Grilled Hot Honey Chicken

The first time my neighbor Mike made this for a backyard cookout, I literally hovered over the grill watching him brush that sticky honey glaze onto sizzling chicken. The way it caramelized and caught the flames just slightly made our whole driveway smell incredible. Now it is the only thing my kids request when we fire up the grill in July.

Last summer I made this for my inlaws on a brutally hot Sunday. Even my father in law who usually just wants plain grilled chicken went back for a third serving. The corn salad disappeared so fast I barely got a bite myself.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Even thickness helps them cook evenly so pound them slightly if needed
• Honey: Local honey adds the best depth but any pure honey works beautifully
• Hot sauce: Start with one tablespoon and taste before adding more heat
• Fresh corn: Grilling the kernels first adds such incredible smoky sweetness
• Avocado: Wait to dice it until right before serving so it stays fresh
• Both herbs: The cilantro and basil combo makes this salad sing

Instructions

Fire up the grill:

Get those grates nice and hot at medium high so you get gorgeous sear marks right away

Make the magic glaze:

Whisk together honey hot sauce and vinegar until completely smooth

Season the chicken:

Rub the spices and oil all over so every bite has flavor

Grill with care:

Cook 5 to 7 minutes per side then brush with honey glaze in the final 2 minutes

Char the corn:

Toss kernels in a smoking hot dry skillet until they get golden spots

Assemble the salad:

Mix everything gently so avocado stays in perfect chunks

Finish and serve:

Slice chicken against the grain and arrange over the colorful salad

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This recipe became our go to after we served it at my sisters engagement party. People still ask when I am making that chicken again at every family gathering now.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I add crumbled feta or cotija cheese to the corn salad for extra creaminess. A little diced jalapeño in the salad is also fantastic if your crowd loves spice.

Grilling Tips

Keep a spray bottle of water nearby in case the honey causes any flare ups. Oil your grates before starting to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Serving Suggestions

This works beautifully for meal prep and actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld.

• Serve with warm tortillas to make incredible tacos
• Add a dollop of sour cream to cool down the heat
• Keep extra lime wedges on hand for squeezing

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There is something so perfect about that first bite of sweet spicy chicken with cool crisp corn salad on a warm evening.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What makes hot honey glaze special?

The combination of honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar creates a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. When brushed on during the last few minutes of grilling, the honey caramelizes and creates a gorgeous sticky coating that adds incredible depth to the chicken.

→ Can I make the corn salad ahead?

Yes, prepare the salad up to 4 hours in advance, but wait to add the avocado and lime dressing until just before serving. This keeps the avocado fresh and prevents the salad from becoming soggy.

→ What grill temperature works best?

Medium-high heat around 400°F (200°C) is ideal. This temperature creates nice grill marks while allowing the chicken to cook through without burning the honey glaze, which can happen at higher temperatures.

→ Can I use frozen corn?

Absolutely. Thaw 2 cups of frozen corn and pat dry before using. For extra flavor, quickly char the kernels in a dry skillet over high heat for 2-3 minutes before adding to the salad.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is mild to medium depending on how much hot sauce you use. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to your preference. The sweetness of the honey helps balance the spice beautifully.