Introduction
If you’re craving that perfect combo of sweet, spicy, and smoky, this Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad is your new go-to. Imagine juicy, charred chicken glazed with a sticky, fiery honey sauce that sings with every bite. Paired with a fresh, crunchy sweet corn salad that balances the heat with a burst of bright, summery flavors—trust me, this one’s a total flavor bomb.
It’s the kind of meal that feels like a backyard BBQ party even if you’re just dining at your kitchen table. Simple to make but full of personality, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for weeknights but fancy enough for guests. Ready to impress? Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. From casual dinners to weekend cookouts, here’s why it rocks:
Versatile: Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend feast.
Budget-Friendly: Uses easy-to-find ingredients without skimping on flavor.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and grilling time—ideal for busy days.
Customizable: Crank up the heat or tone it down with the honey-to-chile ratio.
Crowd-Pleasing: Sweet, spicy, and fresh—the perfect balance that everyone will love.
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Ingredients in Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad
Let’s break down the star players of this vibrant dish:
Chicken Thighs or Breasts
Juicy, tender, and perfect for soaking up that sticky hot honey glaze.
Hot Honey
Sweet honey meets spicy chili—think sticky, fiery goodness that caramelizes on the grill.
Garlic & Smoked Paprika
Add smoky depth and a savory punch to the chicken marinade.
Fresh Corn
Sweet, crisp kernels that bring freshness and crunch to the salad.
Cherry Tomatoes
Juicy bursts of color and flavor to brighten the salad.
Red Onion
Adds a little sharpness and bite that balances the sweet corn.
Cilantro or Parsley
Fresh herbs that lift the salad with vibrant green notes.
Lime Juice
A zesty splash to brighten and tie all the flavors together.
Olive Oil
For grilling and dressing the salad with a rich, fruity finish.
Salt & Pepper
To season everything just right.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Time to grill and chill:
Marinate the Chicken
Mix hot honey, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken thoroughly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Salad
In a bowl, toss fresh corn, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and herbs. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, season with salt and pepper.
Grill the Chicken
Heat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high. Cook the chicken about 5-7 minutes per side until charred at the edges and cooked through, brushing with extra hot honey during the last few minutes for that sticky glaze.
Plate and Serve
Serve the hot honey-glazed chicken alongside a generous scoop of the sweet corn salad. Garnish with extra herbs or a lime wedge if you like.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes (or more if you have time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
How to Serve Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad
This combo is a star all on its own, but here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
With Grilled Veggies: Peppers, zucchini, or asparagus add a smoky sidekick.
Over Rice or Quinoa: Turn it into a hearty bowl for extra satisfaction.
With Warm Tortillas: Make it a casual taco night with a drizzle of hot honey.
Add Avocado: Creamy slices cool down the heat and add richness.
With a Light White Wine: Something crisp like Sauvignon Blanc complements the spicy-sweet notes.
Additional Tips
Don’t Skip the Marinade: It amps up flavor and keeps chicken juicy.
Use a Thermometer: Chicken is done at 165°F for perfect doneness.
Adjust Heat: Add more chili flakes or use a hotter honey if you want extra spice.
Make Ahead: The salad can be tossed together a few hours ahead and chilled.
Keep Honey Handy: Brush the chicken with honey again right before serving for extra shine and flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes! Just be careful not to overcook since breasts cook faster and can dry out.
Q2: How spicy is the hot honey?
A2: It’s got a mild to medium kick—you can adjust by adding more or less chili.
Q3: Can I make this indoors?
A3: Absolutely! Use a grill pan or broil in the oven for similar results.
Q4: Can I use frozen corn?
A4: Yes, just thaw and drain well before adding to the salad.
Q5: How long can I store leftovers?
A5: Keep chicken and salad separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Q6: Can I prepare the salad without onion?
A6: For sure! You can omit or substitute with green onions or shallots.
Q7: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A7: Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Q8: Can I make this vegan?
A8: Swap chicken for grilled tofu or cauliflower steaks and use vegan honey alternatives.
Q9: What’s the best way to reheat the chicken?
A9: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to keep it juicy.
Q10: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
A10: Definitely! Just make sure your grill or pan can accommodate the extra chicken.
Conclusion
There you have it—Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad, a knockout combo that’s sweet, spicy, fresh, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend cookout or simply craving a flavorful, easy meal, this recipe delivers big on taste and vibes. So grab that honey, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s juicy, crunchy, and bursting with summer goodness. Cheers to delicious!
Print
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Spicy and sweet grilled chicken glazed with hot honey, served alongside a refreshing sweet corn salad with fresh herbs and lime. Perfect for summer meals.
Ingredients
-
- 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
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Brush chicken evenly with the hot honey glaze. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes if time allows.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side or until cooked through and nicely charred.
- While chicken grills, combine corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss well.
- Serve grilled chicken with a generous helping of sweet corn salad on the side.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, char corn on the grill before mixing salad.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity for desired heat level.
- Substitute cilantro with fresh parsley if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with salad
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg