BBQ Chicken with Sweet Corn on the Cob

BBQ Chicken with Sweet Corn on the Cob is a quintessential summer meal that’s perfect for cookouts, family dinners, or casual gatherings. Juicy, smoky barbecue chicken paired with buttery, tender sweet corn creates a flavorful, satisfying combination that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

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1. Why BBQ Chicken with Sweet Corn Is a Classic Dish

This dish is a favorite for its simplicity, flavor, and versatility:

• Bold and Smoky: The barbecue sauce adds a tangy, sweet, and smoky glaze to the chicken.
• Sweet and Juicy Corn: Corn on the cob is naturally sweet and pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
• Family-Friendly: Easy to prepare, serve, and enjoy.

It’s a celebration of summer flavors that brings everyone to the table.

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2. Ingredients for BBQ Chicken with Sweet Corn on the Cob

For the BBQ Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: Thighs, drumsticks, or breasts, bone-in for more flavor.
• BBQ Sauce: Store-bought or homemade, depending on your preference.
• Olive Oil: For brushing the chicken.
• Salt and Pepper: To season.
• Paprika: Optional, for a smoky kick.

For the Sweet Corn

• Corn on the Cob: Husked and cleaned.
• Butter: Melted, for brushing.
• Salt and Pepper: To season.
• Chili Powder: Optional, for a spicy twist.

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped Parsley: For a fresh finish.
• Lemon Wedges: To squeeze over the corn.

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3. Preparing Your Ingredients

For the Chicken

1. Trim Excess Fat: Clean the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Season Generously: Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika if desired.

For the Corn

1. Prepare the Corn: Remove the husks and silk, and rinse the corn thoroughly.
2. Butter and Season: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Pro Tip: Marinate the chicken in a mix of BBQ sauce and olive oil for an hour to intensify the flavor.

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4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375°F).
2. Place chicken pieces on the grill, skin-side down. Cook for 6–8 minutes, then flip.
3. Baste generously with BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
4. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 2: Grill the Corn

1. Place the buttered corn on the grill alongside the chicken.
2. Rotate every 2–3 minutes to ensure even charring and tenderness. Grill for 10–12 minutes total.

Step 3: Serve

1. Arrange the chicken on a serving platter and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce.
2. Place the grilled corn on the side and brush with additional butter if desired. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

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5. Why This Recipe Works

This recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures:

• Juicy Chicken: Grilling keeps the chicken moist while caramelizing the BBQ sauce.
• Sweet Corn: Grilled to perfection, the corn adds a natural sweetness and charred depth.
• Simple and Flavorful: Minimal ingredients allow the natural flavors to shine.

It’s a straightforward, delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

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6. Serving Suggestions

How to Plate

• Serve the chicken and corn on a large platter for family-style dining.
• Drizzle extra BBQ sauce over the chicken and garnish with parsley for a polished look.

Pairings

• Beverages: Pair with lemonade, iced tea, or a light beer.
• Sides: Complement with coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans for a classic BBQ spread.

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7. Variations to Try

Spicy BBQ Chicken

• Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.

Herb Butter Corn

• Mix fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro into the melted butter for a flavorful twist.

Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken

• Bake the chicken at 375°F, basting with BBQ sauce every 10 minutes, until fully cooked.

Elote-Style Corn

• After grilling, brush corn with mayo, sprinkle with cotija cheese, and dust with chili powder for a Mexican-inspired flavor.

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8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Burnt BBQ Sauce

• Apply BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of grilling to prevent it from burning.

Dry Chicken

• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Unevenly Cooked Corn

• Rotate the corn frequently to ensure even grilling.

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FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, but boneless chicken cooks faster, so reduce grilling time accordingly.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store chicken and corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

3. Can I make this dish without a grill?

Yes, use a grill pan on the stovetop or roast in the oven for similar results.

4. What type of BBQ sauce works best?

A smoky, tangy sauce pairs beautifully with chicken, but any flavor you prefer will work.

5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).

6. Can I grill the corn in its husk?

Yes, grilling with the husk on steams the corn. Peel back the husk for the last few minutes to char the kernels.

7. What other seasonings can I use for the corn?

Try garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

8. How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free butter alternative or skip the butter altogether for the corn.

9. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating overnight enhances the flavor, but avoid using acidic marinades for too long to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy.

10. What’s a good vegetarian alternative to this dish?

Grill tofu or portobello mushrooms and serve with the corn for a vegetarian BBQ option.

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Final Note: BBQ Chicken with Sweet Corn on the Cob is a classic, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings or a simple, flavorful dinner. With its smoky, tangy chicken and sweet, buttery corn, it’s a meal that everyone will love!