Smoky Bourbon-Glazed BBQ Chicken with Grilled Corn Salad

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

Juicy grilled chicken breasts brushed with a smoky bourbon barbecue glaze, accompanied by a fresh grilled corn salad with herbs and lime. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over chicken and rub to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup bourbon, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 6-8 minutes until thickened slightly.
  3. Step 3: Grill chicken breasts for 6 minutes per side, brushing with the bourbon BBQ glaze every 2 minutes during cooking to build a sticky coating, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: While chicken cooks, grill 3 ears of corn on the cob for 10 minutes, turning every 3 minutes until lightly charred. Remove kernels from cobs and place in a bowl.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 medium diced red bell pepper, 1/4 finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the corn kernels. Toss to combine.
  6. Step 6: Serve grilled bourbon-glazed chicken over a bed of the grilled corn salad immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Bourbon-Glazed BBQ Chicken with Grilled Corn Salad take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Smoky Bourbon-Glazed BBQ Chicken with Grilled Corn Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Bourbon-Glazed BBQ Chicken with Grilled Corn Salad?

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 Smoky Bourbon-Glazed BBQ Chicken with Grilled Corn Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Smoky Bourbon-Glazed BBQ Chicken with Grilled Corn Salad?

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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