Save 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 made this dish for a cozy family dinner, and it quickly became everyone&s favorite comfort food. The sticky glaze with tender chicken and the velvety potatoes always gets requests for seconds.
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 for chicken, 1/2 tsp for potatoes
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp for chicken, 1/4 tsp for potatoes
- 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 (900g), peeled and 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)
- Chopped fresh chives: 2 tbsp (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Season the chicken:
- Pat chicken thighs dry. Mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub mixture all over chicken thighs.
- Bake the chicken:
- Arrange chicken thighs skin side up on baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Make the sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard together.
- Glaze the chicken:
- After 25 minutes, brush chicken with honey BBQ sauce. Return to oven and bake about 15 minutes more, until chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C) and sauce caramelized.
- Cook 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, 15-18 minutes.
- Mash potatoes:
- Drain potatoes and garlic. Return to pot and mash with warm milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Stir in chives if using.
- Serve:
- Serve honey BBQ chicken thighs hot, with creamy garlic mashed potatoes alongside.
Save It Making this together with the kids is a joy, especially when they help mash the potatoes and try their hand at glazing the chicken. It turns dinner into a fun, shared experience.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, mixing bowls, large pot, potato masher or ricer, brush for glazing, knife and cutting board.
Allergen Information
This meal contains dairy (milk, butter) and mustard. Use gluten-free or soy-free BBQ sauce as needed, and check product labels carefully for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 520 calories, 25 g fat, 44 g carbohydrates, and 31 g protein.
Save It Enjoy every bite of this sweet, savory classic. A simple meal that brings everyone together in comfort.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Bake chicken thighs skin-side up and use a quick rub to seal in moisture. Avoid overcooking; check at 165°F.
- → Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Yes, substitute with boneless thighs or drumsticks. Reduce baking time and monitor for doneness with a meat thermometer.
- → How can I make the dish gluten-free?
Use a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and check all ingredient labels for hidden sources of gluten.
- → What sides work well with these flavors?
Pair with green beans, coleslaw, or a crisp salad to balance the richness of chicken and potatoes.
- → Can I make mashed potatoes dairy-free?
Swap butter for olive oil and use plant-based milk for a creamy dairy-free version of the potatoes.
- → How do I create a smoky finish?
Grill chicken after glazing or add a touch of smoked paprika to the sauce for extra smokiness.