If you’re seeking a dish that brings vibrant summer flavors straight to your plate with minimal fuss, let me introduce you to Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad. This colorful recipe is all about smoky grilled chicken glazed in addictively sweet-spicy hot honey, paired with a refreshing, zesty corn salad. Every bite is juicy, tangy, and bursting with seasonal goodness, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for everything from backyard cookouts to relaxed weeknight dinners. Trust me, once you’ve tried Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad, it’ll quickly become one of your top-requested meals!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is hand-picked for ease and maximum flavor. Simple pantry staples and fresh produce come together to create magic—that irresistible balance of sweet, heat, and zing you crave in a Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose boneless, skinless cuts for juicy, speedy grilling and easy slicing.
- Olive oil: Helps the spice rub cling to the chicken and adds richness to both the chicken and salad.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a subtle, smoky backbone that pairs perfectly with the grill.
- Garlic powder: Infuses bold, savory notes throughout the chicken.
- Onion powder: Adds a mellow punch and balances sweetness in the glaze and salad.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps every bite perfectly seasoned.
- Black pepper: For that warm, peppery kick.
- Honey: The star of your hot honey glaze, bringing sticky sweetness.
- Hot sauce: Customize the spice level—choose your favorite and adjust as needed for your heat preference.
- Apple cider vinegar: Offers a tangy sharpness that cuts through the sweetness and hot sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For an extra layer of heat and a pretty, speckled finish to the glaze.
- Corn kernels: Pick fresh, grilled, or even frozen and thawed for a pop of sweetness and crunch.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and colorful, they brighten up the salad beautifully.
- Cucumber: Adds cool, crisp contrast—so refreshing with spicy chicken.
- Red onion: Finely chopped for a hint of sharpness and gorgeous color.
- Fresh cilantro: Brings fresh, herbal zip; swap for parsley if you prefer.
- Lime juice: The hero ingredient in the salad dressing for ultimate freshness and zing.
- Olive oil (for salad): Ties the salad ingredients together and adds even more lusciousness.
- Salt and pepper (for salad): Adjust to taste to finish the salad just right.
How to Make Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start things off by creating a bold, flavorful marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add your chicken, then use your hands or tongs to toss until every piece is evenly coated. For best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes—you can go longer for deeper flavor if time allows.
Step 2: Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze
While the chicken soaks up all that seasoning, make your hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, mix together honey, hot sauce (adjusting to your preferred spice level), apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a real kick. Warm gently over low heat just until the glaze comes together and is silky-smooth, then set aside. This is what makes the Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad absolutely unforgettable!
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high so it’s nice and hot. Place your chicken on the grill grates and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until you see those gorgeous grill marks and the chicken is cooked through (a juicy 165°F inside). During the last minute or two, slather on the hot honey glaze and let the heat work its magic—those sticky-sweet-spicy flavors will caramelize beautifully. Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to keep all the juices locked in.
Step 4: Make the Lime Corn Salad
While the chicken rests, toss together your salad. In a medium bowl, combine corn, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro. Drizzle everything with fresh lime juice and a little olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Give it all a gentle toss to make sure lime and olive oil coat every bite. If you want even more flavor, grilling the corn first adds a fantastic charred sweetness!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange your lime corn salad on a platter, then slice the grilled hot honey chicken and lay it on top or alongside the salad. Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and sticky with glaze. Honestly, the contrast of hot, spicy chicken and cool, crunchy salad is out of this world—Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad is summer eating at its best!
How to Serve Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad
Garnishes
To finish with flair, sprinkle extra fresh cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, or a light dusting of red chili flakes across your finished dish. A few lime wedges on the side invite everyone to add even more zing if they’d like. These simple finishing touches elevate the Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad and add gorgeous color.
Side Dishes
As satisfying as this dish is on its own, it also pairs nicely with sides like fluffy rice, warm tortillas, or even a wedge of grilled bread to soak up all that delicious hot honey glaze. For extra veggie power, serve alongside a platter of grilled summer squash or a simple leafy green salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this meal into a fun DIY taco night by serving the chicken and corn salad with soft tortillas and all your favorite taco toppings. Or, make things elegant by plating individual portions atop a bed of arugula or baby greens for an instant dinner-party showstopper. However you present it, Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad is bound to steal the spotlight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and salad in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them separate preserves both the juicy texture of the chicken and the zippy crunch of the salad. Whenever hunger strikes, Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad makes an unbeatable next-day lunch!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze the chicken, slice it first and store in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag for up to two months. While the lime corn salad doesn’t freeze well (fresh veggies lose their snap), you can make extra hot honey chicken for future easy meals—just defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. For best results, brush with a little extra hot honey glaze before reheating to bring back that glossy, sticky finish. The salad is best served cold or at room temperature to maintain its fresh crunch, so let it sit out for a few minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and a bit more forgiving on the grill, but breasts are lean and just as tasty when not overcooked. Whichever you choose, just keep a close eye on grill time.
How spicy is the hot honey glaze?
The hot honey glaze’s spice level is totally customizable. Use more or less hot sauce and skip the red pepper flakes if you’re heat-shy, or go all in if you love things fiery. Tasting and adjusting as you go is the secret to your perfect Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad!
Can I make Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad indoors?
You bet! Use a stovetop grill pan or even a regular skillet if you need to. While you’ll miss a bit of that smoky grill flavor, the marinade and glaze still deliver tons of character. Finish with a quick broil if you want extra caramelization.
What if I don’t have fresh corn?
Frozen and thawed corn works perfectly if fresh isn’t in season. You can even grill or char the kernels in a skillet to mimic a fresh-from-the-cob vibe. The beauty of Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad is how flexible it can be with what’s on hand.
How can I make this dish even more filling?
To bulk it up, layer the chicken and corn salad over a bowl of fluffy rice or quinoa. You could also add avocado slices, black beans, crumbled feta, or extra grilled vegetables for a heartier meal—so many possibilities to love!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dig into Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad—every time I make it, it reminds me just how simple and joyful good food can be. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe brings everyone to the table with a smile. Give it a try soon and let the flavors speak for themselves!
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Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad is a delightful combination of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors. The tender grilled chicken is coated in a sticky hot honey glaze, served alongside a refreshing lime corn salad. Perfect for a summer dinner or any time you’re craving a flavorful grilled meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- ¼ cup honey
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Lime Corn Salad:
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or frozen and thawed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup diced cucumber
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss chicken to coat and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Make the Hot Honey Glaze: Combine honey, hot sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan over low heat. Warm until smooth and set aside.
- Grill the Chicken: Grill chicken over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side. Brush with hot honey glaze during the last 1–2 minutes. Let rest before slicing.
- Prepare the Lime Corn Salad: Combine corn, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro. Drizzle with lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
- Serve: Serve sliced hot honey chicken over lime corn salad or alongside it.
Notes
- For extra flavor, grill the corn before cutting it off the cob.
- You can substitute parsley for cilantro or add avocado for a creamier texture.
- This dish is great for meal prep or summer entertaining.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
