If you are craving a dish that perfectly marries spicy, sweet, and fresh flavors, this Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. The juicy grilled chicken glazed with a luscious hot honey sauce pairs beautifully with a crisp, vibrant sweet corn salad bursting with fresh tomatoes, cucumber, and a hint of lime. This dish feels like summer on a plate and is simple enough to whip up on any weeknight or impressively delicious for your next gathering. Every bite delivers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtful ingredients. Each element plays a key role: the spices bring warmth and depth to the chicken, the hot honey adds a sweet kick, and the fresh vegetables make the salad bright and lively. Together, these ingredients ensure every component shines.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite cut for juicy, tender meat that grills beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a golden sear on the chicken and a silky dressing on the salad.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth to the chicken seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky warmth that complements the grill flavors perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: For just a touch of sharpness.
- ¼ cup hot honey: This sweet and spicy glaze is the star that makes the chicken irresistible.
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels: The heart of the salad, bringing sweetness and crunch. Fresh is best, but frozen works too.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Juicy pops of color and acidity.
- ½ cup cucumber (diced): Adds refreshing coolness.
- ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped): A little bite to contrast the sweetness.
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped): Bright herbal notes brighten the salad.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Lifts the salad with zesty freshness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To bring the salad elements into perfect harmony.
How to Make Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Grill and Chicken
Start by heating your grill or grill pan to medium-high. This heat level is perfect for getting those beautiful grill marks and locking in juices. Meanwhile, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This flavorful rub ensures your chicken is seasoned evenly with a smoky, savory base that sets the tone for everything else.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken Until Perfection
Rub the seasoning mixture all over your chicken breasts or thighs, making sure every surface is coated. Place the chicken on your hot grill and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This careful cooking ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy, not dried out.
Step 3: Glaze with Hot Honey
During the final 1 to 2 minutes, generously brush the hot honey over the chicken. The residual heat will caramelize the honey slightly, creating an irresistible sticky glaze that adds sweetness with a spicy zing. Remove the chicken from heat and pretend you have a little patience—let it rest for 5 minutes to keep those juices locked in.
Step 4: Toss Together the Sweet Corn Salad
While the chicken is grilling, mix corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and fresh herbs in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, squeeze in lime juice, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything gently so every bite is infused with bright, fresh flavors and a satisfying crunch that complements your grilled chicken perfectly.
Step 5: Plate and Serve
With everything ready, serve each piece of grilled hot honey chicken alongside a generous scoop of the sweet corn salad. The combination of spicy, sweet, smoky chicken and crisp, tangy salad makes this plate a celebration of summer in every bite.
How to Serve Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the chicken and salad to add a burst of color and aroma. You can also add a few lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty squeeze just before eating.
Side Dishes
This grilled hot honey chicken shines best with simple sides. Consider serving it with warm crusty bread to soak up any extra glaze or a light quinoa or wild rice salad for some additional wholesome texture. Grilled vegetables or a creamy avocado salad also pair wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your meal into a festive feast by serving the chicken sliced over a bed of the sweet corn salad on a large platter, perfect for sharing. Alternatively, stuff the chicken slices and salad into warm tortillas for a fun twist on tacos with a sweet and spicy kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled hot honey chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sweet corn salad separate to maintain its crispness and freshness.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze the chicken, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. The salad, however, is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can alter its texture significantly.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, adding a little water or olive oil to prevent drying out. Serve again with fresh or refrigerated corn salad for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen corn for the sweet corn salad?
Yes! Frozen corn works wonderfully if fresh corn is out of season. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
What exactly is hot honey?
Hot honey is simply honey infused with chili or red pepper flakes, combining sweetness with a spicy kick that livens up many dishes, including this grilled chicken.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for anyone avoiding gluten.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat intensity depends on the amount of red pepper flakes in your hot honey. Store-bought versions vary, so taste and adjust accordingly, or make your own to control the spice level.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The chicken and salad can both be prepared ahead of time and stored separately. Just add the hot honey glaze and toss the salad fresh when ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that balances just the right amounts of spice, sweetness, and refreshing crunch. It’s simple, wholesome, and deliciously vibrant—everything you want from a meal that feels special yet is easy enough for any day. I hope you have as much fun making and eating it as I do sharing it with friends and family!
Print
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad is a perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavors, ideal for a summer meal. Tender grilled chicken brushed with hot honey pairs beautifully with a fresh, vibrant corn salad tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs for a light and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade with honey + red pepper flakes)
For the Sweet Corn Salad:
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 3 ears, or use frozen/thawed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot and ready for searing the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken Rub: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts or thighs to coat thoroughly.
- Grill Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring juiciness and safety.
- Brush Hot Honey: During the last 1 to 2 minutes of grilling, generously brush the chicken with hot honey and allow it to caramelize slightly, adding a spicy-sweet glaze.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices and enhance flavor.
- Make Corn Salad: While the chicken grills, combine corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro or parsley in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine all flavors.
- Serve: Plate the grilled hot honey chicken alongside a generous scoop of the fresh sweet corn salad for a complete, flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can use store-bought hot honey or easily make your own by warming ¼ cup honey with ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a custom spicy kick.
- Add avocado slices or crumbled feta cheese to the corn salad for extra creaminess and richness.
- This chicken can also be grilled using a grill pan indoors if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and moist.
