Chipotle Honey Chicken Thighs with Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
These Chipotle Honey Chicken Thighs paired with creamy Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes create a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress your family or guests.

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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 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 coat them well in the marinade. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate overnight for more flavor.
- Step 3: While the chicken marinates, place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes.
- Step 4: Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add milk, butter, and shredded smoked gouda cheese. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm on low heat.
- Step 5: Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy.
- Step 6: Serve the chicken thighs alongside the smoked gouda mashed potatoes. Drizzle any juices from the baking dish over the chicken for extra flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the smoky honey flavor.
- Substitute smoked gouda with smoked cheddar or fontina if preferred.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and mashed potatoes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve crispiness. Reheat mashed potatoes gently on the stove or 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 of bone-in?
Yes, boneless thighs can be used but will cook faster. Reduce baking time to around 20-25 minutes, and check for doneness to avoid drying out.
What can I substitute if I don’t have smoked gouda?
You can substitute smoked gouda with smoked cheddar, fontina, or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. Choose a cheese that melts well to keep the mashed potatoes creamy.
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Chipotle Honey Chicken Thighs with Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This recipe features tender and juicy bone-in chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and smoky chipotle honey glaze, baked to perfection with crispy skin. Served alongside creamy smoked gouda mashed potatoes, this dish combines bold smoky flavors with comforting textures for a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
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 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: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken thighs.
- Prepare the Marinade and Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, combine honey, chipotle chili powder, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to ensure they are thoroughly coated in the marinade. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Potatoes: While the chicken marinates, place the peeled and chunked potatoes into 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, approximately 15-20 minutes. Drain the water thoroughly.
- 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. Season with salt and pepper to taste and keep warm on low heat.
- 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 until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin turns crispy and golden brown.
- Serve: Plate the baked chipotle honey chicken thighs alongside the smoked gouda mashed potatoes. Drizzle any collected juices from the baking dish over the chicken for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- You can marinate the chicken overnight for a richer flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Russet potatoes are ideal for mashing due to their starchy texture.
- Adjust chipotle powder to your preferred heat level.
- Smoked gouda adds a unique smoky flavor, but you can substitute with cheddar if unavailable.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional marinating time)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chipotle honey chicken, baked chicken thighs, smoked gouda mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, spicy sweet chicken, weeknight dinner

