The combination of grilled hot honey chicken and a fresh lime-scented corn salad makes this dish the ultimate summer dinner. The chicken is tender and juicy with just the right kick of heat, balanced perfectly by the sweet tang of hot honey. Each bite offers a rich, smoky flavor that’s irresistible straight off the grill.
The corn salad complements the spicy chicken beautifully. Crisp, sweet kernels tossed with sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro offer a cooling contrast that makes this meal feel balanced and refreshing. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to prep – perfect for a weekday dinner, a cookout with friends, or even your next picnic.
Full Recipe:
For the Chicken:
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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1/4 cup olive oil
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2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
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2 tablespoons hot honey, plus more for drizzling
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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1 garlic clove, minced
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Kosher salt and pepper to taste
For the Corn Salad:
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6 ears sweet corn, kernels cut from the cob (raw)
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2 green onions, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
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1/4 cup sour cream
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2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
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1 tablespoon lime zest
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Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a glass dish or resealable bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, hot honey, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
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Preheat grill to high. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with additional hot honey.
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For the salad, place corn, green onions, and cilantro in a bowl.
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In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and pepper. Stir into corn mixture until well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.
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Serve chicken alongside corn salad and enjoy!
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Corn Salad: A Flavorful, Healthy, and Versatile Meal
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Corn Salad is a delightful recipe that brings together a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying summer meal or weeknight dinner. The juicy chicken thighs, marinated in a zesty lemon and hot honey glaze, are paired with a refreshing and crunchy corn salad. This combination not only pleases the taste buds but also offers a host of health benefits, making it a fantastic option for anyone looking to eat well without sacrificing flavor.
Health Benefits of Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Corn Salad
This dish provides a range of health benefits, largely due to the fresh, wholesome ingredients used in both the chicken and the corn salad. Chicken thighs, despite being slightly higher in fat compared to chicken breasts, are a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and immune function. The fat content in chicken thighs also provides energy and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Moreover, by grilling the chicken, you reduce the need for excess oil or butter, making this dish a healthier alternative to fried options.
The hot honey marinade not only enhances the flavor but can also offer some health perks. Hot honey, which is typically infused with chili peppers, is known for containing capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat. Capsaicin has been linked to various health benefits, including boosting metabolism, reducing inflammation, and improving heart health. Additionally, honey is a natural sweetener that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, while also possessing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
On the other hand, the corn salad is full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Sweet corn is an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and skin health. It also contains folate, a B-vitamin essential for cell division and preventing neural tube defects in pregnancies. The addition of fresh cilantro and lime in the salad enhances the nutritional profile by adding more vitamins and antioxidants, while the tangy flavor of lime provides a refreshing contrast to the heat of the chicken.
The sour cream in the salad adds a creamy texture, while offering calcium, which is important for bone health. For those watching their fat intake, using a lighter sour cream or a dairy-free alternative can reduce the calorie count without compromising on flavor.
Preparation Tips for the Perfect Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Corn Salad
One of the best features of this recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare. However, there are a few key preparation tips that will help elevate the flavors and ensure that everything turns out just right.
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Marinating the Chicken: Marinating the chicken is an essential step in this recipe. The hot honey, lemon juice, and garlic work together to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, though longer marination (up to overnight) will allow the flavors to penetrate even deeper. If you’re in a rush, even a short marination time will still yield a delicious result.
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Grill Temperature: It’s crucial to preheat the grill to a high temperature before placing the chicken on it. This ensures that the chicken gets a good sear, which locks in moisture and helps the outside develop a caramelized, crispy texture. Cooking the chicken at a high temperature also reduces the cooking time, which helps retain the juiciness of the thighs. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked.
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Corn Salad Freshness: The key to the corn salad’s freshness lies in using raw corn kernels that are freshly cut from the cob. Grilling or cooking the corn is not necessary, as raw corn has a sweet, crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the spiciness of the chicken. When preparing the salad, make sure to cut the kernels from the cob evenly to ensure that the salad is uniform. Additionally, adding fresh cilantro and green onions will enhance the salad’s vibrant flavor.
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Dressing the Salad: The lime, sour cream, and seasonings in the corn salad should be mixed just before serving to maintain the freshness of the ingredients. It’s important not to let the salad sit too long with the dressing on it, as this can cause the vegetables to soften and lose their crispness.
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Serving and Garnishing: To make the meal visually appealing, serve the chicken alongside the corn salad in separate sections on the plate. You can also drizzle more hot honey on top of the chicken after grilling to enhance the spicy-sweet flavor. For an extra pop of color, garnish the dish with additional cilantro or a squeeze of lime.
Variations to Make It Your Own
While the original recipe for Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Corn Salad is absolutely delicious, there are plenty of ways to personalize the dish to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
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Different Proteins: If you’re not a fan of chicken thighs or prefer leaner meat, you can easily swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken breasts will cook faster, so keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking. Alternatively, you can use grilled shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a plant-based version.
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Corn Salad Variations: While the lime-cilantro corn salad pairs beautifully with the hot honey chicken, you can make variations by adding other ingredients to the salad. For instance, you can toss in diced avocado for a creamy texture, or add black beans for extra protein. For a bit of heat, try adding diced jalapeños or even a sprinkle of chili powder to the salad dressing.
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Spice Adjustments: If you’re looking for more heat, you can increase the amount of hot honey in the marinade or drizzle additional hot sauce over the chicken before serving. Conversely, if you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of hot honey or use a milder honey without any chili infusion.
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Vegan or Dairy-Free Options: To make this dish vegan, you can substitute the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or tempeh. For a dairy-free corn salad, you can swap sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt or avocado-based dressing. These substitutions make the dish suitable for those following vegan or dairy-free diets without compromising the core flavors.
The Appeal of Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Corn Salad
This recipe’s appeal lies in its simplicity, health benefits, and versatility. The combination of grilled chicken, sweet corn, and spicy honey brings together a variety of textures and flavors that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The freshness of the corn salad provides a crisp and cooling contrast to the rich, smoky flavor of the grilled chicken. The hot honey gives the chicken a delightful sweetness with a touch of spice that is balanced by the tangy lime in the salad.
Moreover, this recipe is highly customizable, making it a fantastic option for different dietary needs or flavor preferences. Whether you are grilling for a crowd, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or meal prepping for the week, Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Corn Salad fits the bill.
Conclusion
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Corn Salad is a flavorful, health-conscious dish that brings a burst of summer freshness to your plate. The grilled chicken is juicy and tender, marinated in a zesty hot honey sauce, while the corn salad adds a refreshing crunch with a hint of tang. With its nutritional benefits, simple preparation, and room for creative variations, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is sure to please. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or at a summer cookout, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.