Hot Honey Grilled Chicken: A Spicy and Sweet Delight

Get ready to elevate your outdoor dining game with this mouthwatering recipe for Grilled Hot Honey Chicken. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors in the hot honey glaze creates a tantalizing experience for your taste buds. Pair it with a zesty lime corn salad, and you’ve got yourself a winning dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings.

I stumbled upon this Grilled Hot Honey Chicken recipe by accident, and it has since become a staple at my family’s table during the warmer months. The succulent chicken thighs marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and hot honey are a true crowd-pleaser. And let’s not forget the vibrant lime corn salad with its creamy texture and refreshing taste – it’s the ideal complement to the flavorful chicken.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe is sure to impress. With a little prep ahead of time, you can let the flavors meld together for an even more delectable meal. So fire up the grill, whip up this Grilled Hot Honey Chicken, and get ready to savor every bite of this irresistible dish.

Quick Benefits

• Flavorful and Indulgent: The sweet-spicy glaze on juicy chicken thighs paired with bright lime corn salad is a delightful combination that feels both indulgent and refreshing.
• Convenient for Meal Prep: The chicken marinade improves with time, allowing you to marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for maximum flavor development. The corn salad can be assembled ahead, making it perfect for planning.
• Versatile and Customizable: This recipe welcomes variations based on preferences. Boneless chicken breasts can be used, and additional ingredients like avocado, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers can be added to the corn salad. Dairy-free options are also suggested to cater to different dietary needs.
• Easy Cooking Options: The chicken can be cooked on a grill pan, in the oven, or on an outdoor grill, offering flexibility for different cooking environments.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Grilled Chicken: A Spicy and Sweet Delight Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The sweet-spicy glaze on the juicy chicken thighs combined with the bright and creamy lime corn salad creates a flavor explosion that is both indulgent and refreshing.
• Easy and Impressive: Perfect for outdoor dinners or gatherings, this recipe is impressive yet easy to prepare, making it a great go-to dish for entertaining friends and family.
• Versatile and Customizable: This recipe offers plenty of room for customization. Swap chicken thighs for breasts, add extra veggies to the corn salad, or adjust the spice level of the hot honey to suit your taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The marinade improves with time, allowing for meal prep up to 24 hours in advance. The corn salad can be assembled a few hours earlier, offering flexibility for busy schedules.
• Beautiful Presentation: Serve the grilled hot honey chicken and lime corn salad family-style for a beautiful presentation. Guests can customize their dish with extra hot honey or lime wedges, adding to the interactive dining experience.
• Pairing Options: Complete the meal with a simple green salad or grilled sourdough bread to soak up the delicious juices. Consider pairing it with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a delightful dining experience.
• Ingredient Accessibility: Most ingredients are readily available at grocery stores. Hot honey can be purchased or easily made at home with honey and chili flakes, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delectable dish.

Ingredients for Hot Honey Grilled Chicken: A Spicy and Sweet Delight

Hot Honey Chicken

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons hot honey
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Corn Salad

• ¼ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated lime zest
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 6 ears of sweet corn, kernels removed from the cob
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

How to Make Hot Honey Grilled Chicken: A Spicy and Sweet Delight

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

Transfer the chicken to a glass dish or resealable bag. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, hot honey, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour the marinade over the chicken and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

Step 2: Grill Chicken

Preheat the grill on high. Grill the chicken for 5 minutes until it easily flips. Grill for another 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with hot honey.

Step 3: Prepare Corn Salad

Combine corn, green onions, and cilantro in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and pepper. Stir the sour cream mixture into the corn mixture until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the grilled chicken with the corn salad. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing meal!

Storage Tips

After preparing the Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad, it’s essential to store any leftovers properly to maintain their flavors. If there are any remaining portions, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken and corn salad can be stored separately for best results. The chicken should be consumed within 3-4 days, while the corn salad can be enjoyed within 2-3 days to ensure freshness.

