Introduction and Quick Summary
Summer is here, and it’s time to fire up that grill! One of the quintessential dishes that brings joy to every outdoor gathering is BBQ Grilled Chicken with Corn on the Cob. This delightful pairing not only fills your plate with vibrant colors but also tantalizes your taste buds with an explosion of flavors. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken marinated in a zesty blend of spices and grilled to perfection alongside sweet, buttery corn that melts in your mouth. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that captures the essence of summertime dining.
In this article, you will discover how easy it is to prepare tender BBQ grilled chicken and perfectly charred corn on the cob right in your backyard. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet family dinner, this recipe will impress everyone at the table. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you’ll be ready to serve this hearty meal in no time. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious dish!
Main Ingredients
Chicken Breasts
For this recipe, you’ll need four boneless, skinless chicken breasts weighing about 1.5 pounds (680 grams). Chicken breasts are ideal for grilling because they cook quickly and absorb marinades beautifully. The key is to ensure they are uniform in thickness so they cook evenly. You can also use thighs if you prefer dark meat.
Olive Oil
You will require ¼ cup (60 mL) of extra virgin olive oil for marinating the chicken. Olive oil not only helps keep the chicken moist while grilling but also enhances the flavor of the spices used in the marinade. It acts as a carrier for all those delicious herbs and seasonings.
BBQ Sauce
Prepare about ½ cup (120 mL) of your favorite BBQ sauce—store-bought or homemade works great! The sauce adds a rich sweetness and tangy flavor to your chicken. If you want to customize your dish further, consider using different types of sauces like honey mustard or spicy chipotle.
Fresh Corn on the Cob
You’ll need four ears of fresh corn on the cob for this recipe. Look for plump cobs with bright green husks and moist silk at the top; these indicators ensure freshness. Fresh corn delivers a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with grilled meats.
Spices
Gather one teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for seasoning. These spices create a flavorful rub that complements the chicken’s natural taste while adding depth and warmth through smokiness.
How to Prepare BBQ Grilled Chicken with Corn on the Cob
Step 1: Marinate Your Chicken
Begin by preparing your marinade using olive oil and spices. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ¼ cup olive oil along with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Place your chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover tightly to ensure every piece is coated evenly.
Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes; however, if time permits, allowing it to sit overnight can enhance flavor dramatically! While waiting, this is an excellent opportunity to prep your corn by removing any husks or silk attached to each ear.
Step 2: Preheat Your Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F – 190°C). A well-heated grill ensures those lovely grill marks while sealing in moisture during cooking. If you’re using charcoal briquettes instead of gas, allow them to burn until they’re covered with white ash before placing food onto them.
While waiting for your grill to reach optimal temperature, soak wooden skewers in water if you’ll use them for skewering corn halves later—they won’t burn when placed directly over flames!
Step 3: Grill Your Chicken
Once preheated correctly—place each marinated chicken breast directly onto the grill grates without overcrowding them—this allows even cooking all around! Close down the lid for about six minutes before checking doneness; flip each piece over using tongs carefully so juices remain inside during cooking!
Grill both sides until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which typically takes around 12-15 minutes total depending on thickness! To add extra flavor before serving—brush some additional barbecue sauce during last few minutes while grilling!
Step 4: Grill Your Corn
After flipping over your chicken breasts halfway through their grilling time—it’s time to add those fresh ears of corn! Place each ear directly onto hot grill grates next door or use soaked skewers if preferred; turn occasionally every two minutes until kernels turn tender & slightly charred all around – usually taking around ten minutes total!
Once done—remove everything from heat allowing both chicken & corn rest briefly—this lets juices settle back into meat making it juicy upon slicing later!
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving Suggestions
When serving BBQ Grilled Chicken with Corn on the Cob, presentation matters! Arrange sliced pieces of grilled chicken onto individual plates alongside whole ears freshly grilled corn topped off with melted butter sprinkled generously over top—a dash of paprika adds flair while enhancing taste even further! Pair these favorites together with fresh garden salad dressed lightly vinaigrette—and perhaps some crispy coleslaw too—for added crunchiness!
This dish pairs excellently well chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or chilled lemonade if looking alcoholic-free option instead! Always remember guests love options so provide various condiments like ranch dressing & hot sauce nearby allowing everyone customize their plates according personal preferences!
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers after enjoying such delicious feast—don’t fret—they store beautifully too! Allow leftover grilled chicken & uneaten corncobs cool completely before transferring into airtight containers keeping refrigerator set at below thirty-nine degrees Fahrenheit (4°C). Stored properly like this should extend freshness up three days max!
For longer storage periods consider wrapping individual portions tightly within foil before placing inside freezer bags; proper labeling helps keep track dates ensuring rotation practiced whenever meals prepared ahead planned out accordingly! When ready eat simply reheat either oven-safe dishes heating gently till warmed through again without drying out meats too much during reheating process!
