Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs (Printable)

Tender baked chicken thighs with honey BBQ glaze served alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes.

# What You'll 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

08 - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (gluten-free if required)
09 - 3 tablespoons honey
10 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
11 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

→ Garlic Mashed Potatoes

12 - 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
13 - 4 garlic cloves, peeled
14 - 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed (or dairy-free alternative)
15 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
17 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

# How to make it:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
02 - Pat chicken thighs dry. Combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Rub the seasoning evenly over the chicken thighs.
03 - Arrange chicken thighs skin side up on the baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
04 - Whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a bowl.
05 - Brush chicken thighs generously with the honey BBQ sauce. Return to oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and sauce is caramelized.
06 - 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 to 18 minutes.
07 - Drain potatoes and garlic well. Return them to the pot. Add warm milk, butter, salt, and black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Optionally stir in chopped chives.
08 - Plate the honey-glazed chicken thighs alongside the creamy garlic mashed potatoes and serve warm.

# Recipe Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Rich, sticky BBQ flavor paired with creamy potatoes
  • Easy to prepare for weeknights or gatherings
02 -
  • To make the dish gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce.
  • Warming the milk before mashing helps create a smooth potato texture.
03 -
  • For smoky flavor, finish chicken on the grill after glazing.
  • Swap chicken thighs for drumsticks or boneless pieces, adjusting cooking time as needed.
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