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.

Ingredients

  • Foster Farms Fresh & Natural Chicken Thighs Value Pack
    1 1/4 lb 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
  • Garlic
    1 clove, grated or minced $0.79
  • Olive oil
    2 tablespoons, divided
  • Apple cider vinegar
    1 tablespoon
  • Brown sugar or honey
    2 teaspoons
  • 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-high with a cooler indirect zone; pat the chicken dry, shuck the corn, dice the tomato, slice the green onions, and mince the garlic.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. During the last 10 minutes of chicken cooking, grill the corn over direct heat, turning every 2 minutes, until lightly charred and tender.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.