Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Thighs with Charred Corn Salsa
Juicy chicken thighs marinated in smoky chipotle and tangy lime, grilled to perfection and served with a fresh charred corn salsa. This latin american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 40 minutes blends bone-in chicken thighs, chipotle chili powder, ground cumin into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 3 ears fresh corn on the cob
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño pepper
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tsp chipotle chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 3 tbsp olive oil. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is crisp and charred.
- Step 3: While chicken cooks, place 3 ears fresh corn directly on the grill grates, turning every 2 minutes until kernels are blackened in spots and tender, about 8 minutes total. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Step 4: Cut the charred kernels off the cobs and transfer to a bowl. Add 1 medium diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 small minced jalapeño (seeded), 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Serve the grilled chipotle-lime chicken thighs topped with generous spoonfuls of the charred corn salsa alongside. Enjoy warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Thighs with Charred Corn Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Thighs with Charred Corn Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Thighs with Charred Corn Salsa?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Thighs with Charred Corn Salsa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Thighs with Charred Corn Salsa?
Latin American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
