Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

Featured in: Spicy Entrées

This dish features succulent chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ glaze, baked to juicy perfection. Complemented by smooth, creamy garlic mashed potatoes, it offers a comforting balance of smoky and rich flavors. Easy to prepare with pantry staples, this meal brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. Optionally, grilling after baking enhances the smoky aroma.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:45:00 GMT
Succulent honey BBQ chicken thighs served with buttery garlic mashed potatoes.  Save
Succulent honey BBQ chicken thighs served with buttery garlic mashed potatoes. | pepperplume.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.

This recipe delivers a delicious combination of sweet and smoky flavors that my whole family enjoys after a busy day.

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
  • Honey BBQ Sauce: 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (use gluten free if needed), 3 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes: 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into chunks, 4 cloves garlic peeled, 1/2 cup whole milk warmed (or use dairy free alternative), 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or substitute with olive oil for dairy free), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Step 2:
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl mix olive oil smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and black pepper. Rub the mixture over the chicken thighs.
Step 3:
Arrange chicken thighs skin side up on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
Step 4:
Meanwhile in a bowl whisk together BBQ sauce honey apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard.
Step 5:
After 25 minutes brush chicken thighs generously with the honey BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and the sauce is caramelized.
Step 6:
While the chicken is baking place potatoes and garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover with cold salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are fork tender about 15 18 minutes.
Step 7:
Drain potatoes and garlic well. Return to the pot. Add warm milk butter salt and black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped chives if using.
Step 8:
Serve the honey BBQ chicken thighs hot alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
Oven-baked chicken thighs dripping in honey BBQ sauce next to creamy mashed potatoes.  Save
Oven-baked chicken thighs dripping in honey BBQ sauce next to creamy mashed potatoes. | pepperplume.com

We always gather around the table eagerly to enjoy this meal highlighting fresh ingredients and simple cooking.

Notes

Substitute chicken thighs with drumsticks or boneless chicken if preferred add a side of steamed green beans or coleslaw for a complete meal.

Nutrition

This dish provides approximately 520 calories 25 g total fat 44 g carbohydrates and 31 g protein per serving.

Allergens

Contains dairy (milk butter) and mustard BBQ sauce may contain gluten or soy use gluten free or soy free versions if needed. Always check labels for hidden allergens.

Flavorful honey BBQ chicken thighs alongside velvety garlic mashed potatoes for dinner. Save
Flavorful honey BBQ chicken thighs alongside velvety garlic mashed potatoes for dinner. | pepperplume.com

This recipe makes for a comforting dinner that’s both easy and satisfying to prepare.

Recipe FAQ

What is the best way to glaze the chicken thighs?

Brush the honey BBQ sauce generously over the chicken thighs halfway through baking to create a sticky, flavorful glaze.

Can I prepare the mashed potatoes dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free milk alternative to keep the garlic mashed potatoes creamy without dairy.

How do I ensure the chicken thighs stay juicy?

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and bake skin-side up. Baking at 400°F helps render the fat and lock in moisture.

What cooking tools do I need for this dish?

A baking sheet, mixing bowls, large pot, potato masher or ricer, and a brush for glazing are essential.

Can I add extra spice to the BBQ sauce?

Yes, incorporating cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the honey BBQ sauce boosts its heat while balancing the sweetness.

Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

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

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
40 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Isabella Flores


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Diet 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 ground 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 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 ground black pepper
07 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional)

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry. Combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub mixture over chicken thighs evenly.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Glaze and Finish Baking: Brush chicken thighs generously with honey BBQ sauce. Return to oven and bake an additional 15 minutes, or 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 potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 to 18 minutes.

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

Serve: Plate the honey BBQ chicken thighs with a side of creamy garlic mashed potatoes while hot.

Necessary tools

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Large pot
  • Potato masher or ricer
  • Pastry brush
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional health advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (milk, butter) and mustard.
  • BBQ sauce may contain gluten or soy; verify labels or select gluten-free, soy-free alternatives.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

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