I still remember the first time I tried hot honey chicken at a local barbecue. The sweet, spicy glaze mixed with juicy chicken made my taste buds dance. This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken recipe brings back that cheerful memory, filled with sunshine and laughter among friends. It’s simple to make yet packed with flavors that evoke warmth and happiness. You can easily whip it up for a weeknight dinner or impress guests at a summer gathering. This recipe stands out because of its unique blend of sweetness and heat, complemented perfectly by a refreshing corn salad.
why make this recipe
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly balances sweetness, heat, and savory flavors. The marinade infuses the chicken with rich flavors while grilling adds a smoky touch. Serving it with a corn salad makes for a well-rounded meal. It’s simple enough for a weekday dinner but impressive enough for special occasions. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to bring a little excitement to their dining table.
how to make Grilled Hot Honey Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons hot honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
- 6 ears of sweet corn, kernels removed from the cob
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, hot honey, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through and has nice char marks.
- In another bowl, combine the corn kernels, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and pepper.
- Gently toss the corn salad to mix everything well.
- Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it.
- Serve the grilled hot honey chicken alongside the fresh corn salad for a delicious meal.
how to serve Grilled Hot Honey Chicken
Serve the grilled hot honey chicken hot off the grill, sliced and arranged on a platter. Pair it with the corn salad to complement the sweet and spicy flavors of the dish. You can also serve it with rice or tortillas, allowing everyone to enjoy the meal their way. A wedge of lime on the side adds a nice touch and extra flavor.
how to store Grilled Hot Honey Chicken
To store leftover grilled hot honey chicken, let it cool to room temperature. Place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it if you want to keep it longer. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
tips to make Grilled Hot Honey Chicken
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh lemon and lime juice will enhance the marinade.
- If you don’t have hot honey, you can make your own by mixing regular honey with a little hot sauce.
- Letting the chicken marinate longer, up to a few hours, will deepen the flavors.
variation
For a different twist, try adding some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the marinade for extra heat. You can also substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breasts or even shrimp for a lighter option.
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?
A: Yes, you can use regular honey, but it won’t have the same spicy kick. You may want to add a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Q: Can I grill vegetables with the chicken?
A: Absolutely! Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms would pair nicely with the chicken and add color to your meal.
Grilled Hot Honey Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons hot honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Corn Salad
- 6 ears sweet corn, kernels removed from the cob
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Method
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, hot honey, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through and has nice char marks.
Corn Salad Preparation
- In another bowl, combine the corn kernels, sour cream, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Gently toss the corn salad to mix everything well.
Serving
- Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it.
- Serve the grilled hot honey chicken alongside the fresh corn salad.