Smoky Chicken with Charred Corn

Smoky paprika chicken and charred corn-tomato salad make a practical Southern-style supper that showcases Washington’s sweet late-August corn.

  • Total time: 45 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $8
  • Calories per serving: 510 cal
  • Grill

Ingredients

  • Chicken drumsticks
    4 drumsticks, about 1 1/2 pounds $3.49
  • Bi-color corn
    2 ears $0.79
  • Vine-on tomato
    1 medium $2.79
  • Green onion
    2 $1.39
  • Olive oil
    1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon
  • Light brown sugar
    2 teaspoons
  • Smoked paprika
    1 1/2 teaspoons
  • Garlic powder
    1 teaspoon
  • Dried thyme
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Cayenne pepper
    1/8 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt
    1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Unsalted butter
    1 tablespoon
  • Apple cider vinegar
    2 teaspoons

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat a gas or charcoal grill for two-zone cooking, with one side at medium-high heat and the other at medium-low heat. Clean and oil the grates.

  2. 2.

    Pat 4 chicken drumsticks, about 1 1/2 pounds, dry. Coat them evenly with:

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    Set the seasoned chicken aside while preparing the vegetables.

  3. 3.

    Shuck 2 ears bi-color corn. Cut 1 medium vine-on tomato crosswise into 2 thick halves and trim 2 green onions. Rub the corn, tomato, and onions with 1 teaspoon olive oil.

  4. 4.

    Place the seasoned chicken over medium-low heat. Cover and grill for 15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes.

  5. 5.

    Add the corn to the medium-high side and grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning until lightly charred. Grill the tomato cut-side down for 3 to 4 minutes and the green onions for 2 to 3 minutes. Meanwhile, continue grilling and turning the chicken until browned and its thickest pieces register 165°F, about 10 to 15 minutes longer.

  6. 6.

    Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and rest it for 5 minutes. Cut the kernels from the grilled corn, chop the grilled tomato and onions, and toss them together with:

    • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
    • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
    • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    Let the butter melt over the warm vegetables.

  7. 7.

    Spoon the charred corn-tomato salad onto two plates and arrange 2 grilled chicken drumsticks beside each portion.

Drink pairing: A dry Rosé refreshes the palate between smoky, lightly spicy bites.