Chipotle Honey Chicken Thighs Smoked Gouda Potatoes (Printable)

Tender smoky-sweet chicken thighs glazed with chipotle honey, paired with creamy cheesy smoked Gouda mashed potatoes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chipotle Honey Chicken Thighs

01 - 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
04 - 3 tablespoons honey
05 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
06 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Smoked Gouda Potatoes

10 - 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
11 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - ½ cup whole milk
13 - 1 cup smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
14 - ½ teaspoon salt
15 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped chives, for garnish

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together chipotle peppers, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
03 - Pat chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil evenly over all pieces, then coat with the chipotle honey mixture, ensuring full coverage.
04 - Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 35-40 minutes, basting halfway with pan juices, until skin is caramelized and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
05 - While chicken roasts, place cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
06 - Drain potatoes well and return to the pot. Add butter, milk, smoked Gouda cheese, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning to taste.
07 - Plate chipotle honey chicken thighs alongside a generous scoop of smoked Gouda potatoes. Garnish with chopped chives if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The chipotle honey glaze creates this perfect balance of heat and sweetness that makes people ask for seconds every single time
  • Smoked Gouda mashed potatoes are the kind of comfort food side dish that can honestly stand alone as a meal
02 -
  • Patting the chicken completely dry before applying the glaze is crucial for getting that crispy, caramelized skin
  • Warming your milk before adding it to the potatoes prevents them from getting gummy or gluey
03 -
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, as chicken thighs can go from perfect to dry quickly
  • If your glaze is too thick, warm it for 10 seconds in the microwave to make it easier to brush on