Chile-Lime Grilled Chicken with Corn Salsa

Smoky chile-lime grilled chicken thighs pair with sweet July corn, zucchini, tomatoes, cilantro, and avocado for a bright Mexican-style summer dinner for two.

Ingredients

  • Foster Farms Fresh & Natural Chicken Thighs Value Pack
    1 lb bone-in or boneless chicken thighs $2.79
  • Kroger® Sweet Corn on the Cob
    2 ears $2.99
  • Zucchini
    1 medium, cut lengthwise into planks $1.79
  • Kroger® Fresh Grape Tomatoes
    1 cup, halved $2.99
  • Fresh Medium Ripe Avocado
    1 avocado, diced $1.00
  • Fresh Organic Limes
    1 lime, zested and juiced $1.29
  • Organic Cilantro
    1/3 cup chopped $1.69
  • Fresh Jalapeno Peppers
    1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced $1.99
  • Olive oil
    2 tablespoons, divided
  • Chili powder
    1 teaspoon
  • Ground cumin
    1 teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Garlic powder
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt
    3/4 teaspoon, plus more to taste
  • Black pepper
    1/4 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Heat a grill to medium-high and clean the grates; husk the corn, halve the tomatoes, dice the avocado, mince the jalapeño, chop the cilantro, and cut the zucchini into long planks.
  2. In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon olive oil with the lime zest, half the lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; coat the chicken thighs thoroughly and let them sit while the grill heats, about 10 minutes.
  3. Brush the corn and zucchini with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and season lightly with salt.
  4. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until well charred in spots and the thickest part reaches 165°F, about 18–24 minutes depending on thigh size; move to a cooler part of the grill if browning too quickly.
  5. While the chicken cooks, grill the corn and zucchini until lightly charred and tender, about 8–10 minutes for corn and 4–6 minutes for zucchini, turning as needed.
  6. Transfer the chicken to a plate to rest for 5 minutes; cut the kernels from the corn and chop the grilled zucchini into bite-size pieces.
  7. Toss the corn, zucchini, tomatoes, avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, and remaining lime juice together, then taste and adjust with salt.
  8. Plate the grilled chicken thighs with the warm corn-zucchini salsa spooned alongside or over the top, with extra lime wedges if desired.

Total time: 45 minutes

Estimated cost: $11–$14 using listed sale ingredients, plus pantry staples

Health notes: About 620 calories per serving with high protein, moderate healthy fats, and plenty of fiber-rich summer vegetables.

Drink pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or cold Mexican lager balances the lime, char, and mild chile heat.