Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

Featured in: Dinner Winners

This dish features succulent chicken thighs baked to perfection and coated in a sticky honey BBQ glaze. The tender poultry pairs wonderfully with creamy garlic mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, creating a comforting and flavorful combination. Easy to prepare, it highlights a smoky paprika and garlic seasoning that enhances the rich BBQ sauce. Serve hot for a satisfying main course, perfect for family meals.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:28:00 GMT
Succulent honey BBQ chicken thighs paired with creamy garlic mashed potatoes on a plate.  Save
Succulent honey BBQ chicken thighs paired with creamy garlic mashed potatoes on a plate. | tastybattle.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 served this delicious dish to my family on a chilly evening and it instantly became a favorite for its rich flavors and easy preparation.

Ingredients

  • Chicken Thighs: 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Olive Oil: 1 tbsp
  • Spices: 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 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

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil
Prepare Chicken:
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
Bake Chicken:
Arrange chicken thighs skin side up on the prepared baking sheet Bake for 25 minutes
Mix Sauce:
Meanwhile in a bowl whisk together BBQ sauce honey apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard
Glaze and Bake:
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
Cook Potatoes:
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
Mash Potatoes:
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
Serve:
Serve the honey BBQ chicken thighs hot alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes
Golden, oven-baked honey BBQ chicken thighs served with rich garlic mashed potatoes.  Save
Golden, oven-baked honey BBQ chicken thighs served with rich garlic mashed potatoes. | tastybattle.com

This recipe brings back wonderful family moments especially on weekend dinners when everyone gathers around the table eagerly awaiting their plates.

Notes

Adding a side of steamed green beans or coleslaw complements the meal perfectly For spicier BBQ sauce add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

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

Delicious honey BBQ chicken thighs highlighted by velvety garlic mashed potatoes beside them. Save
Delicious honey BBQ chicken thighs highlighted by velvety garlic mashed potatoes beside them. | tastybattle.com

Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal time.

Recipe Questions

What is the best way to ensure chicken thighs stay moist?

Pat the chicken dry and coat with olive oil and spices before baking. Brushing with honey BBQ sauce halfway through cooking helps seal in moisture.

Can I use boneless chicken instead?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks may be used but adjust baking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

How do I make the mashed potatoes creamy?

Use warm milk and butter while mashing the cooked potatoes until smooth, adding seasoning and optional chives for extra flavor.

Is it possible to make the BBQ sauce spicier?

Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the honey BBQ glaze will bring a pleasant heat to the dish.

How can I add a smoky flavor to the chicken?

Grilling the glazed chicken thighs after baking adds a nice smoky finish and caramelizes the sauce further.

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 Alex Ramirez


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutritional specifications 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 needed)
02 3 tablespoons honey
03 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
04 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

01 4 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)

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Season Chicken Thighs: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Prepare Honey BBQ Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.

Phase 05

Glaze and Finish Baking Chicken: Brush chicken thighs generously with the honey BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the sauce is caramelized.

Phase 06

Cook Potatoes and Garlic: Place potatoes and garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover with cold salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 to 18 minutes.

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy and mustard. BBQ sauce may contain gluten or soy; use gluten-free or soy-free versions if necessary.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

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