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Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad

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Grilled hot honey chicken with sweet corn salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and tangy elements. Juicy grilled chicken coated in a sticky hot honey glaze pairs wonderfully with a refreshing corn salad, making it an ideal meal for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavor-packed: The hot honey glaze brings sweet heat, while the corn salad is fresh and tangy.
  • Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
  • Healthy and colorful: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies.
  • Great for grilling: Perfect for outdoor barbecues or stovetop grilling.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

  • Chicken breasts or thighs
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Hot honey (store-bought or homemade)

For the Sweet Corn Salad:

  • Fresh corn (grilled or boiled), kernels removed
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Red onion, finely diced
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • Lime juice
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Directions

this recipe

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Season the chicken:
    • Rub the chicken breasts or thighs with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Grill the chicken:
    • Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat. Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Glaze with hot honey:
    • During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with hot honey, turning to coat both sides. Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes.

Make the Sweet Corn Salad:

  1. Prepare the corn:
    • Grill fresh corn on the cob until lightly charred, or boil for 3–5 minutes. Cool slightly and cut the kernels off the cob.
  2. Combine ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, mix the corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh cilantro.
  3. Dress the salad:
    • Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, then season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.

Assemble and Serve:

  1. Plate the dish:
    • Serve the grilled hot honey chicken alongside the sweet corn salad. Drizzle additional hot honey over the chicken, if desired.
  2. Garnish:
    • Sprinkle the dish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime for added brightness.

Servings and Timing

  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Preparation time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking time: 15 minutes
  • Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Spicier chicken: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for extra heat.
  • Dairy boost: Add crumbled feta or cotija cheese to the corn salad for creaminess.
  • Vegetarian version: Substitute grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms for the chicken.
  • Herb swap: Use fresh basil or mint instead of cilantro for a different flavor profile.
  • Grain bowl: Serve over quinoa, rice, or farro for a heartier meal.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover chicken and corn salad in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The corn salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
  • Freezing: The chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. The corn salad is not suitable for freezing.

FAQs

1. What is hot honey?

Hot honey is a combination of honey and chili, offering a balance of sweetness and heat. It can be store-bought or made by mixing honey with chili flakes or hot sauce.

2. Can I use frozen corn for the salad?

Yes, thawed and cooked frozen corn works well as a substitute for fresh corn.

3. How do I keep the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Brush the grill grates with oil or use a non-stick grill spray before cooking.

4. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, brushing with hot honey during the last 5 minutes.

5. How do I make this dish milder?

Reduce the amount of hot honey or use regular honey instead.

6. What other vegetables can I add to the salad?

Bell peppers, cucumbers, or avocado make excellent additions.

7. Can I make the hot honey ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it in advance and store it in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

8. What’s the best way to grill corn?

Brush the corn with olive oil and grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until charred.

9. Can I substitute lime juice?

Lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar works as a substitute.

10. How do I adjust the sweetness of the dish?

Use more or less honey in the glaze and taste the salad dressing before adding.

Conclusion

Grilled hot honey chicken with sweet corn salad is a deliciously bold and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet, spicy chicken and tangy corn salad creates a harmonious meal that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Fire up your grill and enjoy this flavorful dish today!

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Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad is a flavorful and fresh dish perfect for summer grilling. Juicy chicken is brushed with a spicy-sweet glaze, paired with a vibrant corn salad featuring fresh veggies and a zesty lime dressing. It’s a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make meal!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • For the Hot Honey Chicken:
    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/3 cup honey
    • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Sriracha or your favorite)
    • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • For the Sweet Corn Salad:
    • 3 ears fresh corn, kernels removed (or 2 cups frozen, thawed)
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
    • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
    • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
    • Juice of 1 lime
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    • In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture over the chicken breasts or thighs.
    • In another bowl, combine honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using) to make the hot honey glaze. Set aside.
  2. Grill the Chicken:
    • Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken generously with the hot honey glaze.
  3. Make the Sweet Corn Salad:
    • In a large bowl, combine the corn, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro or parsley.
    • Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then toss to combine.
  4. Serve:
    • Plate the grilled hot honey chicken alongside the sweet corn salad. Drizzle additional hot honey over the chicken for extra flavor, if desired.

Notes

  • Use a grill or stovetop griddle for cooking the chicken.
  • For added sweetness, grill the corn before cutting off the kernels.
  • Substitute honey with maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.

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