Sizzling Hot Honey Chicken & Sweet Corn Salad Recipe for Summer

Summers sizzle with the irresistible aroma of grilled hot honey chicken dancing through backyard gatherings.

This crowd-pleasing hot honey chicken recipe blends sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in a mouthwatering combination that will leave everyone craving more.

Tender chicken pieces marinate in a vibrant honey-based sauce, creating a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

The accompanying sweet corn salad adds a fresh, crisp complement to the richly glazed meat.

Colorful ingredients come together effortlessly, transforming a simple meal into a memorable culinary experience.

Each bite promises a delightful explosion of flavor that will have you reaching for seconds.

Prepare to wow your taste buds with this simple yet extraordinary dish that brings summer’s best to your plate.

Serve with Grilled Corn or Salad

• Picnic Perfect Plate: Spread this vibrant dish on a large wooden board for a rustic, inviting summer gathering that showcases the grilled chicken and colorful salad.
• Taco-Style Twist: Shred the hot honey chicken and serve in warm tortillas with the sweet corn salad as a fresh, zesty topping for a quick meal transformation.
• Breakfast Remix: Top a crispy piece of toast with sliced grilled chicken, a dollop of the corn salad, and an extra drizzle of hot honey for a morning flavor explosion.
• Side Dish Harmony: Pair the chicken and corn salad with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy quinoa to create a balanced, satisfying meal that impresses at any dinner table.

Store in the Fridge for Lunch Boxes

• Cook chicken and corn salad components ahead of time for quick weeknight dinners. Keep ingredients separate in airtight containers for maximum freshness.
• Store grilled chicken and corn salad in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep dressing separately to prevent salad from becoming soggy.
• Cooked chicken can be frozen for 2-3 months. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to maintain quality and prevent freezer burn.
• Warm chicken gently in microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. For best texture, heat at 50% power in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

• How spicy is the hot honey chicken?

The spice level depends on the hot sauce you use. Mild hot sauces like Frank’s will give a gentle kick, while sriracha or habanero sauces create a more intense heat. You can adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.

• Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! Use a grill pan, cast-iron skillet, or even bake the chicken in the oven at 425F for 20-25 minutes. The key is reaching an internal temperature of 165F and getting a nice caramelized exterior.

• What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect. Thighs have more fat and tend to be juicier, while breasts are leaner. Choose based on your preference, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.

• Is the sweet corn salad served cold or warm?

The sweet corn salad is served cold or at room temperature, making it a refreshing side dish that complements the hot, grilled chicken. Prepare it while the chicken cooks to let the flavors meld together.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 4

Hot Honey Chicken Ingredient List

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices and keeps chicken moist during grilling.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds deep, smoky flavor and beautiful reddish color to chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Provides savory, aromatic undertone without raw garlic intensity.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps tenderize chicken meat.
• Black Pepper: Brings subtle heat and complexity to seasoning blend.

• Honey: Creates sweet, sticky coating with caramelization potential.
• Hot Sauce: Introduces spicy kick and tangy depth to glaze.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for extra heat and visual texture.

• Corn, Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion: Fresh vegetables providing crisp texture and vibrant colors.
• Cilantro or Parsley: Adds bright, herbal freshness to salad.
• Lime Juice: Introduces zesty acidity that balances sweet and savory elements.
• Olive Oil: Helps blend flavors and adds silky mouthfeel to salad dressing.

Tools for Grilling Sweet & Spicy Chicken

• Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for achieving those perfect char marks and smoky flavor on the chicken.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for preparing the sweet corn salad and combining ingredients.
• Small Mixing Bowls (2): Ideal for creating the spice rub and hot honey glaze.
• Tongs: Crucial for safely handling and flipping chicken on the grill.
• Measuring Spoons: Help accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Cutting Board: Necessary for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Required for slicing vegetables and preparing the salad components.
• Basting Brush: Perfect for applying the hot honey glaze to the chicken during grilling.
• Instant-Read Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken is cooked to safe internal temperature.

Grill Chicken with Corn Salad for a Summer Meal

• Craft the Flavor Base

Mix olive oil with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Massage this zesty blend all over the chicken until completely coated.

• Whip Up Hot Honey Glaze

Blend honey with hot sauce and red pepper flakes to create a mouthwatering sweet-spicy coating that will make your taste buds dance.

• Fire Up the Grill

Heat grill to medium-high temperature. Cook chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F. In the final moments of grilling, generously brush chicken with hot honey glaze for an explosive flavor punch.

• Create Vibrant Corn Salad

Toss together fresh corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, zesty red onion, and bright herbs in a large bowl. Splash with lime juice and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper for a refreshing accompaniment.

• Plate and Devour

Arrange grilled chicken next to the colorful corn salad. For extra excitement, drizzle additional hot honey over the chicken and get ready to savor an incredible meal bursting with summer flavors.

Tips for Glaze That Doesn’t Burn

• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to lock in juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
• Adjust hot sauce and red pepper flakes to customize heat intensity, from mild to extra spicy for adventurous palates.
• Marinate chicken in the spice mixture up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor penetration and convenient meal prep.
• Replace chicken with firm tofu, portobello mushrooms, or tempeh, using the same marinade and grilling technique for a plant-based alternative.
• Ensure hot sauce and all ingredients are gluten-free certified, making this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

Succulent Grilled Hot Honey Chicken With Sweet Corn Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Grilled hot honey chicken with sweet corn salad blazes through summer dinner expectations with bold southwestern flavors. Crisp corn, spicy-sweet glaze, and charred chicken create a memorable regional feast you can savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) honey
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) hot sauce (like Sriracha or your favorite)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 3 ears fresh corn, kernels removed (or 2 cups frozen, thawed)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsps fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl to create a zesty flavor base for the chicken.
2. Chicken Coating: Thoroughly massage the aromatic spice blend into chicken pieces, ensuring complete and even coverage.
3. Hot Honey Glaze Creation: Blend honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes to craft a fiery-sweet finishing sauce.
4. Grill Preparation: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, establishing ideal searing conditions for perfect caramelization.
5. Chicken Grilling: Place marinated chicken on heated surface, cooking for 5-7 minutes per side. Watch for golden-brown exterior and ensure internal temperature reaches safe cooking point.
6. Glaze Application: During final moments of cooking, brush chicken generously with prepared hot honey glaze, creating a glossy, flavor-packed exterior.
7. Corn Salad Assembly: Combine fresh corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and fresh herbs in a mixing bowl. Dress with lime juice and extra virgin olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
8. Serving: Plate grilled chicken alongside vibrant corn salad, optionally adding an extra drizzle of hot honey for those craving intense flavor.

Notes

Marinate Thoroughly: Allow chicken to soak in spices for at least 30 minutes before grilling to enhance flavor penetration and tenderness.

Monitor Grill Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat around 375-400°F to prevent burning while ensuring crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Glaze with Caution: Apply hot honey mixture during final 2-3 minutes of cooking to prevent burning and achieve perfect caramelization.

Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for vegetarian version, or use gluten-free hot sauce for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg