This Chipotle BBQ Chicken is spicy, smoky, and packed with flavor! It’s perfectly grilled to juicy perfection and pairs beautifully with creamy grilled corn for a tasty side.
Honestly, the combination of the BBQ sauce and sweet corn makes dinner feel like a backyard party! I love serving it with a splash of lime for that extra zing. 🌽🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, chicken thighs work well too. They stay juicy and add extra flavor.
Chipotle Peppers: If chipotle peppers aren’t available, you can use smoked paprika for some smokiness, but it won’t have the same heat. For a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes instead.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite barbecue sauce, but if you’re seeking a healthier choice, opt for a low-sugar brand. You can also make your own BBQ sauce to control the ingredients!
Cotija Cheese: If cotija is hard to find, feta cheese is a great substitute. It has a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor, making it perfect for the corn.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is ideal for this dish, but if you’re not a fan, try using fresh parsley for a mild alternative.
How Do I Get the Chicken Juicy and Full of Flavor?
To ensure your chicken is juicy and packed with flavor, marinating is key! Coat the chicken well in your BBQ marinade and let it sit for at least an hour, but longer is better. It allows the spices to penetrate the meat.
- Mix all marinade ingredients well, making sure to include the lime juice for acidity, which tenderizes.
- Use a resealable bag for easy coating and less mess.
- When grilling, avoid pressing down on the chicken—this keeps the juices inside!
What’s the Best Way to Grill Corn?
Grilling corn brings out its natural sweetness. Start with fresh ears and husk them. You may soak the corn for 15 minutes in water to keep it moist while grilling, but it’s not necessary.
- Place the corn directly on the grill over medium-high heat.
- Turn the corn every few minutes until all sides are nicely charred, about 10-12 minutes total.
- Brush with the creamy sauce while still warm for the best flavor!
Enjoy creating this delicious meal!
Chipotle BBQ Chicken with Creamy Grilled Corn
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chipotle BBQ Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your choice, preferably smoky)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Creamy Grilled Corn:
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 1 hour or more for marinating the chicken. You’ll also want to set aside around 15-20 minutes for cooking on the grill. Altogether, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours for delicious results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chipotle BBQ Chicken Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped chipotle peppers, barbecue sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, smoked paprika, cumin, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until well combined—this is your marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece evenly. Close the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, let it marinate for 3-4 hours!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help get nice grill marks on your chicken!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade, shaking off any excess. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. It’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and you see beautiful grill marks.
5. Grill the Corn:
While the chicken cooks, place the husked corn on the grill. Turn the corn every few minutes, and grill for about 10-12 minutes until it’s tender and has a nice char on all sides.
6. Make the Creamy Sauce for Corn:
In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended—this will be the tasty topping for your corn!
7. Finish the Corn:
Once your corn is grilled, let it cool for a couple of minutes. Then, slather each ear with the creamy mix you’ve just made. Don’t hold back! Top with crumbled cotija cheese for an extra kick.
8. Serve:
Plate your perfectly grilled Chipotle BBQ Chicken alongside the creamy grilled corn. Feel free to garnish with extra lime wedges and cilantro for a fresh finish!
Enjoy your smoky, spicy Chipotle BBQ Chicken with rich, tangy Creamy Grilled Corn! It’s a winning combination that will delight your taste buds!
FAQ for Chipotle BBQ Chicken with Creamy Grilled Corn
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful than breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly; thighs may take a couple of extra minutes to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, feel free to add more chipotle peppers to the marinade. You can also include some cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce in the creamy corn sauce for an extra zing!
Do I Have to Grill the Corn?
No, not at all! If grilling isn’t an option, you can boil or steam the corn instead. Simply cook until tender, then follow the same steps to slather it with the creamy sauce.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stove to maintain juiciness. The creamy sauce may separate a bit, so give it a stir before serving again!
