Description
Sticky-sweet, garlicky chicken thighs are caramelized in a honey garlic sauce and served over a cloud of creamy mashed potatoes. This easy dinner is pure comfort food and comes together in under 45 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
- 2 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
- Chives or extra parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Peel and cut potatoes into even chunks. Place in a large saucepan, cover with cold water, and add 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
- While potatoes cook, pat chicken thighs dry. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and smoked paprika (if using). Pour off all but 1 tbsp fat from the skillet, add the sauce, and let bubble for 1 minute.
- Return chicken thighs to skillet, skin-side up. Pour in chicken broth and spoon sauce over each piece. Cover, reduce heat to low-medium, and cook for 15 minutes. Uncover and cook another 5–10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sauce is glossy.
- Drain potatoes well and let steam dry for 1 minute. Add butter, warmed milk, and sour cream. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with white pepper and salt to taste. Add more milk if needed.
- Serve mashed potatoes on plates, top with chicken thigh and honey garlic sauce. Garnish with parsley or chives.
Notes
For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For dairy-free mashed potatoes, substitute plant-based butter and milk. Sear chicken skin-side down for extra crispiness. Let potatoes steam dry before mashing for best texture. Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days refrigerated or 2 months frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 630
- Fat: 23
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 26
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, chicken thighs, mashed potatoes, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, skillet chicken, creamy potatoes, family recipe