If you’re craving a combination of smoky, sweet heat and crisp, zesty freshness, Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad is your ticket to home-cooked bliss. This summer-inspired dish pairs juicy, fire-kissed chicken glazed in bold hot honey with a vibrant, citrusy corn salad that’s as cheerful on the plate as it is on the palate. Every bite delivers a harmony of flavors—spice, sweetness, tang, and crunch—making it a star choice for any barbecue, weeknight dinner, or celebratory cookout. Trust me, once you try it, Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad will become an instant favorite in your recipe rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad pulls its weight, from the bold seasonings on the chicken to the bright pops of flavor in the salad. The list is refreshingly short—making prep a breeze—but each item works its magic for taste, color, or texture.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite cut—breasts for lean and tender, thighs for extra juiciness.
- Olive oil: Adds richness, helps spices stick, and prevents sticking on the grill.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness that echoes the grill’s char.
- Garlic powder: Offers mellow, savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out every ingredient’s best qualities.
- Black pepper: Adds mild heat and rounds out the chicken’s seasoning.
- Hot honey: The star glaze, offering sweet heat that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Corn kernels: Sweet, crisp, and perfectly suited for summer—fresh, grilled, or even frozen (thawed).
- Cherry tomatoes: Little bursts of juicy brightness that keep each bite lively and colorful.
- Red onion: Finely diced for a sharp, tangy crunch that complements the chicken and salad.
- Fresh cilantro: Brings a refreshing herbal note and gorgeous green flecks.
- Lime juice: The fresh squeeze that wakes up the salad with zesty acidity.
- Extra olive oil: Makes the salad luscious and helps all the flavors meld.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste, bringing balance to the salad’s flavors.
How to Make Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
First, you want your chicken to soak up all those gorgeous flavors. In a large bowl, toss your chicken pieces with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper—massage it all together so every bit is coated in spice. If you have a little extra time, cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This marinating step is optional, but it takes your Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad to a new level of savory goodness.
Step 2: Preheat and Grill
Fire up your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, lay the chicken down and let it sizzle! Grill each piece for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until cooked through with beautifully charred grill marks. The goal here is juicy meat with a crispy outside—so don’t rush, and avoid flipping too early.
Step 3: Brush with Hot Honey
When your chicken is just about done—roughly 1 or 2 minutes from finishing—brush it generously with hot honey. The heat from the grill will caramelize the honey almost instantly, forming a tantalizingly sticky, glossy glaze. Flip once to coat both sides if you’d like. This is where the “hot honey” magic really happens!
Step 4: Let the Chicken Rest
After grilling, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This slight pause gives the juices a chance to settle, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful and making Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad even more irresistible.
Step 5: Make the Lime Corn Salad
While the chicken rests, grab a large bowl and combine corn, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, chopped fresh cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss until everything is well-mixed and glistening. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The salad should be super fresh, tangy, and slightly sweet—like summer in a bowl.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Slice the rested grilled chicken. Serve it over generous mounds of lime corn salad on each plate. If you’re craving a bit more heat or sweetness, drizzle with extra hot honey, add more cilantro, or squeeze an extra wedge of lime over the top. The result: a colorful, craveworthy meal that truly lives up to the name Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad.
How to Serve Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad
Garnishes
Brighten the finished dish with a scattering of chopped fresh cilantro, a few thin rings of red chili, and some extra lime wedges on the side. Not only does this add color and flavor, but it’s also a lovely, welcoming touch for your table.
Side Dishes
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad shines all on its own, but for a heartier meal, try serving it with fluffy white rice, nutty quinoa, or velvety slices of ripe avocado. A crusty piece of sourdough bread is also perfect to mop up any drips of honey and lime dressing.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Arrange the salad as a bed on a large shared platter, then fan out sliced chicken on top and drizzle with streaks of hot honey. For a picnic or BBQ, tuck everything into tacos or pita pockets, or serve Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad in individual mason jars for a fun, portable twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers should be cooled to room temperature first, then stored in airtight containers in the fridge. Keep the chicken and corn salad separate if possible to maintain the salad’s crunch and chicken’s texture. Your Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad will taste just as fabulous the next day!
Freezing
While the chicken itself freezes nicely (wrapped well or in a freezer bag for up to three months), the corn salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you must, freeze only the chicken and whip up a fresh salad on the day you serve.
Reheating
To enjoy again, reheat chicken gently in a skillet or in the microwave until just warmed through—avoid high heat to keep it tender. Sprinkle a few drops of water over the chicken before reheating to keep it moist, and always serve it with freshly tossed lime corn salad for the ideal Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad experience.
FAQs
Can I make hot honey at home?
Absolutely! Just warm 1/4 cup honey with 1–2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes until well combined. It’s fast, easy, and lets you control the heat level for your perfect Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad.
What type Main Course
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs both grill beautifully for this recipe. Thighs are especially juicy and forgiving, while breasts offer a leaner option—choose what you love!
Can I use frozen corn for the salad?
Yes! Frozen corn (thawed, of course) is a fantastic stand-in when fresh isn’t available. For extra flavor, quickly pan-sear or grill the kernels before adding to the salad.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It sure is! Every ingredient in Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
How spicy is the hot honey glaze?
The beauty of hot honey is that it’s totally customizable—start with a mild drizzle if you’re heat-shy, or amp it up to your liking. The sweetness balances the spice, so even those wary of spicy foods often love this glaze!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels like sunshine on a plate and delivers bold, unforgettable flavor, give Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad a try. One sizzling bite, and you’ll see why it’s quickly become a staple in my kitchen—here’s to many delicious meals ahead!
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Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time if desired)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad is a perfect summer dish that combines smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. Tender grilled chicken brushed with hot honey is served alongside a refreshing lime corn salad.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
For the lime corn salad:
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or frozen and thawed)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely diced)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for extra flavor.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat grill over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side. Brush with hot honey in the last 1–2 minutes.
- Prepare the salad: In a bowl, combine corn, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Serve: Slice chicken and serve over the lime corn salad. Drizzle with extra hot honey if desired.
Notes
- To make hot honey at home, warm 1/4 cup honey with 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or avocado for a heartier meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
