Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs (900 g) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless thighs)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp dried thyme

Honey Garlic Glaze

• ⅓ cup honey

• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium)

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 tbsp butter

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• ½ cup warm heavy cream (or whole milk)

• 2 cloves roasted garlic, mashed (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped

• Fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Potatoes

1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold salted water.

2. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender.

3. Drain thoroughly.

4. Mash with butter, warm cream, roasted garlic (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

5. Cover and keep warm.

Step 2 – Season the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

2. Rub with olive oil.

3. Season evenly with:

   • Salt

   • Pepper

   • Smoked paprika

   • Garlic powder

   • Onion powder

   • Thyme

Step 3 – Sear the Chicken

1. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Place the chicken skin-side down.

3. Cook for 5–6 minutes until deeply golden and crispy.

4. Flip and cook another 3 minutes.

5. Remove excess grease if needed.

Step 4 – Make the Honey Garlic Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Honey

• Soy sauce

• Garlic

• Dijon mustard

• Apple cider vinegar

• Ketchup

• Worcestershire sauce

• Red pepper flakes

Pour the glaze into the skillet around the chicken.

Add the butter and stir gently until melted.

Step 5 – Bake

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Transfer the skillet to the oven.

3. Bake for 20–25 minutes, basting the chicken with the glaze halfway through.

4. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6 – Serve

Spoon a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes onto each plate.

Arrange the glazed chicken on top or alongside the potatoes.

Drizzle with the remaining pan sauce and garnish with chopped parsley and freshly cracked black pepper.

Chef's Tips

• Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts and develop beautifully crispy skin.

• Basting during baking creates a thick, glossy caramelized glaze.

• Yukon Gold potatoes produce naturally buttery mashed potatoes.

• For extra flavor, stir grated Parmesan into the mashed potatoes.

• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with:

• Roasted broccoli

• Garlic green beans

• Honey-glazed carrots

• Buttered corn

• Dinner rolls

• Chardonnay, Riesling, or sparkling apple cider

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~640 kcal

• Protein: 35 g

• Fat: 34 g

• Carbohydrates: 42 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 15 g

• Sodium: 620 mg

Serving Description

These Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are pan-seared until the skin is irresistibly crisp, then oven-finished in a rich glaze of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. The result is juicy, tender chicken coated in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce that pairs perfectly with buttery, creamy mashed potatoes. This comforting meal is ideal for family dinners yet elegant enough to serve to guests.