If you’re looking for that perfect balance of sweet, heat, and summer freshness, look no further than Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad. Juicy, caramelized chicken glistening in spicy hot honey, paired with the irresistible pop of sweet corn, creamy avocado, and bursts of tomato—it’s a dish made for sharing under the sun, whether you’re firing up the backyard grill or looking to brighten up an everyday dinner. This is the kind of recipe you’ll crave whenever the corn’s sweet and the company’s good!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe works its magic with just a handful of wholesome, vibrant ingredients that each bring their own personality to the table. From the smoky spice rub to the fresh salad mix-ins, every element adds color, crunch, or zip to your Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad.
- Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless varieties for quick, even grilling and a perfect canvas for the hot honey glaze.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle coats the chicken, locking in moisture and helping the seasonings stick beautifully.
- Smoked Paprika: This smoky spice brings bold, woodsy flavor that makes the whole dish pop.
- Garlic Powder: Adds savory, aromatic notes without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt & Black Pepper: These trusty seasonings tie the spice rub together and make the flavors shine.
- Hot Honey: The star glaze—use store-bought or make your own by infusing honey with chili flakes for sweet, fiery perfection.
- Fresh Corn: Grilled until charred and cut off the cob, sweet corn delivers summer’s crunch in every bite.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Their juicy tanginess balances the richness of the chicken and honey.
- Avocado: Diced for creamy texture, avocado cools things down and adds healthy fats.
- Red Onion: Finely chopped for a sharp, crisp counterpoint to the salad’s other flavors.
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds herbal brightness and a pop of green to your summery salad.
- Lime Juice: Squeezed fresh for zing and acidity, bringing all the flavors together.
- Salt and Pepper (for salad): A sprinkle enhances all those bright veggie flavors.
How to Make Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry, which helps the flavorful rub stick better. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into a rich paste. Rub this mixture generously all over the chicken. Not only will this infuse the meat with big flavor, it’ll help create gorgeous grill marks!
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
Fire up your grill to medium-high heat. If you like a hint of char and smokiness (and who doesn’t?), letting it get nice and hot ensures your chicken cooks beautifully without drying out.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts directly on the grill grates and let them sizzle for about 5 to 7 minutes per side. You’re looking for those telltale grill lines and juices running clear as a sign they’re cooked through. Don’t rush flipping—the less you move the chicken, the better the caramelization.
Step 4: Glaze with Hot Honey
During the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush each piece of chicken with hot honey. Watch as it bubbles and caramelizes, forming a sticky, glossy finish that’s spicy and sweet in every bite. Be generous—this is the Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad’s signature flavor!
Step 5: Grill the Corn
While the chicken is cooking, place your shucked corn directly on the grill. Char the ears, turning occasionally for about 8 to 10 minutes, so the kernels get that gorgeous golden color and smoky flavor. Set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 6: Prepare the Sweet Corn Salad
When the corn is cool enough to handle, cut the kernels off the cobs and gather them in a large salad bowl. Add halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, finely chopped red onion, fresh chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Season with salt and pepper, then gently toss everything to combine. The colors should be as lively as the flavors!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
You’ve reached the best part—assemble your plates with slices of grilled hot honey chicken either nestled on top of the sweet corn salad or alongside. Give an extra drizzle of hot honey to amp up the heat, and you’re ready to dig into this deliciously balanced meal.
How to Serve Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, shower some extra chopped cilantro over the top of your Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad. A few lime wedges on the side brighten every bite and add a splash of color. If you like a little extra oomph, add thinly sliced chili or a sprinkle of smoked paprika right before serving for that wow factor.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you’re serving a crowd, think about offering some fluffy rice, grilled pita bread, or a simple cucumber salad on the side. Anything that can soak up the sticky hot honey glaze and balanced flavors of the salad will complement your meal without taking away from the stars of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad into skewers for a fun, appetizer-style platter, or serve the salad in lettuce cups for a hand-held twist. If you want to make it heartier, lay everything out family-style so everyone can pick their own adventure—it’s as visually stunning as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras (lucky you!), keep the chicken and the salad in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight, especially in the salad, and you’ll have a zesty lunch for tomorrow. Eat within 2 days for best texture and flavor.
Freezing
For longer-term storage, you can freeze the grilled chicken breasts (without the salad) for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or pop them in a freezer bag. The fresh veggies in the corn salad aren’t freezer-friendly, but can be quickly remade when serving again.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, thaw if frozen, and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to keep it from drying out. Avoid microwaving the salad—fresh flavors shine when chilled, so just add the salad cold right before serving.
FAQs
Can I make hot honey at home if I can’t find it in stores?
Absolutely! Just combine honey with chili flakes (or a little cayenne for extra kick), warm gently, and let it steep for 10 minutes. It’s an easy way to make your Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad truly your own.
What’s the best substitute for cilantro if I don’t like it?
If cilantro’s not your thing, swap it for fresh parsley or a bit of basil. Both herbs still deliver that burst of green and brightness, keeping the salad inviting and fresh.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Thighs are juicier and a little more forgiving on the grill. Adjust cooking time as needed, and enjoy an even richer flavor in your Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad.
How spicy will the hot honey glaze make the chicken?
The spice level really depends on the hot honey you use. Homemade versions allow you to control the heat; start mild and add more chili flakes to dial it up. Don’t forget, a little extra drizzle at serving makes it spicier, too.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your hot honey or any other pantry staples are verified gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
You’re in for a treat with Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad—every bite bursts with the flavors of summer, turning an ordinary dinner into something unforgettable. Fire up your grill while corn is sweet and fresh, and gather around the table for a meal that always brings people together. Give it a try and let it become your next go-to favorite!
Print
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad recipe is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Tender grilled chicken glazed with hot honey served with a refreshing corn salad makes for a delicious summer meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade with honey and chili flakes)
For the Sweet Corn Salad:
- 4 ears of corn (shucked)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 avocado (diced)
- ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- juice of 1 lime
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Prepare the Chicken: Mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture over the chicken breasts and grill for 5–7 minutes per side.
- Glaze with Hot Honey: Brush each chicken breast with hot honey during the last 2 minutes of grilling.
- Grill the Corn: Grill the corn for 8–10 minutes until lightly charred. Cut the kernels off the cobs.
- Make the Salad: In a bowl, combine grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.
- Serve: Serve the hot honey chicken over the sweet corn salad. Drizzle with extra hot honey if desired.
Notes
- You can make your own hot honey by warming honey with chili flakes. For extra heat, add cayenne to the chicken rub.
- The salad can be prepared ahead and chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with salad
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
