Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

Featured in: Everyday Family Meals

Enjoy tender, oven-baked chicken thighs coated in a sticky honey BBQ glaze, delivering a perfect blend of sweet and smoky flavors. Paired with rich, creamy garlic mashed potatoes, this dish balances hearty textures and a comforting warmth. The chicken is first seasoned with spices, baked, then brushed with honey BBQ sauce to caramelize in the oven. Meanwhile, Yukon Gold potatoes are boiled with garlic and mashed with butter and milk to create a velvety side. Simple tools and accessible ingredients make this an easy, flavorful approach to a classic American main dish ideal for family dinners or gatherings.

Updated on Sun, 09 Nov 2025 14:18:00 GMT
Succulent honey BBQ chicken thighs served with creamy garlic mashed potatoes on a plate.  Save to Pinterest
Succulent honey BBQ chicken thighs served with creamy garlic mashed potatoes on a plate. | recipesbies.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 has become a family favorite because of its perfect blend of sweet honey BBQ and tender garlic mashed potatoes.

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 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 chicken thighs dry. Mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub mixture on chicken.
Step 3:
Arrange chicken skin side up on baking sheet. Bake 25 minutes.
Step 4:
Whisk BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
Step 5:
Brush chicken with sauce. Bake 15 more minutes until cooked through and sauce caramelized.
Step 6:
Boil potatoes and garlic in salted water until fork-tender, 15-18 minutes.
Step 7:
Drain and mash potatoes with warm milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir in chives if using.
Step 8:
Serve chicken hot with garlic mashed potatoes.
Deliciously glazed honey BBQ chicken thighs, paired with fluffy garlic mashed potatoes.  Save to Pinterest
Deliciously glazed honey BBQ chicken thighs, paired with fluffy garlic mashed potatoes. | recipesbies.com

Enjoying this meal with family always brings warmth and smiles to our dinner table.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with steamed green beans or a crisp coleslaw for a complete meal.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to retain moisture.

Variations

Try using chicken drumsticks or boneless chicken thighs. For a spicy kick, add cayenne to the BBQ sauce.

Golden, oven-baked honey BBQ chicken thighs alongside smooth garlic mashed potatoes. Save to Pinterest
Golden, oven-baked honey BBQ chicken thighs alongside smooth garlic mashed potatoes. | recipesbies.com

This honey BBQ chicken dish brings a perfect balance of flavors that’s sure to impress.

Answers to Recipe Questions

What type of chicken thighs work best?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the best flavor and juiciness, but boneless can be used with adjusted cooking time.

Can I make the honey BBQ sauce spicier?

Yes, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the honey BBQ mix gives a pleasant kick.

How to get creamy garlic mashed potatoes?

Boil Yukon Gold potatoes with garlic cloves until fork-tender, then mash with warm milk and butter for smoothness.

Is it necessary to brush chicken twice with the sauce?

Brushing after initial baking helps caramelize the sauce, locking in flavor and ensuring a sticky glaze.

Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

Chicken and mashed potatoes can be cooked in advance and gently reheated, though the glaze is best applied fresh.

Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

Oven-baked chicken thighs with honey BBQ glaze, served alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes.

Prep duration
20 mins
Time to cook
40 mins
Overall time
60 mins
Published by Sophie Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serves 4 Serving size

Dietary Details None specified

What you need

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 required)
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)

How to Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and rub with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

Glaze and Continue Baking: Brush the chicken thighs generously with the honey BBQ sauce and return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes until cooked through and sauce is caramelized. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Mash Potatoes: Drain potatoes and garlic, return to pot, and mash with warm milk, butter, salt, and pepper until creamy. Stir in chives if desired.

Step 08

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

Equipment You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens, and reach out to a healthcare pro if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (milk, butter) and mustard. BBQ sauce may contain gluten or soy; verify labels carefully.

Nutrition info (by portion)

Nutrition info is for guidance. Please consult a medical expert if you need advice.
  • Total Calories: 520
  • Fat content: 25 g
  • Carbohydrate: 44 g
  • Protein content: 31 g