Smoky Grilled Chicken with Charred Corn Relish

Juicy spice-rubbed grilled chicken thighs get a sweet, smoky summer lift from charred corn, ripe tomato, and green onion relish.

Ingredients

  • Foster Farms Fresh & Natural Chicken Thighs Value Pack
    1 1/4 lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, about 2 large or 3 small $2.79
  • Fresh Sweet Corn on the Cob-Each
    2 ears $0.75
  • Fresh Roma Tomato
    1/2 lb, diced $1.49
  • Green Onions
    2 green onions, thinly sliced $1.19
  • Olive oil
    2 tablespoons, divided
  • Apple cider vinegar
    1 tablespoon
  • Brown sugar
    1 teaspoon
  • Garlic powder
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika
    1 teaspoon
  • Chili powder
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt
    3/4 teaspoon, plus more to taste
  • Black pepper
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Cayenne pepper
    pinch, optional

Instructions

  1. Heat a grill to medium with a cooler indirect zone; pat the chicken dry, shuck the corn, dice the tomato, and slice the green onions.
  2. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using; rub the mixture all over the chicken thighs.
  3. Brush the corn with 1 teaspoon olive oil and season lightly with salt; in a serving bowl, combine the diced tomato, green onions, apple cider vinegar, remaining olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Place the chicken skin-side up over indirect heat, cover, and grill for 22–28 minutes, turning once, until the thickest part is about 160°F.
  5. Move the chicken skin-side down over direct heat and grill 2–4 minutes until the skin is browned and lightly crisp; flip briefly if needed and cook until the thighs reach 175°F for best texture.
  6. While the chicken finishes, grill the corn over direct heat for 8–10 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, until charred in spots and tender.
  7. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes; cut the kernels from both ears of corn and fold them into the tomato-green onion relish.
  8. Plate the chicken thighs with generous spoonfuls of charred corn relish alongside and over the top.

Total time: 45 minutes

Estimated cost: About $7–$9 for 2 servings before pantry staples.

Health notes: About 620 calories per serving, with high protein from chicken, moderate carbs from corn, and fresh vegetables for fiber and color.

Drink pairing: Sweet tea or lemonade suits the smoky Southern flavors; for wine, pour a chilled rosé or lightly oaked Chardonnay.