Description

This comforting recipe features juicy, oven-baked chicken thighs marinated in a smoky, chipotle and honey glaze, paired perfectly with creamy smoked gouda mashed potatoes. The combination of spicy and sweet flavors with the rich, cheesy potatoes makes for a satisfying and flavorful meal ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Thighs

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

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken thighs.
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 toss well to coat evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate 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, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes thoroughly.
Mash the Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot, add milk, unsalted butter, and shredded smoked gouda cheese. Mash the mixture with a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on low heat while the chicken cooks.
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 golden.
Serve: Plate the baked chicken thighs alongside a generous portion of smoked gouda mashed potatoes. Drizzle any pan juices over the chicken to enhance the flavor. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful meal!

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the smoky and sweet flavors.
Use a food thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (75°C).
You can substitute smoked gouda with regular gouda or cheddar if unavailable, but it will alter the smoky flavor.
To make the mashed potatoes extra creamy, warm the milk before adding it to the potatoes.
Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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