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.
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.
Details
Ingredients
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Foster Farms Fresh & Natural Chicken Thighs Value Pack1 lb bone-in or boneless chicken thighs $2.79
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Kroger® Sweet Corn on the Cob2 ears $2.99
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Zucchini1 medium, cut lengthwise into planks $1.79
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Kroger® Fresh Grape Tomatoes1 cup, halved $2.99
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Fresh Medium Ripe Avocado1 avocado, diced $1.00
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Fresh Organic Limes1 lime, zested and juiced $1.29
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Organic Cilantro1/3 cup chopped $1.69
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Fresh Jalapeno Peppers1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced $1.99
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Olive oil2 tablespoons, divided
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Chili powder1 teaspoon
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Ground cumin1 teaspoon
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Smoked paprika1/2 teaspoon
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Garlic powder1/2 teaspoon
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Kosher salt3/4 teaspoon, plus more to taste
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Black pepper1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Brush the corn and zucchini with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and season lightly with salt.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Toss the corn, zucchini, tomatoes, avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, and remaining lime juice together, then taste and adjust with salt.
- Plate the grilled chicken thighs with the warm corn-zucchini salsa spooned alongside or over the top, with extra lime wedges if desired.