Grilled hot honey chicken paired with a refreshing sweet corn salad is a delightful combination of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors. Perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Balanced: The hot honey glaze adds a spicy-sweet kick, perfectly complemented by the cool, crisp corn salad.
- Easy to Make: Requires simple ingredients and minimal prep time, making it great for busy days.
- Versatile: Ideal for grilling outdoors or on a stovetop grill pan.
- Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Hot honey
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
For the Sweet Corn Salad:
- Fresh corn kernels (grilled or boiled)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Red onion, finely diced
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
- During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the hot honey on both sides of the chicken for a sticky, caramelized finish.
- Make the Sweet Corn Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh herbs.
- Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
- Serve:
- Plate the chicken alongside the corn salad, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Protein Options: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or pork chops for a different twist.
- Honey Alternatives: Use maple syrup or agave with a touch of chili flakes for a similar spicy-sweet effect.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add diced avocado, cucumber, or roasted bell peppers to the corn salad.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot honey to control the spiciness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chicken and salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave until heated through. The salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
1. What is hot honey, and can I make it at home?
Hot honey is a blend of honey and chili peppers. To make it at home, heat honey with red chili flakes or fresh chili slices and let it infuse.
2. Can I use frozen corn for the salad?
Yes, thaw and cook the frozen corn before using. Grilling it slightly adds a smoky flavor.
3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
The recipe is already dairy-free as written. Just ensure all your ingredients are labeled dairy-free if needed.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your hot honey and spices are gluten-free.
5. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Absolutely. Bake at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for 20-25 minutes, brushing with hot honey during the last 5 minutes.
6. What sides go well with this dish?
Pair it with rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
7. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
8. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the corn salad a day in advance. Grill the chicken fresh for the best flavor.
9. What can I use instead of lime juice in the salad?
Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can be good substitutes.
10. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on your hot honey. Adjust it to your preference for a milder or spicier taste.
Conclusion
Grilled hot honey chicken with sweet corn salad is a deliciously satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. The combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors creates a memorable meal thatโs both easy to prepare and incredibly versatile. Give this recipe a try, and itโs sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!
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Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad
Description
A flavorful summer dish featuring juicy grilled chicken glazed with sweet and spicy hot honey, paired with a refreshing sweet corn salad. Perfect for BBQs or an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe balances smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Hot Honey Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons hot honey, plus more for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sweet Corn Salad:
- 6 ears of sweet corn, kernels cut from the cob
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated lime zest
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, hot honey, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs in a glass dish or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Prepare the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to high heat.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Once the grill is hot, place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill.
- Grill for about 5 minutes on one side until they easily release from the grill.
- Flip the chicken and continue grilling for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (75ยฐC).
- Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Drizzle with extra hot honey before serving.
- Prepare the Sweet Corn Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the sour cream mixture over the corn mixture and stir until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Plate the grilled hot honey chicken alongside the sweet corn salad.
- Enjoy this flavorful and refreshing meal!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of hot honey or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- If fresh corn is unavailable, you can use frozen corn kernels; just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before using.
- This dish pairs well with a light, crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
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