By following these tips you will enjoy every bit of scrumptious flavors packed within each bite while effortlessly savoring quality time spent outdoors sharing beautiful memories around dinner table family friends alike!
Mistakes to avoid
When preparing BBQ Grilled Chicken with Corn on the Cob, several common mistakes can detract from your cooking experience and the final flavor of the dish. One significant mistake is overcooking the chicken. Chicken can easily become dry if cooked for too long. To prevent this, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ideal temperature for grilled chicken is 165°F (75°C). When it reaches this point, remove it from the grill and let it rest.
Another mistake is failing to marinate the chicken adequately. Marinating not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken moist during grilling. Aim for at least 30 minutes of marination, but for best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
Using low-quality corn can ruin your whole meal. Select fresh corn on the cob that feels firm and has bright green husks. Avoid any ears that appear dried out or have brown spots. Fresh corn contributes sweetness and crunch, balancing perfectly with savory grilled chicken.
Moreover, overcrowding the grill is a common error many home cooks make. Leave adequate space between each piece of chicken and corn to allow even cooking and proper smoke circulation. Finally, neglecting to preheat your grill affects not just cooking time but also how well your food sears.
Tips and tricks
To master BBQ Grilled Chicken with Corn on the Cob, consider these essential tips and tricks. First, use a two-zone fire on your grill. This method allows you to sear the chicken over high heat for incredible marks while moving it to a cooler section to finish cooking without burning.
Incorporate different flavors into your marinade by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme alongside garlic and citrus juices. These ingredients enhance the taste profile significantly and make your chicken more exciting.
When grilling corn, soak it in water for about 30 minutes before placing it on the grill. This technique prevents burning and helps achieve a nice steam effect that keeps the kernels juicy. Alternatively, wrap corn in aluminum foil with butter and seasonings before grilling for an easy flavor boost.
Don’t forget about resting time! Allowing grilled chicken to rest for five to ten minutes after cooking enables juices to redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing moisture levels when sliced.
Lastly, experiment with different BBQ sauces or glazes during the last few minutes of grilling. This approach adds layers of flavor without overwhelming the dish’s natural taste.
Suggestions for BBQ Grilled Chicken with Corn on the Cob
For optimal results when making BBQ Grilled Chicken with Corn on the Cob, consider these suggestions. Pay attention to seasoning; salt plays a crucial role in bringing out flavors in both chicken and corn. Use kosher salt for marinating as its coarse texture allows better absorption into meat.
Experimenting with wood chips can elevate your grilling experience significantly. For instance, using hickory or applewood chips infuses a smoky aroma that complements grilled chicken beautifully. Soak wood chips in water before adding them to your charcoal or gas grill for maximum effect.
Also, don’t shy away from creative side dishes! Pairing grilled vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini alongside your main dish adds vibrant colors and nutritional value while enhancing flavors through shared grilling time.
Consider serving with homemade dipping sauces like ranch or chimichurri as they add another layer of enjoyment when eating BBQ grilled chicken and corn on the cob.
Lastly, if you’re more health-conscious, opt for skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs; they still deliver great flavor but are lower in fat content.
FAQs
What is the best way to marinate BBQ grilled chicken?
To achieve flavorful BBQ Grilled Chicken with Corn on the Cob, marination is key. A simple marinade can consist of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Allow at least 30 minutes but ideally overnight for full flavor absorption. This not only enhances taste but also aids in keeping the meat juicy during grilling.
How long should I grill corn on the cob?
Grilling corn typically takes about 10-15 minutes over medium heat depending on whether it’s husked or wrapped in foil. Regularly turn it every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking while achieving beautiful char marks without burning it.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
While fresh corn yields better texture and sweetness when making BBQ Grilled Chicken with Corn on the Cob, frozen corn can be used in a pinch if thawed first. Just remember that it may not have quite as rich a flavor profile as fresh counterparts due to loss of sugars during freezing processes.
What type of wood chips pairs well with chicken?
Hickory wood chips provide a robust smoky flavor that works exceptionally well with grilled meats like chicken. Additionally, fruit woods such as apple or cherry give off milder sweetness which beautifully complements BBQ dishes including grilled corn too!
How do I know when my grilled chicken is fully cooked?
Using an instant-read thermometer offers reliable results when checking doneness! The ideal internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one handy cut into thickest part; juices should run clear without any pinkness remaining inside!
Can I prepare everything ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate your chicken up to a day in advance while prepping other ingredients like trimming corncobs beforehand too – just keep them refrigerated until ready for grilling sessions!
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering BBQ Grilled Chicken with Corn on the Cob involves avoiding common mistakes while applying useful tips and tricks throughout preparation stages—ensuring delightful flavors shine through! Remember always to check temperatures accurately so you achieve juicy results every time while experimenting creatively enhances both taste & presentation overall! Lastly—don’t forget those delicious sauces & sides; they truly elevate meal experiences altogether! Happy grilling!
