Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken with Charred Corn and Avocado Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in fresh herbs paired with a vibrant salsa of charred corn, avocado, and lime for a refreshing finish. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends skin-on Bone-in chicken thighs, Olive oil, chopped Fresh thyme 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 430 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 American cuisine 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and place skin-side down on the grill. Grill for 6-8 minutes until skin is crisp and charred, then flip and cook an additional 6-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, char 2 cups fresh corn kernels in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes until golden spots appear, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the charred corn, 1 large diced ripe avocado, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 minced small jalapeño, and 1 tsp honey. Gently toss to combine.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled chicken thighs topped with the charred corn and avocado salsa for a bright and flavorful dish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken with Charred Corn and Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Herb-Marinated Chicken with Charred Corn and Avocado 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 Herb-Marinated Chicken with Charred Corn and Avocado 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 Herb-Marinated Chicken with Charred Corn and Avocado 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 Herb-Marinated Chicken with Charred Corn and Avocado Salsa?

American chicken 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.

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