Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs Delight

Featured in: Simple Weeknight Dinners

Tender chicken thighs are seasoned and baked until golden, then brushed with a sticky honey BBQ glaze for rich flavor. Served with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, this comforting dish balances smoky, sweet, and savory notes. Easy to prepare and perfect for a wholesome dinner, the mashed potatoes offer a smooth, buttery complement enriched with fresh garlic and chives. Ideal for those seeking a satisfying, flavorful meal with a touch of smoky sweetness.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 12:48:00 GMT
Golden, glazed honey BBQ chicken thighs, contrasted beautifully with fluffy, garlic mashed potatoes. Save
Golden, glazed honey BBQ chicken thighs, contrasted beautifully with fluffy, garlic mashed potatoes. | dunebasil.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.

I first made this for a Sunday family dinner and everyone loved the crispy glazed chicken paired with comforting mashed potatoes. It's one of those foolproof meals I return to when I need something simple yet impressive.

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 (peeled cut into chunks)
  • Garlic cloves: 4 peeled
  • Whole milk: 1/2 cup warmed or 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

Prepare for baking:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Season chicken:
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Mix olive oil smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub mixture over chicken thighs.
Start baking:
Arrange chicken thighs skin side up on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
Mix sauce:
Whisk BBQ sauce honey apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard together in a bowl.
Glaze chicken:
After 25 minutes brush chicken thighs with honey BBQ sauce. Return to oven and bake 15 more minutes or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and sauce caramelized.
Make mashed potatoes:
While chicken bakes place potatoes and garlic in a large pot cover with cold salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are fork-tender about 15-18 minutes.
Mash and finish:
Drain potatoes and garlic well and return to pot. Add warm milk butter salt black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in chives if using.
Serve:
Plate chicken thighs hot alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
A close-up view of flavorful honey BBQ chicken thighs, glistening served with creamy garlic mashed potatoes. Save
A close-up view of flavorful honey BBQ chicken thighs, glistening served with creamy garlic mashed potatoes. | dunebasil.com

These chicken thighs were a favorite at our last picnic. The mashed potatoes disappeared fast thanks to their rich creamy texture making memories around the table.

Required Tools

Baking sheet mixing bowls large pot potato masher brush for glazing knife and cutting board are needed for this recipe.

Allergen Information

This dish contains dairy (milk butter) and mustard. BBQ sauce may have gluten or soy – choose suitable versions and check all labels before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 520 Total Fat: 25 g Carbohydrates: 44 g Protein: 31 g

Tender, juicy honey BBQ chicken thighs with a sweet glaze, presented with comforting garlic mashed potatoes. Save
Tender, juicy honey BBQ chicken thighs with a sweet glaze, presented with comforting garlic mashed potatoes. | dunebasil.com

Enjoy this comforting dish for a cozy dinner. The flavors are sure to bring everyone back for seconds.

Recipe FAQs

What is the best cooking temperature for chicken thighs?

Baking chicken thighs at 400°F ensures a crispy skin and juicy interior. Use a meat thermometer to reach 165°F internally.

How can I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?

Warm milk and melted butter added after boiling help achieve a smooth, creamy texture in garlic mashed potatoes.

Is it necessary to use bone-in chicken thighs?

Bone-in thighs add more flavor and retain moisture better, but boneless can be used with adjusted cooking times.

Can I prepare the honey BBQ sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the honey BBQ glaze can be mixed in advance and stored in the refrigerator to enhance flavors before baking.

What are good side dishes to serve with this chicken and potato combination?

Steamed green beans, fresh coleslaw, or roasted vegetables complement the rich flavors of honey BBQ chicken and mashed potatoes.

How do I make the dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free BBQ sauce to ensure the meal remains free from gluten without compromising taste.

Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs Delight

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

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
40 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Recipe by Dune Basil Lea Romano


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Information 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 BBQ sauce (use 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 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 teaspoon salt
06 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
07 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

How to Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Season chicken thighs: 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 the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 04

Prepare honey BBQ glaze: Whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until well combined.

Step 05

Glaze and finish baking chicken: Brush chicken thighs with the honey BBQ sauce. Return to oven and bake an additional 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and sauce is caramelized.

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 fork-tender, approximately 15 to 18 minutes.

Step 07

Mash potatoes: Drain potatoes and garlic, return to pot. Add warm milk, butter, salt, and black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped chives if desired.

Step 08

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

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergies, and talk to your doctor if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy and mustard. BBQ sauce may contain gluten or soy—verify labels and opt for gluten-free or soy-free versions if necessary.

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are for reference only. They're not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Energy: 520
  • Fats: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Proteins: 31 g