Chipotle Honey Chicken Thighs with Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

These Chipotle Honey Chicken Thighs offer a perfect balance of smoky heat and sweet honey glaze, creating a mouthwatering main dish. Paired with creamy smoked gouda mashed potatoes, this meal is comforting and full of bold flavors, ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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 the 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 or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Step 3: Place the potato chunks in a large pot and 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, then drain.
4. Step 4: Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add the milk, butter, and shredded smoked gouda cheese. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste and 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 chicken thighs with the smoked gouda mashed potatoes. Drizzle any pan juices over the chicken for added flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For even more smoky flavor, add a small amount of smoked paprika to the marinade.
• Substitute the chicken thighs with boneless, skin-on thighs for quicker cooking.
• Use half-and-half or cream instead of milk for richer mashed potatoes.
• Garnish the finished dish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Reheat mashed potatoes gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used for this recipe. They will cook faster, so adjust the baking time accordingly, usually around 20-25 minutes.

How spicy is chipotle chili powder?

Chipotle chili powder has a medium heat level with a smoky flavor. If you prefer milder dishes, reduce the amount or omit it altogether.

Chipotle Honey Chicken Thighs with Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 104 reviews

This Chipotle Honey Chicken Thighs recipe pairs tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and smoky chipotle honey glaze with creamy smoked gouda mashed potatoes. The chicken is baked to perfection, delivering crispy skin and a flavorful kick, while the mashed potatoes offer a rich and smoky complement for a comforting, satisfying meal.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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 in the marinade. Let the chicken sit for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Cook Potatoes: Place peeled and chunked potatoes into 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. Mash 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 until serving.
5. Bake Chicken: Arrange 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.
6. Serve: Plate the crispy chipotle honey chicken thighs alongside the smoked gouda mashed potatoes. Drizzle any pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor before serving.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
• You can adjust chipotle chili powder quantity for more or less heat.
• Use whole milk for creamier mashed potatoes or substitute with a milk alternative as desired.
• Ensure chicken thighs are fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
• Leftover mashed potatoes can be reheated gently with additional milk to restore creaminess.

Keywords: chipotle honey chicken, smoked gouda mashed potatoes, baked chicken thighs, creamy mashed potatoes, smoky chicken recipe