Baked Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potato Mash
This simple yet flavorful dish combines tender chicken thighs with a creamy sweet potato mash. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper, then baked until cooked through. The sweet potato mash is made with coconut milk, cilantro, ginger, and cinnamon, giving it a subtly sweet and aromatic flavor. Together, the chicken and sweet potato mash make for a satisfying and comforting meal.
The inspiration for this dish came from a trip to the Caribbean, where I was introduced to the vibrant flavors of the region. I was particularly struck by the use of coconut milk in many dishes, and I wanted to incorporate it into my own cooking. I also wanted to create a dish that was both easy to make and packed with flavor, so I decided to pair the coconut milk-infused sweet potato mash with tender chicken thighs. The result is this delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Baked Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potato Mash Baked Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potato Mash Baked Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potato Mash Baked Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potato Mash
Prep time: 20 | Cook time: 45 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Rub the chicken thighs with the marinade.
  4. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
  6. While the chicken is baking, make the sweet potato mash.
  7. In a medium saucepan, combine the sweet potatoes, coconut milk, cilantro, ginger, and cinnamon.
  8. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
  9. Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
  10. Serve the chicken thighs with the sweet potato mash.
Why It Works
  • The combination of coconut milk and sweet potato creates a creamy and flavorful mash that complements the savory chicken thighs perfectly.
  • The marinade helps to keep the chicken moist and flavorful, while the addition of thyme adds a subtle herbaceous flavor.
  • The use of ground ginger and cinnamon in the sweet potato mash adds a touch of warmth and complexity to the dish.
  • This dish is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. For example, you can add more or less coconut milk to the sweet potato mash, depending on how creamy you like it. You can also add other spices, such as cumin or coriander, to the marinade or the mash.