Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

Featured in: Savory Quick Bites

This dish features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs rubbed with smoky spices, oven-baked, then glazed generously with sweet honey BBQ sauce. Served alongside smooth garlic mashed Yukon Gold potatoes, warmed milk and butter create a creamy texture while fresh chives add a subtle herbal note. The balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors delivers a hearty and comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Optional grilling after glazing adds a smoky finish, elevating the experience.

Updated on Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:54:56 GMT
Golden brown Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs with glossy sauce, served with perfect garlic mashed potatoes. Save
Golden brown Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs with glossy sauce, served with perfect garlic mashed potatoes. | collationspot.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 made this recipe for a family gathering, and everyone loved the juicy chicken paired with creamy mashed potatoes. It's become a regular request in my house, especially when we want something cozy and satisfying.

Ingredients

  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: 8 pieces
  • 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
  • Yukon Gold potatoes: 2 lbs (900g), peeled and cut into chunks
  • Garlic cloves: 4, peeled
  • Whole milk: 1/2 cup, warmed (or use dairy-free alternative)
  • Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (or substitute olive oil for dairy-free)
  • Salt for potatoes: 1/2 tsp
  • Black pepper for potatoes: 1/4 tsp
  • Chopped fresh chives: 2 tbsp (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare for baking:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Season chicken:
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub mixture over chicken thighs.
Bake chicken:
Arrange chicken thighs, skin side up, on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
Make honey BBQ sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
Glaze chicken:
After 25 minutes, brush chicken thighs generously with honey BBQ sauce. Return to oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and sauce is caramelized.
Cook potatoes:
While 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 pot. Add warm milk, butter, salt, and black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped chives if using.
Serve:
Serve honey BBQ chicken thighs hot, alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
Save
| collationspot.com
Save
| collationspot.com

This dish brings back memories of Sunday dinners, when my kids would help mash the potatoes and sneak extra spoonfuls of sauce over their chicken.

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.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 520, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 44 g, Protein: 31 g

Tender Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs, glazed and baked, accompanied by a bowl of creamy, fragrant mashed potatoes. Save
Tender Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs, glazed and baked, accompanied by a bowl of creamy, fragrant mashed potatoes. | collationspot.com
Tender Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs, glazed and baked, accompanied by a bowl of creamy, fragrant mashed potatoes. Save
Tender Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs, glazed and baked, accompanied by a bowl of creamy, fragrant mashed potatoes. | collationspot.com

Serve hot for the best taste, and garnish with fresh chives for a pop of color. Enjoy the leftovers as sandwiches or wraps the next day.

Recipe Help

What temperature should the chicken be baked at?

Bake the chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) to achieve crispy skin and fully cooked meat.

Can I use boneless chicken instead?

Yes, substitute with boneless chicken pieces but adjust baking time to ensure thorough cooking.

How to make the mashed potatoes creamy?

Warm milk and butter are added to the cooked potatoes before mashing to create a smooth, creamy texture.

What adds the smoky flavor to the chicken?

Smoked paprika and optional grilling after glazing enhance the smoky profile of the dish.

Are there gluten-free options for the glaze?

Use gluten-free BBQ sauce to keep the dish gluten-free while maintaining its rich flavor.

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Honey BBQ Chicken Thighs

Tender chicken thighs glazed in honey BBQ sauce served with creamy garlic mashed potatoes.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
40 min
Overall Time
60 min
Created by Chloe Martin


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Portions

Special Diets No Gluten

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

01 1/2 cup gluten-free BBQ sauce
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 garlic cloves, peeled
03 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
04 1/4 cup unsalted butter
05 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
07 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

How-To

Step 01

Prepare oven and chicken: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Pat chicken thighs dry. Combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper; rub over chicken.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Glaze chicken and finish baking: Brush chicken with honey BBQ sauce. Return to oven and bake for 15 more minutes until temperature reaches 165°F and sauce is caramelized.

Step 05

Cook potatoes and garlic: Place potatoes and garlic in large pot; cover with cold salted water. Bring to boil and cook until tender, about 15–18 minutes.

Step 06

Mash potatoes: Drain well and return potatoes and garlic to pot. Add warmed milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until creamy. Stir in chives if desired.

Step 07

Serve: Plate honey BBQ chicken thighs alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes and serve immediately.

Gear Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review every item for allergens and connect with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy and mustard; BBQ sauce may contain gluten or soy.

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Info for reference only—don’t take this as expert medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 520
  • Lipids: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Proteins: 31 g

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