Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad

Sweet, spicy, and totally irresistible—paired with a zesty corn salad you’ll crave all summer long

Let’s be honest—dinner ruts are real. Whether it’s the picky eaters at home, the 6 PM “what’s for dinner?” panic, or just feeling meh about cooking again, we’ve all been there. But let me introduce you to a flavor-packed hero that’s here to rescue your weeknights: Grilled Hot Honey Chicken.

This recipe is my go-to when I need something fast, fresh, and just a little fiery. Juicy chicken thighs marinated in lemony hot honey goodness, grilled to perfection, and served alongside a cool, creamy sweet corn salad that screams summer? Oh yes. This dish is a total mood-lifter, whether you’re cooking for the family or just treating yourself on a Tuesday night.

Let’s dive into why you’ll fall head-over-heels for this grilled beauty.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

✔️ It’s a flavor bomb: That tangy, sweet, and spicy combo from the hot honey marinade is seriously addictive.
✔️ Perfect for grilling season: Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a stovetop grill pan, this chicken loves a good sear.
✔️ Quick marinate, big reward: Even 30 minutes makes a difference—but let it sit overnight if you’ve got the time.
✔️ Easy cleanup: One marinade bowl, one grill, and a fresh, no-cook corn salad. Yes, please.
✔️ It looks fancy, but it’s totally doable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Hot Honey Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons hot honey, plus more for drizzling
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
1 garlic clove, minced
Kosher salt and pepper to taste

For the Sweet Corn Salad:

6 ears sweet corn, kernels cut from the cob (or about 4.5 cups frozen if you’re in a pinch!)
2 green onions, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
¼ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon lime zest
Kosher salt and pepper to taste

How to Make This Grilled Hot Honey Chicken Magic

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken thighs in a resealable bag or glass dish. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, hot honey, lemon zest, minced garlic, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this sweet and spicy marinade over the chicken, seal it up, and let it work its magic for at least 30 minutes (overnight if you’re a planner).

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill to high. Once it’s nice and hot, lay those marinated thighs on the grill. Cook for about 5 minutes on the first side—don’t fuss with it too much, just let it get a good sear. Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temp hits 165°F. Rest for 5-10 minutes to let those juices settle in. Drizzle with more hot honey right before serving. Trust me.

Step 3: Make the Sweet Corn Salad

In a large bowl, toss together the corn kernels, green onions, and cilantro. In a separate bowl, whisk the sour cream with lime juice, zest, salt, and pepper. Stir the creamy mixture into the corn until everything is coated and happy. Taste and tweak the salt or lime as needed.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Plate up a piece (or two!) of grilled hot honey chicken alongside a generous scoop of corn salad. Drizzle a little extra hot honey on top for good measure. Enjoy while warm with your favorite drink in hand.

Tips for a Foolproof Dinner

No grill? No problem. Use a grill pan on your stovetop or broil in the oven. You’ll still get that golden char.
Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade if you like it hot-hot.
Kid-friendly swap: Use regular honey instead of hot for a mild version (though you might want to keep the spicy batch all to yourself).
Leftover tip: Chop the chicken and toss it into a wrap or salad the next day. That’s meal-prep magic.

A Little Backstory (aka How This Recipe Saved My Summer BBQ)

I first whipped this up for a neighborhood cookout, mostly because I had hot honey and chicken in the fridge and zero energy for something complicated. Ten minutes into the grill session, the entire patio smelled like citrusy, spicy heaven. My friends kept asking, “What’s that sauce?!” Let’s just say… I’ve been on hot honey duty at every gathering since.

Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with sweet corn salad on a white plate, garnished with fresh herbs. — Juicy and charred to perfection, this Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with sweet corn salad is a flavor-packed summer favorite.

FAQs About Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely. Just watch the cook time—breasts can dry out quicker. A meat thermometer is your BFF here.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep the chicken and corn salad in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken gently or enjoy it cold over greens.

What is hot honey, anyway?

It’s honey with a kick—typically infused with chili peppers. You can buy it bottled or make your own by simmering honey with red pepper flakes and straining it.

Conclusion

So, if you’re in the mood for something easy and exciting, this Grilled Hot Honey Chicken is calling your name. Pair it with that creamy corn salad and you’ve got yourself a summer meal that’s equal parts cozy and cool. Whether you’re dining solo, wrangling kids, or impressing dinner guests, this dish does it all.

And hey, don’t forget to snap a pic before diving in—I love seeing your creations. Tag @ChickenMagicRecipes and let’s keep the flavor party going!

Happy grilling,

More Summer-Inspired Chicken Recipes You’ll Crave Next

If this Grilled Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Corn Salad stole your heart, get ready—there’s a whole world of grilled goodness and flavor-packed sides waiting for you on Chicken Magic Recipes. Here are some top picks to keep your summer menu sizzling:

Spice things up even more with the Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken—it’s the perfect cousin to this recipe with even more crunch and that beloved sweet heat.
Love grilled thighs? Don’t miss the ultra-juicy Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs for another weeknight win.
If you’re obsessed with zesty summer salads, you’ll go wild for the BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad—great for potlucks or lazy lunches.
And for those flavor fusion fans, the Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce is a tangy, herb-packed dream come true.

Craving more? Pop over to the site and explore even more chicken magic—because delicious doesn’t take a day off!