Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

Featured in: Flavor Rush

This dish features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs coated with a smoky spice rub, oven-baked and brushed with a sticky honey BBQ glaze. Paired with smooth, creamy mashed Yukon Gold potatoes infused with fresh garlic and butter, the meal combines savory, sweet, and rich flavors. The chicken's caramelized honey sauce offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tang from apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard. Ideal for easy weeknight dinners, this comforting dish can be complemented with green beans or coleslaw for a full plate experience.

Updated on Sun, 09 Nov 2025 13:26:00 GMT
Succulent honey BBQ chicken thighs served with creamy garlic mashed potatoes on a plate.  Save
Succulent honey BBQ chicken thighs served with creamy garlic mashed potatoes on a plate. | fryflick.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 still remember the first time I made this meal on a chilly night craving something hearty and satisfying. The aroma of roasting chicken mixed with garlic potatoes instantly made the kitchen feel warm and inviting.

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 (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 olive oil for dairy-free)
  • Salt (for mashed potatoes): 1/2 tsp
  • Black pepper (for mashed potatoes): 1/4 tsp
  • Chopped fresh chives (optional): 2 tbsp

Instructions

Prep the Oven:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Season Chicken:
Pat chicken thighs dry. In a small bowl mix olive oil smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and black pepper. Rub onto chicken thighs.
Bake Chicken:
Arrange chicken thighs skin side up on the baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
Make Honey BBQ Sauce:
In a bowl whisk BBQ sauce honey apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard together.
Glaze Chicken:
After 25 minutes brush chicken thighs with honey BBQ sauce. Return to oven and bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through (165°F/74°C) and sauce is caramelized.
Prepare Potatoes:
While chicken bakes place potatoes and garlic in a large pot. Cover with cold salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender about 15-18 minutes.
Mash Potatoes:
Drain potatoes and garlic. Return to pot and add warm milk butter salt and black pepper. Mash until smooth. Stir in chives if using.
Serve:
Serve honey BBQ chicken thighs hot with garlic mashed potatoes.
Delicious, glazed honey BBQ chicken thighs with fluffy garlic mashed potatoes in a cozy setting.  Save
Delicious, glazed honey BBQ chicken thighs with fluffy garlic mashed potatoes in a cozy setting. | fryflick.com

This dish quickly became a family favorite at Sunday dinners where everyone would gather around for seconds and share stories over warm plates.

Serving Suggestions

Add steamed green beans or coleslaw on the side for a well-rounded dinner and sprinkle extra chives over the potatoes for color and freshness.

Allergen Advice

This recipe contains dairy and mustard; use gluten-free or soy-free BBQ sauce if required and always check product labels for hidden allergens.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat chicken and potatoes gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Oven-baked honey BBQ chicken thighs paired with smooth garlic mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. Save
Oven-baked honey BBQ chicken thighs paired with smooth garlic mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. | fryflick.com

Whip up this easy meal whenever you want comfort and flavor in under an hour. Your family will love every bite!

Recipe Guide

How do you ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Season chicken thighs generously and bake skin side up to retain moisture and develop crispy skin, then brush with glaze near the end to keep the juices locked in.

Can I prepare the garlic mashed potatoes dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with olive oil and use a plant-based milk alternative warmed before mashing for creamy dairy-free potatoes.

What is the best way to get a sticky glaze on the chicken?

Apply the honey BBQ sauce after initial bake, then return chicken to the oven for caramelization, creating a luscious sticky coating.

Is it possible to grill the chicken instead of baking?

Absolutely. Grill the chicken after glazing for a smoky finish, adjusting cooking times to ensure thorough cooking without drying out.

How can I add extra spice to the honey BBQ sauce?

Incorporate cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce into the sauce mix for a subtle heat kick balancing the honey’s sweetness.

Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

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

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
40 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Olivia Parker


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary guidelines 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 garlic cloves, peeled
03 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed (or dairy-free substitute)
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)

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Glaze and Finish Baking: Brush chicken with the honey BBQ sauce, return to oven, 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 in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, bring to a boil, and cook until tender, approximately 15 to 18 minutes.

Phase 07

Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Drain well and return potatoes and garlic to pot. Add warm milk, butter, salt, and pepper; mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in chives if desired.

Phase 08

Serve: Serve the glazed chicken thighs hot alongside the 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 ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (milk, butter) and mustard.
  • BBQ sauce may contain gluten or soy; verify labels and opt for gluten-free or soy-free versions if necessary.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

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