Description

This recipe features tender and juicy bone-in chicken thighs marinated in a smoky, sweet chipotle and honey blend, then oven-baked to crispy perfection. Paired with rich and creamy smoked gouda mashed potatoes, this comforting meal balances bold flavors with smooth textures for an easy yet impressive dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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

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 prepare 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 coat thoroughly. Allow them to marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
Cook the Potatoes: Place peeled and chunked potatoes in a large pot and cover with water, adding a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
Mash the Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add milk, butter, and shredded smoked gouda cheese. Mash the mixture until smooth and creamy, seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Keep warm on low heat while the chicken cooks.
Bake the 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 until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin turns crispy and golden.
Serve: Plate the crispy chicken thighs alongside generous servings of smoked gouda mashed potatoes. Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the chicken for enhanced flavor.

Notes

Marinating the chicken overnight will intensify the smoky and sweet flavors.
You can substitute smoked gouda with smoked cheddar or a similar cheese for variation.
Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Use russet potatoes for the best mashing texture; Yukon gold potatoes can also work but may yield a creamier mash.
Adjust seasoning of the mashed potatoes after mashing to your taste.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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