Pin It 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 tried this combination on a chilly weekend when I wanted something warm and satisfying without much fuss. The family immediately loved the glazing on the chicken and the ultra-creamy potatoes made it an instant favorite.
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 in chunks)
- Garlic: 4 cloves (peeled)
- Whole Milk: 1/2 cup (warmed or dairy-free alternative)
- Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (or olive oil for dairy-free)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (for potatoes)
- Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp (for potatoes)
- Chopped Fresh Chives: 2 tbsp (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Prepare Chicken:
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl mix olive oil smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and black pepper. Rub mixture over chicken thighs.
- Arrange and Bake:
- Arrange chicken thighs skin side up on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Make BBQ Sauce:
- In a bowl whisk together BBQ sauce honey apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard.
- Glaze Chicken:
- After 25 minutes brush chicken thighs generously with honey BBQ sauce. Return to oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 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 potatoes are fork-tender about 15-18 minutes.
- Mash Potatoes:
- Drain potatoes and garlic well return to pot. Add warm milk butter salt and black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped chives if using.
- Serve:
- Serve honey BBQ chicken thighs hot with creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
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Sharing this meal with everyone gathered around the dinner table always brings smiles and hearty appetites. It's become a requested recipe for casual family nights and celebrations alike.
Make It Your Own
Customize your flavors by using spicy or smoky BBQ sauces or adding hot sauce to the glaze. Try substituting drumsticks or boneless chicken for the thighs—just adjust cooking times as needed.
What to Serve With It
Pair the honey BBQ chicken and mashed potatoes with steamed green beans coleslaw or a crisp salad to round out your plate. Add a warm bread roll if you'd like even more comfort on the side.
Allergy and Nutrition Info
This meal contains dairy and mustard and may contain gluten—opt for gluten-free BBQ sauce if required. Each serving offers about 520 calories 25g fat 44g carbs and 31g protein for a satisfying main dish.
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Finish with a sprinkle of chives for freshness. Enjoy every bite of this classic comfort meal!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I ensure chicken thighs stay juicy?
Pat them dry before seasoning and avoid overcooking. Baking with skin on helps retain moisture.
- → Can I make the mashed potatoes dairy-free?
Yes, substitute milk with a plant-based alternative and replace butter with olive oil.
- → What type of BBQ sauce works best here?
A sweet and smoky BBQ sauce complements the honey glaze, but gluten-free options can be used if needed.
- → Is it possible to grill the chicken instead of baking?
Absolutely. Grilling after glazing can add a smoky char for enhanced flavor.
- → How can I add a spicy kick to the chicken?
Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the BBQ glaze before applying.