GMT
Golden-brown Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs glistening beside a fluffy pile of garlic mashed potatoes. Save
Golden-brown Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs glistening beside a fluffy pile of garlic mashed potatoes. | toastytongs.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 kitchen was filled with the irresistible aroma of sweet barbecue and buttery garlic. It quickly became a go-to meal on busy evenings because my whole family loves the warmth and flavor.

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 (peeled and cut into chunks)
  • Garlic Cloves: 4 (peeled)
  • Milk: 1/2 cup whole (warmed or dairy-free alternative)
  • Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (or olive oil for dairy-free)
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Chopped Fresh Chives: 2 tbsp (optional)

Instructions

Prepare Chicken:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry. In a bowl, mix olive oil smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and black pepper. Rub over the chicken thighs.
Bake Chicken:
Arrange chicken thighs skin side up on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
Mix Sauce:
In a bowl whisk BBQ sauce honey apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard.
Glaze & Finish Baking:
After 25 minutes brush chicken thighs with honey BBQ sauce and bake 15 minutes more until cooked through and caramelized.
Cook Potatoes:
While chicken bakes place potatoes and garlic cloves in a pot. Cover with salted water bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender about 15-18 minutes.
Mash Potatoes:
Drain potatoes and garlic. Return to pot. Add warm milk butter salt and black pepper. Mash until creamy. Stir in chives if using.
Serve:
Plate honey BBQ chicken thighs hot alongside garlic mashed potatoes.
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Gathered around our dinner table my kids asked for seconds and even helped mash the potatoes. This dish is now a favorite for Sunday dinners when we want something homey but special.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains dairy and mustard. BBQ sauce may contain gluten or soy. Always choose appropriate options and check ingredient labels carefully.

Nutritional Information

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

Tender Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs boast sticky, caramelized sauce, served near creamy, perfectly mashed potatoes. Save
Tender Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs boast sticky, caramelized sauce, served near creamy, perfectly mashed potatoes. | toastytongs.com

This meal is perfect for cozy nights or sharing with guests. Enjoy every bite of the sweet-savory chicken and creamy potatoes together!

Recipe FAQ

What temperature should the chicken be baked at?

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the chicken thighs cook evenly and develop a crispy skin.

How is the honey BBQ sauce made?

The sauce blends BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy glaze.

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.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is caramelized.

What is a good side to serve with this dish?

Steamed green beans or coleslaw complement the smoky, sweet flavors of the chicken and creamy potatoes well.

Can I grill the chicken after baking?

Yes, grilling after glazing adds a smoky finish and caramelizes the sauce further for enhanced flavor.

Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

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

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
40 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created By Daniel Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations None specified

Components

Chicken

01 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
02 1 tbsp olive oil
03 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 1 tsp garlic powder
05 1 tsp onion powder
06 1/2 tsp salt
07 1/2 tsp black pepper

Honey BBQ Sauce

01 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
02 3 tbsp honey
03 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
04 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

01 2 lbs 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)
05 1/2 tsp salt
06 1/4 tsp black pepper
07 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (optional)

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Prepare chicken seasoning: Pat chicken thighs dry. Combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Rub mixture over chicken thighs.

Phase 03

Bake chicken initially: Arrange chicken thighs skin side up on the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.

Phase 04

Mix BBQ glaze: Whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a bowl.

Phase 05

Glaze and finish baking chicken: Brush chicken thighs with honey BBQ sauce and bake an additional 15 minutes 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, about 15-18 minutes.

Phase 07

Mash potatoes: Drain potatoes and garlic thoroughly. Return to pot and add warm milk, butter, salt, and black pepper. Mash until creamy. Fold in chopped chives if desired.

Phase 08

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (milk, butter) and mustard.
  • BBQ sauce may contain gluten or soy; verify ingredients or use alternatives.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 520
  • Fats: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Proteins: 31 g