This Honey Balsamic Chicken Thighs with Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Carrots recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken with creamy, tangy mashed potatoes and perfectly caramelized roasted carrots. Ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this meal delivers both comfort and elegance without requiring complicated preparation.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
¼ cup honey
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes

2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 oz goat cheese, softened
4 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup whole milk (more if needed)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Roasted Carrots

1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp honey (optional for glaze)

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Place chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour half of the honey-balsamic mixture over them, turning to coat evenly.
Roast for 25–30 minutes, basting halfway through with remaining glaze, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is caramelized.

Preparing the Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Drain and return potatoes to pot. Mash with butter, goat cheese, and milk until smooth and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper. Adjust milk for desired consistency.

Preparing the Roasted Carrots

Toss carrot sticks with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional honey.
Roast in oven alongside chicken for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until tender and caramelized.

Serving

Plate chicken thighs with a portion of goat cheese mashed potatoes and roasted carrots.
Drizzle extra honey-balsamic glaze over the chicken and serve immediately.

Tips & Tricks

Chicken Skin: Pat dry before roasting to ensure crispy skin.
Make-Ahead: Mashed potatoes can be prepared ahead and reheated gently.
Honey-Balsamic Glaze: For extra depth, simmer the glaze in a small saucepan until slightly thickened before drizzling.
Vegetable Variations: Swap carrots for parsnips, sweet potatoes, or roasted Brussels sprouts.

Variations

Skinless Chicken: Reduce oven time slightly if using boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Dairy-Free: Replace goat cheese with a plant-based alternative and butter with olive oil.
Spice Twist: Add smoked paprika or cayenne to the glaze for a subtle kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad for a complete dinner.
Pairs beautifully with white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Ideal for holiday dinners, Sunday family meals, or elegant weeknight comfort food.

Fun Facts / Cultural Context

Balsamic vinegar originated in Modena, Italy, and is known for its complex, sweet-tart flavor. When paired with honey, it creates a rich glaze that complements savory roasted meats beautifully. Goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy element to mashed potatoes, making this combination a modern take on classic comfort food. Roasted carrots are a naturally sweet side, bringing color and seasonal freshness to the plate.