Get ready to elevate your meal game with this Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad! The chicken is perfectly grilled, brushed with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze that gives it an irresistible sticky, smoky finish. Paired with a refreshing lime corn salad, this dish balances heat and freshness in the best possible way. Trust me, this one will make you feel like a grill master in no time—and it’s a total crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad
- Sweet Meets Heat: The hot honey glaze on the chicken brings that perfect blend of sweet and spicy that’s just hard to beat.
- Fresh and Vibrant: The lime corn salad is light, zesty, and packed with fresh ingredients that make every bite a refreshing surprise.
- Grilled Perfection: That smoky grilled flavor makes this dish feel like a special treat, but it’s simple enough for any weeknight.
- Colorful & Flavorful: From the golden honey-glazed chicken to the vibrant lime corn salad, this meal is as beautiful as it is tasty.
- Perfectly Balanced: The spicy-sweet chicken pairs perfectly with the citrusy, crunchy corn salad, making every bite feel like the ideal combination of flavors.
Ingredients in Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dish:
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Bone-in or boneless—either works, but thighs add extra juiciness.
- Hot Honey: Sweet with a kick, this is the glaze that brings everything together.
- Olive Oil: For brushing and grilling.
- Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic to season the chicken.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a mild smoky flavor that complements the hot honey.
- Cayenne Pepper: For a little extra heat in the glaze.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
For the Lime Corn Salad:
- Fresh Corn: Grilled or boiled (fresh is key for maximum flavor!).
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds color and a bit of sweetness.
- Cilantro: Fresh, bright herb for a burst of flavor.
- Green Onions: Sliced thin for a mild, fresh onion flavor.
- Lime: The juice brings brightness and tang to the salad.
- Olive Oil: To help bring everything together.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s get grilling! Here’s how to make this delicious meal:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness), or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). While the chicken is grilling, baste it generously with hot honey during the last few minutes of cooking for that perfect glaze. Once done, remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Lime Corn Salad
While the chicken is grilling, make the lime corn salad. If using fresh corn on the cob, grill it for 10 minutes until lightly charred, or boil the corn if preferred. Once done, cut the kernels off the cob and place them in a large bowl.
Add chopped red bell pepper, cilantro, sliced green onions, and a drizzle of olive oil to the corn. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until it’s well combined.
Step 4: Serve
Slice the grilled hot honey chicken and serve alongside the lime corn salad. This meal is perfect for a fresh, flavorful dinner that hits all the right notes.
How to Serve Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad
- Serve it as a Complete Meal: This dish is hearty and flavorful enough to be served on its own. Just plate the grilled chicken and corn salad for a satisfying, balanced dinner.
- Pair with a Side of Rice: Serve over a bed of cilantro-lime rice or even quinoa for an extra filling meal.
- Top with Extras: Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta or avocado slices to the salad for an extra creamy, rich twist.
Additional Tips
- Add Some Spice: If you like things extra hot, add a chopped jalapeño or some chili flakes to the corn salad for added heat.
- Grill the Corn: For extra flavor, grill the corn on the cob before cutting it off. This will give the salad a lovely smoky touch.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the lime corn salad a few hours in advance. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
- Use Chicken Thighs: For juicier, more flavorful chicken, opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 450mg
Total Carbohydrates: 23g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 32g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen corn for the salad?
A1: Fresh corn is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but if frozen corn is all you have, it’ll work just fine. Just make sure to thaw it before using.
Q2: Can I make the hot honey glaze ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make the hot honey glaze a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat it before using.
Q3: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A3: Yes! You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just be mindful of the cooking time as breasts tend to cook faster.
Q4: What if I don’t have a grill?
A4: No worries! You can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or in the oven. Just cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q5: Can I make this salad spicier?
A5: Yes! If you like things spicy, add chopped jalapeños or chili flakes to the corn salad or drizzle extra hot honey on top of the chicken.
Q6: Can I add other vegetables to the corn salad?
A6: Definitely! You can throw in some diced avocado, cucumber, or even cherry tomatoes for extra freshness.
Q7: How long can I store the leftover chicken?
A7: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently to maintain its moisture.
Q8: Can I substitute the hot honey with regular honey?
A8: Yes, you can substitute regular honey if you prefer less heat. If you like a little spice, try adding a small amount of cayenne or chili powder to the regular honey.
Q9: Can I make this recipe with pork instead of chicken?
A9: Yes! Pork chops or tenderloin would work wonderfully with the hot honey glaze.
Q10: Can I use frozen grilled corn?
A10: If you have frozen grilled corn, go ahead and use it! Just make sure it’s thawed and cooked properly for the best texture.
Conclusion
This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad is the ultimate combination of sweet, spicy, smoky, and fresh. With juicy grilled chicken coated in that irresistible hot honey glaze and a bright, tangy lime corn salad to balance it out, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling for a summer BBQ or prepping a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious explosion of flavors!
PrintGrilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad is a perfect summer dish featuring tender, smoky grilled chicken glazed with sweet and spicy hot honey, paired with a refreshing, tangy lime corn salad. It’s a bold combination of flavors that’s sure to please! The grilled chicken and zesty corn salad make this meal a crowd-pleaser, perfect for BBQs, meal prep, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Grilled Hot Honey Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup hot honey (or regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
For the Lime Corn Salad:
- 3 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. - Grill the Chicken:
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). - Make the Hot Honey Glaze:
While the chicken is grilling, mix the hot honey, apple cider vinegar (if using), and lime juice in a small bowl. Once the chicken is done, brush the hot honey glaze generously on the chicken while it’s still on the grill, allowing it to caramelize slightly for 1-2 minutes. - Prepare the Lime Corn Salad:
If using fresh corn, grill the corn until slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes, and then cut the kernels off the cob. For frozen corn, simply thaw and sauté it for a few minutes until warm. In a large bowl, combine the corn, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is well coated. - Serve:
Serve the grilled hot honey chicken alongside the lime corn salad. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- If you prefer milder chicken, reduce the amount of hot honey or use regular honey for a sweet glaze.
- You can substitute the corn with grilled vegetables for a different variation of the salad.
- For a smoky flavor in the corn salad, try grilling the corn instead of sautéing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with 1/4 of the corn salad
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg