If you’re craving a dish packed with bold flavors and a delightful contrast of textures, the Smoky Chipotle Beer BBQ Chicken with Creamed Grilled Corn Recipe is your new go-to meal. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with smoky chipotle and a hint of tangy beer marinade, paired perfectly with luscious, creamy corn bursting with golden grilled goodness. This recipe hits all the right notes between smoky, sweet, and savory, making it an unforgettable feast that’s surprisingly easy to whip up for family dinners or casual weekend cookouts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Smoky Chipotle Beer BBQ Chicken with Creamed Grilled Corn Recipe plays a vital role in layering flavor and texture. From the spicy chipotle peppers to the creamy, slightly sweet corn, these simple components come together beautifully to deliver a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying.
- Chipotle Peppers (2 peppers): These bring the essential smoky heat that defines the BBQ chicken’s bold flavor profile.
- Beer (1 cup): Adds a slightly bitter, malty backbone, tenderizing the chicken and balancing the heat.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Provides natural sweetness to mellow the chipotle’s punch and caramelize softly on the grill.
- Ketchup (1/2 cup): The sweet and tangy base of the marinade that deepens flavor complexity.
- Lime Juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the marinade with citrusy notes and cuts through the richness.
- Chicken Breasts (4 breasts): Lean, juicy protein that absorbs the marinade beautifully for a tender bite.
- Corn (3 cups): Fresh or frozen kernels that get that irresistible char from the grill before becoming creamy.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds lusciousness to the creamed corn, helping to create that silky, rich texture.
- Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk (1/2 cup): Blends into the grilled corn, making the side dish velvety and indulgent.
How to Make Smoky Chipotle Beer BBQ Chicken with Creamed Grilled Corn Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grill
Kick things off by heating your grill to a steady medium-high temperature, about 400°F (200°C). This heat level is perfect for giving the chicken that signature char while locking in juicy moisture, and for getting your corn beautifully caramelized without overcooking.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together chipotle peppers, beer, honey, ketchup, and lime juice until the marinade is smooth. The chipotle peppers bring smoky spiciness, the beer tenderizes and adds depth, while honey and ketchup balance with sweetness and tang. Pour this flavorful blend over the chicken breasts inside a zip-top bag, seal it up tight, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour to absorb all those delicious flavors.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Place your marinated chicken breasts onto the hot grill. Cook each side for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning carefully, until the internal temperature reads 165°F (75°C). During grilling, baste with any leftover marinade to pack extra flavor into every bite and keep the chicken moist and glossy.
Step 4: Grill the Corn
Just five minutes before your chicken is ready, toss the corn directly onto the grill. Give it a good turn every few minutes for about 10 minutes total, allowing it to develop those char marks that add a smoky depth and slight sweetness that work beautifully with the creamy finish.
Step 5: Make the Creamed Grilled Corn
Once grilled, cut the kernels off the cob and transfer them into a pot. Add butter, your choice of heavy cream or coconut milk, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Warm gently while stirring until the corn mixture transforms into a rich, velvety side dish that melts in your mouth and perfectly complements the smoky chipotle beer BBQ chicken.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your smoky chicken breasts next to generous spoonfuls of the creamed grilled corn. If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle a little extra barbecue sauce over the chicken for more saucy goodness. This dish is a celebration of smoky, creamy, sweet, and tangy – a perfect harmony on every plate.
How to Serve Smoky Chipotle Beer BBQ Chicken with Creamed Grilled Corn Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley adds a bright pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness of the dish beautifully. For an extra zing, garnish with thinly sliced lime wedges, inviting your guests to add a touch of acidity to their bites.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like a crisp green salad , pickled red onions, or even a simple avocado and tomato salad. These sides bring a crunchy, cool contrast that complements the warm, smoky flavors of the chicken and creamy corn.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at parties, serve the grilled chicken sliced thin over a bed of the creamed corn in individual bowls or on a wooden board accompanied by rustic bread. You can even turn this into a vibrant taco filling by chopping the chicken and loading it into soft tortillas with the creamed corn as a rich topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Smoky Chipotle Beer BBQ Chicken with Creamed Grilled Corn Recipe keeps beautifully when stored in airtight containers in the fridge. The flavors will deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even more satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for a later date, freeze the cooked chicken and creamed corn separately in freezer-safe containers. This prevents texture changes and keeps everything fresh for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring the creamed corn occasionally to maintain its creamy texture. Adding a splash of cream or milk during reheating can help revive the lusciousness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will bring a richer flavor and stay super juicy, though they may take a little longer to cook through. Adjust the grilling time accordingly to ensure they reach the proper internal temperature.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the chicken and corn on a grill pan or even roast them in a hot oven. Broiling for a few minutes on each side can also replicate that smoky char.
How spicy is this recipe?
The chipotle peppers add a pleasant smoky heat that’s moderate but can be adjusted by using fewer peppers or swapping with smoked paprika for a milder, smoky flavor without much heat.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with tofu or jackfruit and use vegan butter and coconut milk for the creamed corn. Maple syrup can replace honey for sweetness, making it a delicious plant-based delight.
Is fresh corn necessary?
Fresh corn is ideal for flavor, but frozen corn is a convenient substitute and works well here. Just be sure to thaw it before grilling or cooking to get the best texture in the creamed corn.
Final Thoughts
This Smoky Chipotle Beer BBQ Chicken with Creamed Grilled Corn Recipe has quickly become one of my personal favorites because it manages to be both show-stopping and approachable. The smoky, sweet, creamy, and tangy notes come together in perfect harmony, making every bite a joyful experience. I can’t recommend it enough for your next meal – trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a winner on your table time and time again!
Print
Smoky Chipotle Beer BBQ Chicken with Creamed Grilled Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Smoky Chipotle Beer BBQ Chicken with Creamed Grilled Corn combines smoky, spicy flavors with creamy, sweet corn for a delicious and satisfying meal. Marinated in a chipotle-beer mixture, the chicken is grilled to perfection and served alongside a rich, velvety creamed corn made from freshly grilled kernels.
Ingredients
For the Chipotle Beer BBQ Chicken Marinade:
- 2 chipotle peppers (for a milder taste, smoked paprika can be used)
- 1 cup beer (non-alcoholic beer can be used for a kid-friendly option)
- 1/4 cup honey (maple syrup works as a vegan alternative)
- 1/2 cup ketchup (homemade ketchup is a fun swap)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (lemon juice is a fine substitute)
- 4 chicken breasts (tofu or jackfruit for plant-based choices)
For the Creamed Grilled Corn:
- 3 cups corn (frozen corn can substitute fresh if needed)
- 2 tablespoons butter (vegan butter for a dairy-free version)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (coconut milk is a non-dairy alternative)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather all your ingredients and ensure your grill is clean and ready for use.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (200°C), to ensure it’s hot enough for cooking the chicken and corn efficiently.
- Mix Marinade: In a bowl, combine chipotle peppers, beer, honey, ketchup, and lime juice. Whisk the mixture until smooth. Place the chicken breasts into a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Grill Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the chicken occasionally with the reserved marinade to enhance the smoky, tangy flavor.
- Grill Corn: About five minutes before the chicken is done, place the corn on the grill. Rotate the corn occasionally for around 10 minutes until it’s nicely charred and tender.
- Make Creamed Corn: Once the corn is grilled, cut the kernels off the cob. In a pot, combine the grilled corn kernels with butter, heavy cream or coconut milk, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir over low heat until the mixture is creamy and heated through.
- Serve: Plate the smoky chipotle beer BBQ chicken alongside the creamed grilled corn. Drizzle additional barbecue sauce over the chicken if desired, and enjoy your flavorful meal!
Notes
- For a milder spice, substitute chipotle peppers with smoked paprika.
- Non-alcoholic beer can be used to make this dish kid-friendly.
- Maple syrup is a great vegan substitute for honey.
- Use vegan butter and coconut milk to make the creamed corn dairy-free.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Grilled fresh corn adds an authentic smoky flavor to the creamed corn, but frozen corn can be used in a pinch.
