Smoky Grilled Chicken with Charred Corn Relish
Smoky Southern-spiced grilled chicken thighs pair with charred sweet corn and juicy tomatoes for a practical July-in-Washington dinner.
This recipe may need another look before cooking.
It scored 7/10, below our 8/10 retry mark.
Ingredients
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Foster Farms Fresh & Natural Chicken Thighs Value Pack1 1/4 lb chicken thighs, about 2 large or 3 small $2.79
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Fresh Sweet Corn on the Cob-Each2 ears $0.75
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Fresh Roma Tomato1/2 lb, diced $1.49
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Green Onions2 green onions, thinly sliced $1.19
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Garlic1 clove, grated or minced $0.79
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Olive oil2 tablespoons, divided
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Apple cider vinegar1 tablespoon
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Brown sugar or honey2 teaspoons
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Smoked paprika1 teaspoon
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Chili powder1/2 teaspoon
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Kosher salt3/4 teaspoon, plus more to taste
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Black pepper1/2 teaspoon
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Cayenne pepperpinch, optional
Instructions
- Heat a grill to medium-high with a cooler indirect zone; pat the chicken dry, shuck the corn, dice the tomato, slice the green onions, and mince the garlic.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, brown sugar or honey, smoked paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using; rub the mixture all over the chicken thighs, including under any loose skin.
- Brush the corn with 1 teaspoon olive oil and season lightly with salt; toss the diced tomato and green onions in a bowl with apple cider vinegar, the remaining olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken skin-side down over direct heat and grill for 4–5 minutes until browned; flip, move to the indirect zone, cover, and cook 18–25 minutes more, turning occasionally, until the thickest part reaches 165°F.
- During the last 10 minutes of chicken cooking, grill the corn over direct heat, turning every 2 minutes, until lightly charred and tender.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and rest 5 minutes; cut the kernels from one ear of corn and fold them into the tomato-green onion relish, leaving the second ear whole or halved for serving.
- Plate the chicken with the charred corn and spoon the warm corn-tomato relish over the top for a colorful Southern-style summer dinner.
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 a lighter fresh vegetable relish.
Drink pairing: Iced tea with lemon is the classic match; for wine, choose a chilled rosé or lightly oaked Chardonnay to handle the smoky-sweet grill flavors.