If you’re craving an easy dinner that dazzles with vibrant flavors and delivers summer right to your plate, look no further than Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad. Succulent chicken breasts get a smoky, spicy-sweet glaze from hot honey, while the accompanying salad bursts with juicy corn, ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy feta. It’s a main and side that celebrates the very best of grilling season—a fresh, boldly seasoned feast you’ll want to make again and again.

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The key to Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad is using just a handful of ingredients that truly shine. Each element brings its own flair—think juicy, tender chicken; honey with a kick; and plenty of garden-fresh veggies. Here’s what you’ll need and why you don’t want to skip a thing:

Chicken breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless to keep things lean and quick-cooking on the grill.
Olive oil: Helps the spice mix stick and ensures a golden, juicy result instead of dry chicken.
Smoked paprika: Adds irresistible smoky depth to your chicken—don’t substitute regular paprika if you can help it!
Garlic powder: Brings savory backbone and classic flavor that ties all the spices together.
Salt: Essential for amplifying every other flavor in the marinade and salad.
Black pepper: Gives a gentle bite without overpowering the star hot honey.
Hot honey: Use store-bought or make your own for a perfectly balanced sweet-spicy glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
Corn: Fresh is best, but frozen works too for crunch and pops of sweetness in the salad.
Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and juiciness are perfect with the heat of the chicken.
Cucumber: Adds cool, crisp relief to every bite.
Red onion: A little goes a long way for sharpness and color.
Feta cheese: Adds a tangy, creamy contrast—try not to skip it!
Fresh basil: Brings freshness and a pop of garden aroma that lifts the salad.
Lime juice: A squeeze brightens the salad, making it taste light and zesty.

How to Make Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad

Step 1: Prep the Grill and Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high, aiming for that perfect golden char without drying out the chicken. While the grates heat up, stir together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Massage this flavorful paste all over both sides of the chicken breasts—your hands are the best tool for full coverage and juicy results.

Step 2: Grill to Juicy Perfection

Lay the chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on the first side. Once you see some grill marks and the edges start to turn opaque, flip them over and continue grilling. Timing depends a bit on thickness, but you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F and juices that run clear.

Step 3: Brush with Hot Honey

During the last couple of minutes on the grill, slather both sides with hot honey. The heat will help the honey caramelize and cling to the chicken, creating that signature glossy, sticky finish. Keep a close eye on things—honey browns fast—but all those crispy, flavorful bits are what make Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad truly special.

Step 4: Rest the Chicken

Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This brief pause keeps the juices locked in, so every slice stays tender and moist. Plus, it gives you time to toss your corn salad together!

Step 5: Make the Sweet Corn Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooked (and cooled) corn, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely diced red onion, feta, and chopped fresh basil. Drizzle with a tablespoon each of olive oil and lime juice, then season with just enough salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors. Toss gently to combine, taking care not to crush the veggies or feta.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Slice the rested hot honey chicken and serve alongside a generous helping of sweet corn salad. The colors alone will have you reaching for your phone to snap a quick pic before you dig in.

How to Serve Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a finishing touch: sprinkle extra chopped fresh basil or a bit of sliced green onion over everything just before serving. For added zing, a few thin slices of jalapeño or a dusting of smoked paprika on top takes the plating—and flavor—to the next level.

Side Dishes

Although this dish is almost a meal in itself, grilled bread rubbed with a hint of garlic, a pile of simple arugula, or crispy roasted potatoes are all wonderful options. Each one rounds out the textures and invites more friends to the flavor party. Sometimes, I even pair it with a chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade to keep the summer vibes going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

For a picnic or cookout, slice the Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad into bite-sized pieces, tossing both together into a giant bowl for a colorful main course salad. Or layer the salad on a platter, top with chicken strips, and scatter extra feta and basil over the top for a shareable centerpiece that doubles as an edible work of art!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the chicken and salad separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken stays moist and flavorful for up to three days, while the salad holds its bright crunch (minus the basil) for about two days. Add a fresh sprinkle of herbs just before serving to refresh everything.

Freezing

The grilled chicken freezes beautifully—just wrap it tightly in plastic or foil, then pop it in a freezer bag for up to two months. While the corn salad isn’t a great candidate for freezing (the veggies lose their snap), you can freeze extra plain grilled chicken for super-quick meals down the road.

Reheating

Warm the chicken gently in a covered skillet or microwave, adding a dab of water or a touch of oil to help it stay juicy. Avoid reheating the corn salad, as the fresh vegetables are best served cold or at room temp. Simply assemble a fresh salad and top with your warm chicken for a quick, delicious encore.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad. They’re slightly juicier and can tolerate grilling a bit longer, giving you even more caramelized flavor from the hot honey glaze.

What can I substitute for hot honey?

If you can’t find hot honey, stir 1 to 2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce or some red pepper flakes into regular honey. Adjust the heat level to your liking—the combo of sweet and spicy is what makes this dish sing.

Can I make this recipe indoors?

Yes! If grilling outdoors isn’t in the cards, use a stovetop grill pan or even a broiler. You’ll still get plenty of smoky notes and that signature sticky glaze. Just keep an eye on the chicken so the honey doesn’t burn.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It is! As long as you double-check your hot honey (some store-bought versions may include additives), Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad is a gluten-free crowd-pleaser.

How can I make it ahead for a party?

Grill the chicken and store it covered in the fridge, then slice just before serving. You can also prep the salad ingredients a day ahead—but hold off on dressing and adding the feta and basil until just before party time for the freshest flavor and best texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad enough for your next weeknight dinner, backyard barbecue, or any time you want a meal that delivers major flavor with minimal fuss. With its juicy, smoky-sweet chicken and lively corn salad, you’re set for smiles around the table—so grab your tongs, fire up the grill, and get ready to fall in love bite after bite!

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad recipe is a delightful combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. Perfect for a summer grilling session, the juicy chicken glazed with hot honey pairs beautifully with the fresh and colorful corn salad.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Hot Honey Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)

For the Sweet Corn Salad:

2 cups fresh or frozen corn (cooked and cooled)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/2 cup cucumber (diced)
1/4 cup red onion (finely diced)
1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high.
Prepare the chicken: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Grill the chicken: Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked. During the last 1–2 minutes, brush both sides generously with hot honey.
Make the corn salad: Combine corn, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta, and basil in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, then season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Rest the chicken for 5 minutes, then serve alongside the corn salad.

Notes

You can make your own hot honey by combining 1/3 cup honey with 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Chicken thighs can be used as an alternative to chicken breasts.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American