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Flavorful Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe with Easy Fresh Corn Salsa

chipotle lime grilled chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe features juicy, smoky chipotle lime grilled chicken thighs paired with a fresh, vibrant corn salsa. Perfect for summer gatherings, it balances smoky heat with bright acidity for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900 g)
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups fresh corn kernels (from about 3 ears)
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together chipotle chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, fresh lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 2 hours.
  3. Prepare the Fresh Corn Salsa: Cut kernels from corn cobs and place in a bowl. Add diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and season with salt to taste. Stir gently to combine and set aside.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Light charcoal or heat gas grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Grill for 6 to 8 minutes without moving to develop crispy skin. Flip and grill the other side for another 6 to 8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F / 74°C internal temperature).
  6. Rest the Chicken: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  7. Serve: Plate grilled chicken thighs alongside a generous scoop of fresh corn salsa and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating for crispier skin. Marinate longer (up to overnight) for deeper flavor. Use indirect heat if grill is too hot to avoid burning. Adjust salsa seasoning to taste. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. Honey in marinade balances smoky heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: chipotle lime chicken, grilled chicken thighs, fresh corn salsa, summer recipe, smoky chicken, easy grilling, backyard barbecue