If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet heat and fresh brightness, then you’re in for a treat with this Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels both indulgent and light, combining juicy, charred chicken glazed with a tantalizing hot honey sauce alongside a vibrant, zesty sweet corn salad. Every bite bursts with contrasting flavors and textures that keep you coming back for more — truly a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role in creating a harmonious feast. From the spicy-sweet glaze to the crisp and colorful salad, these components come together effortlessly yet deliver spectacular taste and texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juicier meat or breasts if you prefer leaner cuts.
- Honey: Provides a luscious sweetness that balances the heat from the hot sauce perfectly.
- Hot sauce (like sriracha): Adds just the right kick of spice to elevate the glaze.
- Olive oil: Helps with marinating and dressing the salad, ensuring everything stays moist and flavorful.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the natural tastes.
- Fresh corn kernels: The star of the salad, offering a subtle sweetness and satisfying crunch.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bring juicy bursts of acidity and vibrant color to the salad.
- Red onion: Adds a mild pungency and crunch that rounds out the texture.
- Fresh cilantro: Infuses a fragrant herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
- Lime juice: Injects zesty citrus tang that ties all the salad flavors together.
How to Make Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze
Start by whisking together honey, hot sauce, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This glaze is the magic behind the Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad Recipe, delivering that perfect sweet-heat combo.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Brush the chicken thighs or breasts evenly with the hot honey glaze. If you have a little extra time, letting it marinate for 15 to 30 minutes allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, making every bite flavorful.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, until it’s cooked through and boasts those gorgeous char marks. The grilling step locks in juices and adds a smoky note that makes this recipe truly irresistible.
Step 4: Make the Sweet Corn Salad
While the chicken grills, toss together the fresh corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and cilantro in a large bowl. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. This salad introduces a cooling, crisp contrast that perfectly complements the warm, spicy chicken.
Step 5: Plate and Serve
Finish by serving the hot honey-glazed grilled chicken alongside a generous helping of the sweet corn salad. This simple pairing keeps the dish light but packed with vibrant, balanced flavors.
How to Serve Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like extra cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of chopped green onions can brighten the presentation and add little bursts of flavor. A wedge of lime on the side invites guests to add a final touch of zesty freshness.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the extra glaze or a light quinoa salad for some added wholesome texture. For an easy weeknight meal, consider serving it alongside steamed vegetables or a simple avocado salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the grilled chicken sliced on top of the corn salad in a vibrant bowl or as a hearty filling inside warm tortillas for a fresh taco-style dinner. These ideas make the Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad Recipe versatile enough for casual or festive occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and sweet corn salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping components separate helps maintain the salad’s crispness and prevents the chicken from becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked grilled chicken for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently. Avoid freezing the salad as fresh corn and tomatoes don’t freeze well and will become watery upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven to keep it juicy. Serve with freshly tossed corn salad to enjoy the recipe at its best even after storing.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly well. Keep an eye on the cooking time as breasts can dry out quicker than thighs. Marinating helps keep them juicy and flavorful.
Is this recipe spicy? How can I adjust the heat level?
The recipe has a mild to moderate kick due to the hot sauce in the glaze. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to your liking, or substitute with a milder chili sauce if you want less heat.
Can I make the sweet corn salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours before serving. Just keep it chilled and give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshness.
What if fresh corn isn’t available? Can I use frozen?
Frozen corn kernels are a great substitute. Make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
Can this recipe be cooked indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Definitely! You can use a grill pan or broiler to achieve a similar charred effect. Just watch closely to avoid burning the glaze since it contains honey.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that makes eating feel like a celebration. Its lively combination of sweet, spicy, and fresh flavors paired with satisfying textures will quickly earn a permanent spot in your cooking rotation. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious harmony of tastes that only a well-made chicken and fresh salad can deliver!
Print
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors paired with a fresh, vibrant corn salad. The chicken is marinated in a spicy honey glaze and grilled to juicy perfection, while the salad offers a refreshing side with fresh corn, cherry tomatoes, and zesty lime dressing. Ideal for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
Ingredients
For the Hot Honey Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (such as sriracha or your favorite)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sweet Corn Salad
- 3 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 ears) or frozen, thawed
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until combined, creating a smooth and flavorful glaze.
- Marinate the Chicken: Brush the chicken thighs or breasts evenly with the hot honey glaze. Allow the chicken to marinate for 15 to 30 minutes if time permits to infuse the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat to ensure a nice char and proper cooking of the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and a nicely charred exterior.
- Prepare the Sweet Corn Salad: While the chicken is grilling, combine the fresh corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss everything together well to mix the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the grilled hot honey chicken with a generous serving of the sweet corn salad on the side. Enjoy the perfect harmony of spicy, sweet, and fresh tastes.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer enhances the flavor but you can grill immediately if short on time.
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce or substitute with a milder chili sauce.
- Fresh corn is preferred for the salad but frozen corn works well when out of season; thaw completely before using.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly and safely.
- The salad can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving.