For longer storage, you can freeze the grilled chicken for up to 2-3 months. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to enjoy it at its best quality. However, the corn salad is best enjoyed fresh due to its vibrant flavors and textures. Reheating the corn salad may cause the ingredients to become mushy and lose their crunch.

To reheat the grilled hot honey chicken, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can gently reheat the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the chicken. Remember to adjust seasonings as needed and add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to revive the flavors before serving. By storing and reheating the dish correctly, you can continue to enjoy the delicious flavors of the Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad even after the initial preparation.

Ingredient Substitutions

For potential ingredient substitutions in this Grilled Hot Honey Chicken recipe, you can swap boneless chicken breasts for thighs, ensuring to adjust cooking time to prevent dryness. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh basil or parsley can be used instead to provide a different herbaceous flavor. For a dairy-free option, consider using coconut cream or plant-based sour cream in place of regular sour cream to maintain the creaminess of the dressing.

In case fresh sweet corn is not available, frozen or canned corn can be used as a substitute without compromising the overall flavor of the dish. If you prefer less spiciness, you can reduce the amount of hot honey or mix it with regular honey. Conversely, for those who enjoy more heat, adding extra hot honey or a pinch of chili flakes can increase the spiciness level to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this grilled hot honey chicken with lime corn salad by arranging the juicy chicken thighs on a platter alongside the vibrant corn salad. Provide lime wedges and a side of extra hot honey for guests to customize their flavors. For added color and nutrients, consider garnishing with diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. Pair this dish with a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a delightful outdoor dinner experience.

To make this meal even more inviting, serve it family-style with a side of grilled sourdough bread or a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon. The combination of sweet-spicy chicken and creamy corn salad is sure to impress your guests and make for a memorable summer gathering. Don’t forget to marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor infusion and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!

FAQs for Hot Honey Grilled Chicken: A Spicy and Sweet Delight

Can I substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs in this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts can be used as a substitute for thighs. Just be mindful of the cooking time as breasts may cook faster and dry out if overcooked. Remove them from heat when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh sweet corn?

Yes, if fresh sweet corn is not available, frozen or canned corn can be used as a substitute in this recipe.

Can I prepare the chicken and corn salad in advance?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance and prepare the corn salad a few hours before serving. Store the salad in the fridge until you’re ready to serve the meal.

How can I adjust the spiciness level of the dish?

To make the dish less spicy, you can reduce the amount of hot honey or mix it with regular honey. For a spicier kick, add more hot honey or a pinch of chili flakes to suit your taste preferences.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Lime Corn Salad becomes a favorite in your household, just as it has in mine. The flavors of the sweet-spicy chicken paired with the fresh and vibrant corn salad are truly a match made in culinary heaven. Remember, feel free to customize this dish to suit your tastes and dietary preferences – the possibilities are endless!

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, Grilled Hot Honey Chicken is sure to impress. The tender, juicy chicken combined with the zesty lime corn salad is a delightful culinary experience that will have everyone coming back for more. So fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and enjoy this delicious meal together. Cheers to creating unforgettable moments around the table with this delectable Grilled Hot Honey Chicken dish!

Hot Honey Grilled Chicken: A Spicy and Sweet Delight

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken: Juicy thighs with a sweet-spicy glaze paired with a bright, creamy lime corn salad, a perfect summer staple.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time30 Minutes

Cook Time15 Minutes

Total Time45 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

Hot Honey Chicken

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons hot honey
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Corn Salad

• ¼ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated lime zest
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 6 ears of sweet corn, kernels removed from the cob
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

Instructions

1. Marinate Chicken: Transfer the chicken to a glass dish or resealable bag. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, hot honey, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour the marinade over the chicken and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
2. Grill Chicken: Preheat the grill on high. Grill the chicken for 5 minutes until it easily flips. Grill for another 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with hot honey.
3. Prepare Corn Salad: Combine corn, green onions, and cilantro in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and pepper. Stir the sour cream mixture into the corn mixture until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the grilled chicken with the corn salad. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing meal!