Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

Featured in: Family Meals

Enjoy tender, bone-in chicken thighs baked to perfection with a sticky honey BBQ glaze that caramelizes beautifully. This dish is complemented by creamy mashed Yukon Gold potatoes infused with roasted garlic and topped with fresh chives for a burst of flavor. The smoky paprika and balanced spices enhance the chicken's richness, while the side offers comfort with every bite. Simple to prepare and ideal for an easy, flavorful meal.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 16:01:00 GMT
Succulent honey BBQ chicken thighs beside creamy garlic mashed potatoes on a plate.  Save
Succulent honey BBQ chicken thighs beside creamy garlic mashed potatoes on a plate. | cinnamonglow.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 enjoy making this dish for family dinners because it combines sweet and savory with comforting sides that everyone loves

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
  • BBQ Sauce: 1/2 cup use gluten-free if needed
  • Honey: 3 tbsp
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tbsp
  • Dijon Mustard: 1 tsp
  • Potatoes: 2 lbs (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes 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 substitute with olive oil
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Fresh Chives: 2 tbsp chopped 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.
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| cinnamonglow.com

This dish always brings us together around the table with smiles and full plates

Substitutions

Chicken thighs can be substituted with drumsticks or boneless chicken adjusting cooking time accordingly

Serving Suggestions

Add a side of steamed green beans or coleslaw for a complete meal

Storage

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently

Golden-brown honey BBQ chicken thighs served with fluffy garlic mashed potatoes, garnished with chives.  Save
Golden-brown honey BBQ chicken thighs served with fluffy garlic mashed potatoes, garnished with chives. | cinnamonglow.com

Enjoy this delicious honey BBQ chicken with creamy garlic mashed potatoes perfect for any day of the week

Recipe FAQ Section

What type of chicken is best for this dish?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide juiciness and flavorful skin that crisps up nicely when baked.

How do I make the honey BBQ sauce sticky?

The sauce combines honey and BBQ sauce, then caramelizes during the final minutes of baking, creating a glossy, sticky glaze.

Can I substitute Yukon Gold potatoes?

Yes, other waxy potatoes like red potatoes can be used, but Yukon Golds offer a creamy texture ideal for mashing.

How can I make the mashed potatoes dairy-free?

Substitute butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free milk alternative to keep the mash creamy.

Is it possible to grill the chicken instead of baking?

Absolutely, grilling after glazing adds a smoky flavor and crispness to the honey BBQ chicken thighs.

Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

Oven-baked chicken thighs glazed in honey BBQ sauce with creamy garlic mashed potatoes.

Prep duration
20 min
Time to cook
40 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Hannah Collins

Classification Family Meals

Skill level Easy

Cultural Origin American

Output 4 Portion count

Dietary 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 black pepper

Honey BBQ Sauce

01 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
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 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 option)
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 oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Bake chicken initially: Arrange chicken thighs skin side up on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Glaze chicken and finish baking: Brush chicken with honey BBQ glaze and return to oven. Bake an additional 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and sauce caramelizes.

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. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-18 minutes.

Phase 07

Mash potatoes: Drain potatoes and garlic thoroughly. Return to pot and add warmed milk, butter, salt, and black pepper. Mash until creamy and smooth. Stir in chives if desired.

Phase 08

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

Tools needed

  • 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 consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain about any ingredients.
  • Contains dairy and mustard. BBQ sauce may contain gluten or soy; verify ingredient labels.

Nutritional breakdown (per portion)

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