
Grilled hot honey chicken teamed up with zesty lime corn salad takes you straight to summer mode. You get a little kick, tons of crunch, and a meal that screams sunshine. Whip this up when you want something lively for a speedy weeknight fix or when friends drop by for some patio chilling.
Inventive Ingredients
- Fresh cilantro: packs in that lively taste—use just the soft stems and leaves for the best bite
- Green onions: mild crunch and color—go ahead and slice up the whole thing
- Sweet corn kernels: get ‘em fresh off the cob for the best snap
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: extra juicy and foolproof—organic or air-chilled is worth it if you spot it
- Olive oil: locks in all that juicy goodness—a bold extra virgin will shine brightest
- Sour cream: thick creamy tang—just make sure it’s the full-strength kind and good and fresh
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: brings bright zip—pick out hefty lemons at the store for best results
- Hot honey: a sweet-spicy blast—go with a short ingredient list or stir chili flakes into plain honey
- Freshly squeezed lime juice and zest: major tart lift—pick unwaxed limes to make zesting a breeze
- Minced garlic clove: deep and savory—freshly chopped scrapes off any harsh bite
- Kosher salt and black pepper: sharpens all the flavors—kosher sprinkles more evenly
- Freshly grated lemon zest: that lemony kick—use a microplane and don’t go past the yellow part
Clear Steps to Make It
- Put It All Together:
- Lay chicken and corn salad next to each other on your serving platter Drizzle on another spoonful of hot honey if you want Eat right away for the best crunch and juicy chicken
- Finish Corn Salad:
- Mix the creamy dressing through the corn and green onions until it's all just barely coated Taste and see if it needs a dash more salt or a spritz more lime
- Mix Lime Dressing:
- Grab a small bowl Throw in sour cream lime juice lime zest salt and pepper Whisk it quick Taste and fix the flavor till it pops for you
- Stir Up Corn Salad:
- Toss corn kernels with cilantro and chopped green onions in a giant bowl Fresh corn's going to be the crunchiest and sweetest
- Fire Up the Grill:
- Set your grill to high and let it get super hot That’s what gives that awesome golden sear and helps the chicken stay juicy
- Sizzle Chicken on Grill:
- Lay each piece flat and don’t bug them for about five minutes Once they release, flip and grill five or six more minutes They're done when a thermometer hits 165 F Let them rest away from the heat five to ten minutes for maximum juiciness Drizzle over more hot honey while still warm if you’re feeling extra
- Soak Chicken in Marinade:
- Drop thighs in a big bowl or bag Whisk together olive oil lemon juice lemon zest garlic hot honey salt and pepper Pour over the chicken to fully coat Pop on a lid or seal the bag Chill for thirty minutes minimum—or stick it in the fridge overnight if you want bold flavor

Good to Know
- Packed with fiber and protein so you’ll actually stay full
- Gluten free by nature and easy to swap around if you need
- Chicken can chill in the marinade ahead of time which is a total time-saver on crazy days
I always hunt down the freshest summer corn when I hit the farmers market. My grandma was the one who taught me to slice it off the cob—she’d just smile and let me make a mess. Now this is our go-to summer salad and honestly the burst of lime with sweet corn brings all those good memories flooding back with every bite.

How to Store Leftovers
Grilled chicken keeps moist in the fridge for up to three days Just don’t store corn salad with the meat if you want it crisp For best crunch, remix the salad if eating on day two Sometimes I toss that cold salad with some mixed greens for a super chill lunch
Easy Ingredient Swaps
Breeze in chicken breasts for the thighs—just remember, they cook faster If you’re out of hot honey, just warm up regular honey with chili flakes or hot sauce Greek yogurt stands in for sour cream for a brighter bite Don’t love cilantro? Use parsley instead
Ways to Serve It
Spread the chicken and corn salad out together on a big serving plate Toss on bonus green onions or sliced chili peppers if you’re a heat fan For a heartier meal, throw on some black beans and warm tortillas Corn salad works great as taco filling or sprinkle over queso fresco for a hit of cheesy bite
Culture Vibes
Hot honey throws a modern spin on classic Southern spicy sauces while lime corn salad is a shoutout to Mexican elote That sweet-hot-fresh combo keeps things fun whether you’re feeding family or hosting a backyard bash
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What's the trick for juicy grilled chicken?
Let those thighs soak in the marinade, then give 'em a breather after grilling. It'll lock in all the good stuff and keep them moist.
- → Could I switch in chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Go for it, just keep an eye out so you don't cook them dry! Breasts need less time on the grill.
- → Can I whip up the corn salad ahead of time?
You sure can prep the salad a couple hours before you eat. For best flavor, save the dressing until the end.
- → Is the hot honey super spicy?
The honey is more warm than hot, but you can always pick a milder brand or add extra if you want a bigger kick.
- → Could I use cooked corn instead of raw?
Definitely! Try grilling or steaming your corn—it'll taste sweeter and even a bit smoky.