Chipotle Honey Chicken Thighs With Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Chipotle honey chicken thighs paired with creamy smoked gouda mashed potatoes make for a comforting and flavorful meal. The smoky heat from the chipotle complements the sweetness of honey, while the mashed potatoes offer a rich, cheesy balance. This dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 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
• 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 (for seasoning mashed potatoes)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together honey, chipotle chili powder, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
3. Step 3: While the chicken marinates, 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 well.
4. Step 4: Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add milk, butter, and shredded smoked gouda. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then keep warm on low heat.
5. Step 5: 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 internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy.
6. Step 6: Serve the crispy chipotle honey chicken thighs alongside the smoked gouda mashed potatoes. Drizzle any juices from the baking dish over the chicken to enhance the flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Sweeten the mash by stirring in a little cream cheese or sour cream instead of butter.
• Use boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking, but reduce baking time to avoid drying out.
• Leftover mashed potatoes can be formed into cakes and pan-fried for a tasty side the next day.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and mashed potatoes in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in the oven to maintain crispiness, and warm mashed potatoes on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to keep them creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily. Reduce the baking time accordingly and watch closely for doneness.

What can I substitute for smoked gouda in the mashed potatoes?

You can use other mild smoked cheeses like smoked cheddar or a sharp aged cheddar for a similar creamy, smoky flavor.

Chipotle Honey Chicken Thighs With Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 92 reviews

Deliciously smoky and sweet Chipotle Honey Chicken Thighs baked to perfection serve alongside creamy smoked gouda mashed potatoes. This comforting dish combines spicy chipotle chili powder with sweet honey for a flavorful chicken coating, paired with rich, cheesy mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Marinade

• 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

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

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken thighs.
2. Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, combine honey, chipotle chili powder, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb flavors, or refrigerate overnight for deeper taste.
3. Cook Potatoes: Place peeled and chunked potatoes into a large pot, cover with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, cooking until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Then drain the potatoes well.
4. Make Mashed Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add milk, unsalted butter, and shredded smoked gouda cheese. Mash together until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then keep warm on low heat while the chicken cooks.
5. Bake 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 internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
6. Serve: Plate the crispy chipotle honey chicken thighs alongside the smoked gouda mashed potatoes. Drizzle any pan juices over the chicken to enhance flavor. Enjoy hot.

Notes

• For extra smoky flavor, consider adding smoked paprika to the chicken marinade.
• Letting the chicken marinate overnight improves the depth of flavor significantly.
• Use russet potatoes for the fluffiest mashed potatoes.
• If you prefer a thinner mashed potato consistency, add milk gradually until desired texture is reached.
• Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken for food safety.

Keywords: Chipotle honey chicken, smoked gouda mashed potatoes, baked chicken thighs, spicy honey chicken, comfort food