Welcome to a Cozy Dinner Experience!
Hey there! If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious dinner recipe that’s sure to impress, you’ve stumbled upon a gem! I’m so excited to share my favorite dish with you today: Chicken Thighs with Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Carrots. This meal brings together juicy chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, and sweet, caramelized carrots—it’s basically my version of a warm hug on a plate. Plus, this recipe is super easy and perfect for a weeknight meal or when you have guests over!
Nutritional Benefits
Let’s talk about why this meal is not just tasty but also good for you! Chicken thighs are rich in protein which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. They also have essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, which supports your energy levels. The roasted carrots provide a great source of fiber and vitamins like A and K that benefit your skin and eyesight. And don’t forget the goat cheese! It adds a nice dose of calcium and healthy fats. When you combine all these elements, you get a meal that’s not just comforting but also fuel for your body!
Adaptable Variations
What I love about this recipe is that it can easily be modified to fit your preferences or dietary needs!
- For a Creamier Mash: If you want to up the creaminess of your mashed potatoes, try adding sour cream or cream cheese into the mix with the goat cheese.
- To Make it Dairy-Free: Swap out the goat cheese with a dairy-free cheese or omit it entirely. Use almond milk or coconut cream in the mashed potatoes for a delicious alternative!
- Add Different Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the carrots for other veggies like Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or sweet potatoes. Just adjust the roasting time as needed!
Let’s Dive into the Recipe!
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1 pound carrots (whole or baby carrots)
- 4 ounces goat cheese
- 2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or balsamic vinegar (for carrot glaze)
Serves 4–6 people
- Standard portions → 4 servings
- Slightly smaller portions → up to 6 servings
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Once hot, place the chicken thighs skin side down in the skillet and sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken over and then remove the skillet from heat.
- Roast the Carrots:
- As the chicken is searing, wash and trim the carrots. Place them on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. If you want some extra flavor, drizzle on honey or balsamic vinegar.
- Roast the carrots in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is done searing, transfer the skillet with the chicken to the preheated oven.
- Bake the chicken thighs for about 25-30 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- While the chicken is baking, peel and chop the potatoes into chunks. Put them in a large pot and cover with cold water, seasoning with a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes, until fork-tender. Make sure to drain well.
- Return the potatoes to the pot and mix in butter, heavy cream (or milk), and crumbled goat cheese. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Finish:
- Once the chicken is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes.
- On each plate, add a generous scoop of the goat cheese mashed potatoes, some roasted carrots on the side, and the chicken thighs on top. Drizzle with any juices from the skillet for extra flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Don’t forget to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy every bite!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- For an extra crispy chicken skin, make sure to dry your chicken well before seasoning.
- If you find your potatoes are too dry, add more cream or butter to get that creamy texture just right.
- Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Equipment Needed
To successfully whip this up, here’s a list of equipment you’ll need:
- A large oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel)
- A baking sheet for roasting the carrots
- A pot for boiling the potatoes
- A masher for the potatoes (or a hand mixer for ultra-smooth texture)
- A cutting board and knife for prepping ingredients
- A measuring cup and spoons for all those precise ingredient amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use boneless chicken thighs? Yes! Just note that they will cook a bit faster, so check the internal temperature a little earlier.
- What can I substitute for goat cheese? Feta or cream cheese are great alternatives if you don’t have goat cheese on hand.
- Can I make this dish in advance? You can! Just prepare the potatoes and chicken separately, and reheat them when you’re ready to serve.
- What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing!
- How can I make this dish spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes when seasoning your chicken for a nice kick!
Join the Conversation!
And there you have it! A delicious, hearty meal that I know you’re going to love. 📸 If you try out this recipe, I’d absolutely love to know how it turns out for you! Snap a picture and share it on Pinterest. Let’s connect and spread the joy of cooking together!
