Gnocchi, those delightful little potato dumplings, are often associated with Italian cuisine, but they’re far more versatile than you might think. While they traditionally find themselves bathed in rich tomato sauces or nestled in cheesy bakes, gnocchi can easily step out of its Italian roots and embrace flavors from around the world. This recipe for Smoky Southwest Chicken Thighs with Charred Corn & Poblano Gnocchi from Food52  is a perfect example of how gnocchi can transform into a vibrant, Southwest-inspired dish that’s both hearty and full of bold flavors.

In this dish, the gnocchi serves as a base for a creamy, smoky, and slightly sweet sauce made from charred corn and poblano peppers. The gnocchi is sautéed in rendered chicken fat and butter, giving it a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with its soft, pillowy interior. Crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs, seasoned with a homemade smoky spice blend, are nestled on top, making this a dish that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Finished with a sprinkle of queso fresco, a squeeze of fresh lime, and a handful of chopped cilantro, this dish is a true celebration of Southwest flavors.

Ingredients:

• 5 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 ears of corn, charred and kernels stripped from the cob, with 1 cup reserved
• 16 ounces of refrigerated or frozen gnocchi
• 1 poblano pepper, charred
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ white or yellow onion, skin on, charred
• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 ounces queso fresco or Cotija cheese
• ½ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Directions:

1.  Begin by mixing the onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a small bowl. This blend will serve as the foundation of the dish’s smoky flavor. Set the spice blend aside.
2. Next, it’s time to prepare the vegetables. Over a gas burner or under a broiler, char the corn, poblano pepper, onion, and garlic until they’re blackened and blistered. The charring process adds a smoky depth to the sauce. For the garlic, you can optionally trim the top off a whole head, drizzle it with olive oil, sprinkle it with salt, wrap it in foil, and roast it until soft and caramelized.
3. Once the vegetables are charred, place the poblano in a small bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a plate. Let it sweat for about 5 minutes, which will make it easier to peel off the charred skin. After peeling, roughly chop the poblano and remove the seeds if you prefer a milder sauce. Strip the corn kernels from the cob, reserving one cup for later, and roughly chop the onion after removing its charred skin.
4. To make the creamy sauce that will coat the gnocchi, combine the remaining corn (excluding the reserved cup), the chopped poblano, charred onion, garlic, granulated sugar, sour cream or Mexican crema, chicken stock, salt, and pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth, adjusting the seasoning as needed. This sauce will carry the smoky and slightly sweet flavor profile that defines the dish.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F. While the oven heats, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season them with salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of the smoky spice blend. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook until the skin is golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, leaving about a tablespoon of fat in the skillet.
6. Using the same skillet, return it to medium-high heat. Add the gnocchi in a single layer and cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to develop a crispy exterior. After searing, pour in 1½ cups of the corn and poblano sauce along with the reserved cup of charred corn kernels. Stir occasionally until the gnocchi is heated through and the sauce has thickened. You can add more sauce if the gnocchi looks dry or if you prefer a saucier dish.
7. To finish, nestle the crispy chicken thighs on top of the gnocchi. Garnish with a sprinkle of queso fresco, a generous squeeze of lime juice, lime zest, freshly chopped cilantro, and a pinch of the smoky spice blend. This final touch adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich and smoky flavors of the dish.

For more delicious recipes, click here.