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Honey Lime Chicken Corn Recipe
This honey lime chicken corn recipe combines tender marinated chicken with fresh corn salad for a perfect summer meal. The sweet honey and tangy lime create an irresistible flavor combination that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation with just 45 minutes total time from start to finish
- Perfect balance of sweet honey and zesty lime that creates an addictive flavor profile
- Fresh corn salad adds wonderful texture and nutritional value to complement the protein
- Versatile dish that works great for weeknight dinners or weekend entertaining
- Healthy option packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables without heavy sauces
Why This Honey Lime Chicken Corn Recipe Works
The magic happens when honey’s natural sweetness meets lime’s bright acidity. This combination tenderizes the chicken while creating a caramelized exterior on the grill. The marinade penetrates deep into the meat, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Fresh corn kernels provide a sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken. Cherry tomatoes add bursts of juiciness, while cilantro brings an herbal freshness that ties everything together perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Lime Chicken Corn
This dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors using simple pantry ingredients. The preparation is straightforward enough for beginners, yet sophisticated enough to impress guests at dinner parties.
The combination works year-round but truly shines during summer when corn is at its peak. You can easily double the recipe for meal prep or larger gatherings without any complications.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 pieces (1.5 lbs) | Main protein, provides lean meat base |
| Fresh lime juice | 1/4 cup (2 limes) | Adds acidity and tenderizes chicken |
| Raw honey | 1/4 cup | Natural sweetener, creates caramelization |
| Fresh corn kernels | 2 cups | Adds sweetness and texture contrast |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup, halved | Provides juicy bursts of flavor |
| Fresh cilantro | 1/2 cup, chopped | Adds fresh herbal notes |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Prevents sticking, adds richness |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Essential seasoning for flavor balance |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Grill or grill pan | Cooks chicken with attractive char marks |
| Large mixing bowls | For marinating chicken and mixing corn salad |
| Meat thermometer | Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature |
| Sharp knife | For slicing chicken and chopping vegetables |
| Cutting board | Safe surface for food preparation |
How to Make Honey Lime Chicken Corn
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Marinate | Mix lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes |
| Step 2: Preheat | Heat grill to medium-high heat (400°F or 200°C) for optimal cooking temperature |
| Step 3: Grill | Cook chicken 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest before slicing |
| Step 4: Prepare salad | Combine corn, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper in large bowl |
| Step 5: Serve | Slice rested chicken and serve alongside corn salad. Drizzle remaining marinade over dish |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking and better marinade penetration
- Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a finishing sauce
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to redistribute juices and prevent dryness
- Use fresh corn when possible, but frozen corn works well when thawed and drained
- Adjust honey quantity based on your sweetness preference and lime tartness
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips
Serve this honey lime chicken corn immediately while the chicken is warm and the corn salad is fresh. The contrast between warm protein and cool salad creates an appealing temperature variation.
Consider serving over rice, quinoa, or with warm tortillas for a complete meal. This dish pairs wonderfully with ultimate chicken casserole for larger gatherings.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken can be reheated gently, while the corn salad is delicious served cold. Separate storage prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t skip the marinating time, as this step is crucial for flavor development. Rushing this process results in bland chicken that lacks the signature honey-lime taste.
Avoid overcooking the chicken, which leads to dry, tough meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy rather than guessing doneness by appearance alone.
Don’t overdress the corn salad initially. You can always add more lime juice and olive oil, but removing excess dressing is impossible once mixed.
You Must Know
- Always marinate chicken in the refrigerator, never at room temperature, to prevent bacterial growth
- Clean your grill grates thoroughly and oil them to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking
- Fresh lime juice works significantly better than bottled for both flavor and tenderizing properties
- Raw honey provides better flavor complexity than processed honey and caramelizes more effectively
Tips and Tricks for Honey Lime Chicken Corn
For extra flavor depth, add minced garlic to your marinade. One or two cloves complement the honey and lime beautifully without overpowering the dish.
Try grilling the corn directly for a smoky flavor before cutting off the kernels. This adds another layer of complexity to your salad component.
Make extra marinade to use as a sauce. Just remember to boil any marinade that touched raw chicken for food safety before serving.
Suggestions for Honey Lime Chicken Corn
Transform this recipe into a complete meal by serving it with Mexican-inspired sides. Black beans, avocado slices, and lime wedges create a festive presentation.
For a lighter option, serve over mixed greens as a hearty salad. The warm chicken and fresh corn make an excellent contrast to crisp lettuce.
Consider trying variations like grilled chicken thighs and corn with lime-basil butter for different flavor profiles.
This recipe also works beautifully with creamy garlic shrimp pasta for surf-and-turf style dinners.
FAQ for Honey Lime Chicken Corn
FAQs:
Yes, chicken thighs work excellently and may be more flavorful. Adjust cooking time to 8-10 minutes per side and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. Thighs stay more moist during grilling.
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. Don’t exceed 24 hours as the acid in lime juice can make the chicken mushy if left too long.
Absolutely! Use a grill pan, regular skillet, or even bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. The key is achieving good caramelization on the honey marinade for optimal flavor.
Maple syrup or agave nectar work well as substitutes. Use the same quantity, but expect slightly different flavor profiles. Avoid artificial sweeteners as they won’t caramelize properly.
Yes, prepare the corn salad up to 24 hours ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator and add fresh cilantro just before serving to maintain its bright color and flavor.
Conclusion
This honey lime chicken corn recipe delivers incredible flavors with minimal effort. The combination of sweet honey, tangy lime, and fresh corn creates a memorable meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe provides consistent results every time. The fresh ingredients and simple preparation make it a go-to option for busy weeknights.
Try variations like roasted chicken thighs with hot honey and lime to explore different cooking methods. Don’t forget to check out our keto cloud cake recipe for a perfect dessert pairing.
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📖 Recipe Card
Honey Lime Chicken Corn
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 hours ahead. store covered in the refrigerator and add fresh cilantro just before serving 1x
Description
A delicious and easy recipe for honey lime chicken corn that combines perfectly grilled marinated chicken with a fresh corn salad for a healthy and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups corn kernels
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate – Mix lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes
- Step 2: Preheat – Heat grill to medium-high heat (400°F or 200°C) for optimal cooking temperature
- Step 3: Grill – Cook chicken 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest before slicing
- Step 4: Prepare salad – Combine corn, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper in large bowl
- Step 5: Serve – Slice rested chicken and serve alongside corn salad. Drizzle remaining marinade over dish
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking and better marinade penetration
- Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a finishing sauce
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to redistribute juices and prevent dryness
- Use fresh corn when possible, but frozen corn works well when thawed and drained
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: honey lime chicken corn, grilled chicken, corn salad, healthy recipe, easy dinner, marinated chicken
