Description

These Chipotle Honey Chicken Thighs with Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes combine smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors for a comforting and flavorful meal. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a honey and chipotle chili powder mixture, then baked to crispy perfection. Paired with creamy mashed potatoes enriched with smoked gouda, this dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons chipotle chili powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes:

2 pounds russet potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
1 cup milk
4 ounces smoked gouda cheese (shredded)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken thighs to a crispy, juicy finish.
Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine honey, chipotle chili powder, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and ensure they are evenly coated with the marinade. Allow them to sit for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
Cook the potatoes: Place the peeled and chunked potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
Mash the potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add milk, unsalted butter, and shredded smoked gouda cheese. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on low heat while preparing the chicken.
Bake the chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and nicely browned.
Serve: Plate the baked chicken thighs alongside a generous scoop of the smoked gouda mashed potatoes. Drizzle any pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor before serving.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
If you prefer spicier chicken, increase the chipotle chili powder by an additional tablespoon.
You can substitute russet potatoes with Yukon Gold for a slightly creamier texture.
Use full-fat milk for richer mashed potatoes, or substitute with a dairy-free milk to make the dish lactose-free.
Leftover chicken and mashed potatoes can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: chipotle chicken, honey chicken, baked chicken thighs, smoked gouda mashed potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner recipe