Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that practically tastes like summer on a plate, Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad will absolutely thrill your taste buds. Juicy, smoky chicken thighs get a fiery-sweet glaze, while a zesty, colorful corn salad brings a burst of freshness and crunch. The combination is a celebration of bold flavors, effortless grilling, and vibrant sides—perfect for lively dinners or sun-soaked gatherings. Trust me, once you try this, it’s destined to become your go-to for everything from backyard barbecues to weeknight cravings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe has a role to play, from adding a kick of heat to balancing things out with cool, tangy notes. The lineup is simple and easy to source, yet each one delivers major impact in texture, taste, or color, making Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad a true standout.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Extra juicy and flavorful, thighs hold up beautifully on the grill and soak up all the marinade.
- Olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken and adds richness to both the chicken and salad.
- Hot sauce: Delivers a punchy, customizable heat to the chicken—choose your favorite for extra personality.
- Honey: Brings a sweet counterpoint to the spice, plus helps the chicken caramelize and char perfectly.
- Smoked paprika: Adds depth and a subtle smokiness that makes grilled chicken irresistible.
- Garlic powder: For savory backbone and that unmistakable garlicky warmth.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out flavors and seasoning both the chicken and salad just right.
- Black pepper: A little bite to round out the marinade.
- Corn (fresh or thawed frozen): Sweet, juicy kernels are the star of the salad and bring a pop of sunshine to every bite.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy bursts of color and tang.
- Red onion: Finely diced for a sharp, vibrant crunch that perks up the whole salad.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped for herby brightness and a hint of citrusy aroma.
- Lime juice: The zesty, tangy dressing foundation for the corn salad.
- Chili powder: For just a hint of smoky background heat in the salad.
How to Make Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad
Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade
Start by grabbing a small bowl and whisking together the olive oil, hot sauce, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This aromatic blend sets the foundation for your Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad, infusing every bite of chicken with sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors. Don’t rush this part—the more love you put into the marinade, the bigger the payoff when you take your first bite.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Rub the marinade generously over the chicken thighs, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes, or pop it in the fridge for up to 2 hours if you have time. This not only tenderizes the meat but ensures every bite is deeply flavorful and juicy.
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, lay the marinated chicken thighs on the grates. Grill them for 5 to 6 minutes per side, aiming for those gorgeous grill marks and a little bit of char. The honey in the marinade will caramelize, creating a sticky, irresistible crust. When the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes so all those delicious juices stay put.
Step 4: Toss Together the Lime Corn Salad
While the chicken rests, it’s salad time! In a large bowl, combine the corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. In a separate small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and chili powder. Pour this vibrant dressing over the veggies and toss to coat. This salad is all about lively flavors and crunch—perfect alongside the hot honey chicken.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Plate up the grilled chicken next to a generous mound of lime corn salad. If you’re feeling extra, drizzle a little more hot honey over the top. The contrast of the spicy-glazed chicken with the zingy, fresh salad is what makes Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad so crave-worthy and unforgettable.
How to Serve Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad
Garnishes
To really make this meal pop, sprinkle some crumbled cotija cheese or diced avocado over the salad for extra richness. A handful of extra chopped cilantro or a few lime wedges on the side let everyone adjust the brightness and tang to their liking, making your Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad feel like a restaurant-worthy spread.
Side Dishes
This dish is already packed with color and flavor, but if you’re looking to round out your table, serve it with warm grilled tortillas, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad. These sides soak up the saucy goodness and give everyone more ways to enjoy every last bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-ready twist, slice the chicken and layer everything into lettuce cups or serve over a bed of mixed greens for a hearty salad bowl. You can also load the chicken and corn salad into tortillas for the ultimate summer taco night. No matter how you serve it, Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad is guaranteed to wow.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and that’s a big if!), store the chicken and salad separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping them apart preserves the texture of the salad and keeps the chicken from getting soggy.
Freezing
The grilled chicken freezes beautifully for up to two months—just wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. The corn salad is best enjoyed fresh, so skip freezing it to keep those veggies crisp and vibrant.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat or pop it in the microwave with a splash of water to keep things juicy. Give the salad a quick toss before serving, and consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime to wake up the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a great alternative, just be mindful not to overcook them since they can dry out more easily than thighs. You might want to pound them slightly for even cooking and reduce the grilling time by a minute or two per side.
How spicy is the hot honey chicken?
The heat level is pretty moderate, but you can easily adjust it. Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for extra kick, or use a milder hot sauce if you prefer things on the tamer side. Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad is all about making it your own.
Can I grill the corn for even more flavor?
Definitely! Grilling the corn before adding it to the salad gives a smoky, caramelized flavor that takes this dish to another level. Just char the ears on the grill, then cut the kernels off and proceed with the recipe.
What can I substitute for cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your thing, swap in fresh parsley or even basil for a different herbaceous note. The salad will still taste fresh and vibrant—perfect with the hot honey chicken.
Is Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for anyone with dietary restrictions. Just double-check your hot sauce and other packaged ingredients to be certain.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to shake up your dinner routine, this Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad deserves a spot at the top of your list. It’s a celebration of big, bold flavors and easy prep—perfect for sharing with friends and family. Fire up your grill, gather your favorite people, and let this dish become your new signature summer meal!
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Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad is a vibrant and flavorful summer dish featuring tender, marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and paired with a refreshing, zesty lime corn salad. The combination of spicy honey glaze with the bright, tangy salad makes for a perfect balance of sweet, heat, and freshness that’s ideal for warm-weather dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Lime Corn Salad
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn (thawed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, hot sauce, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Rub the marinade evenly over the chicken thighs. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure it is hot enough to sear the chicken properly.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on the grill. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked through, juicy, and slightly charred for that smoky flavor.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender meat.
- Prepare the Lime Corn Salad: In a large bowl, combine corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chopped cilantro. In a separate small bowl, whisk the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and chili powder, then pour this dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
- Serve: Plate the grilled hot honey chicken alongside a generous portion of the lime corn salad. For extra flavor, drizzle additional hot honey over the chicken if desired and enjoy!
Notes
- Add crumbled cotija cheese or diced avocado to the salad for enhanced richness and flavor.
- For a spicier chicken, increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like rice, grilled tortillas, or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 20 minutes to 2 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with salad
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
