Chipotle BBQ Chicken with Grilled Corn
This smoky-sweet Chipotle BBQ Chicken with Grilled Corn is one of the best labor day recipes for feeding a crowd without any fuss. Juicy, glazed chicken and charred sweet corn come together in one irresistible backyard feast.
Simple, everyday ingredients and clear, step-by-step instructions — every recipe made in Dorothy’s kitchen before it reaches yours. Jump to the full recipe card below.
Chipotle BBQ Chicken with Grilled Corn
Smoky grilled chicken glazed in a sweet-and-spicy chipotle BBQ sauce, served with charred grilled corn — an easy crowd-pleasing cookout favorite.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers)
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 ears fresh corn, husked
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Pat the chicken dry and rub with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let sit 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, adobo sauce, minced chipotle peppers, and honey. Divide into two portions: one for basting, one for serving.
- Grill the chicken 6-7 minutes per side, basting with sauce during the last few minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Brush corn with melted butter and sprinkle with chili powder. Grill, turning occasionally, 10-12 minutes until charred and tender.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes, then brush with the reserved sauce.
- Plate chicken alongside grilled corn. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
For extra heat, add more minced chipotle to the sauce. Leftover chicken makes excellent tacos or sandwiches the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this one of the best labor day recipes?
It's quick to prep, grills in under 30 minutes, and delivers big smoky-sweet flavor that satisfies a crowd — exactly what you want from labor day recipes for a busy holiday weekend.
Can I make the chipotle BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be mixed up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge, which makes this recipe even easier to prep for a Labor Day gathering.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely. Chicken breasts work well too — just watch the grill time closely since they can dry out faster than thighs.
How do I keep the corn from burning on the grill?
Turn the ears every 2-3 minutes and keep the grill at medium-high rather than high heat so the sugars caramelize instead of scorching.
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