The Chipotle BBQ Chicken is a fiery, flavor-packed dish that brings the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy to your table. Marinated and brushed with a chipotle-infused barbecue sauce, the grilled chicken breasts develop a caramelized glaze that’s rich with depth and tang.
Paired with a vibrant grilled corn salsa bursting with lime, tomatoes, and cilantro, this meal is perfect for summer cookouts, casual dinners, or when you’re just craving bold Southwestern flavors. It’s quick to make, simple to prep, and guaranteed to wow everyone around your dinner table. Whether you’re meal-prepping or hosting, this dish will leave your guests asking for seconds.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
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1 to 2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce, finely chopped
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1 cup fresh corn kernels (grilled or sautéed)
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 red onion, finely diced
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1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
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Juice of 1 lime
Directions:
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Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
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In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture over the chicken breasts.
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In another bowl, mix the BBQ sauce with chipotle in adobo sauce until well blended.
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Grill the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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In the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush the chipotle BBQ sauce over the chicken generously on both sides.
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While the chicken cooks, combine corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
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Once the chicken is cooked through and glazed, remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes.
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Slice the chicken and serve topped with the grilled corn salsa.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 295 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Bold Flavors of Chipotle BBQ Chicken: A Must-Try for Any Home Cook
There are few things more satisfying than a juicy, char-grilled piece of chicken infused with smoky-sweet barbecue flavor and a spicy chipotle kick. Add a refreshing grilled corn salsa on top, and you have a dish that captures the very soul of summer cooking. Whether you’re cooking for a casual backyard gathering, a busy weeknight dinner, or prepping for a flavorful lunch, Chipotle BBQ Chicken with Grilled Corn Salsa brings together everything you want in a meal, it’s quick, healthy, customizable, and incredibly delicious.
In this post, we’re diving deep into what makes this dish special. From the ingredients to the flavor layers, cooking methods, and how you can customize it to your taste, you’ll walk away inspired and ready to cook this recipe with confidence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a favorite among those who appreciate bold, complex flavors without needing hours in the kitchen. It’s:
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Quick and easy – It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish.
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Nutritious – Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, it’s great for a balanced diet.
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Customizable – You can adjust the heat, sweetness, or even add your own twist with different toppings.
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Perfect for grilling season – The smoky flavors are enhanced when grilled outdoors, making it a cookout superstar.
The real magic lies in how the chipotle-infused BBQ glaze interacts with the char of the grill and the juicy chicken, contrasted by the brightness of the lime-splashed grilled corn salsa.
Let’s Talk Ingredients
Each component of this dish brings a unique contribution, both in taste and texture:
Chicken Breasts
We use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they are lean and absorb marinades beautifully. However, this recipe also works well with chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor and juicier cut.
BBQ Sauce
Your choice of BBQ sauce forms the base of the glaze. A traditional smoky or sweet BBQ sauce works best. Look for sauces with natural ingredients, or make your own if you have the time. It pairs wonderfully with chipotle to create a layered, robust flavor.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo
These smoked jalapeños add heat, smokiness, and a touch of earthiness. A little goes a long way. Finely chopping them ensures they distribute evenly throughout the sauce.
Grilled Corn
Grilling the corn adds depth and sweetness. The slight char on the kernels contrasts beautifully with the spicy chicken. You can use fresh or frozen corn, just be sure to char it on a skillet or grill.
Cherry Tomatoes
They add a juicy burst of sweetness and acidity to the salsa, balancing out the spice and salt.
Red Onion and Cilantro
Red onion gives the salsa a crisp, slightly sharp edge, while fresh cilantro adds a citrusy aroma and herby brightness.
Lime Juice
Fresh lime juice is essential. It cuts through the richness and brightens the whole dish.
Flavor Profile Breakdown
This meal delivers a well-rounded flavor experience that satisfies the palate on multiple levels:
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Smoky from chipotle and grilled corn
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Sweet from BBQ sauce and tomatoes
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Spicy from adobo chilis
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Tangy from lime juice
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Savory and Juicy from perfectly grilled chicken
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Fresh and Herby from cilantro
When combined, these flavors create a balanced bite every single time. It’s a harmony of fire and freshness, richness and lightness.
How to Grill Perfect Chicken Every Time
Grilling chicken can be intimidating, especially when you’re aiming for a juicy interior and caramelized exterior. Here are a few tips:
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Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook uniformly.
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Marinate or season ahead to lock in moisture and flavor.
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Preheat the grill to medium-high heat before placing the chicken.
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Avoid flipping too often – let each side get a good sear.
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Use a thermometer – 165°F (74°C) is the ideal internal temperature.
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Let it rest after grilling to retain the juices.
Variations & Add-Ons
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways you can personalize it:
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Add cheese: Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese on top of the salsa adds creaminess.
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Make it a bowl: Serve the chicken over a bed of rice, quinoa, or lettuce for a hearty bowl.
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Make it tacos: Slice the chicken and stuff it into tortillas with salsa and avocado.
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Include avocado: Dice some avocado into the salsa or serve it on the side for richness.
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Add black beans: Toss some into the salsa for extra protein and fiber.
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Swap proteins: Use tofu, shrimp, or even salmon if you’re feeling adventurous.
Nutritional Benefits
This meal is not only delicious but nutritious:
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High in Protein: Chicken provides lean protein for muscle health and satiety.
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Low in Sugar: Choose low-sugar BBQ sauce for a cleaner version.
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Vegetable-Rich: Tomatoes, corn, onions, and cilantro deliver fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
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Gluten-Free Friendly: Naturally gluten-free if your BBQ sauce is certified.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with:
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Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
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Black bean salad
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Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus
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Tortilla chips and guacamole
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A cold beer, iced tea, or limeade for refreshment
It’s also excellent for meal prep. Store the chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers. The chicken can be sliced and used for salads, sandwiches, or wraps throughout the week.
Hosting with Chipotle BBQ Chicken
If you’re throwing a summer cookout or dinner party, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that can easily be scaled. Grill a batch of chicken breasts and set up a taco bar with tortillas, salsas, guac, beans, and cheese. It allows your guests to build their own plates and guarantees everyone leaves satisfied.
Want to take it to the next level? Offer grilled pineapple slices or spicy mango salsa on the side for a tropical twist.
Storage and Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify overnight, making it a great next-day lunch.
To reheat, use a skillet or oven for best texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the chicken. If you must use a microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
The salsa should be stored separately and is best enjoyed fresh, though it will last about 2 days.
Conclusion
Chipotle BBQ Chicken with Grilled Corn Salsa is a bold, beautiful dish that’s built for sharing and savoring. It embodies the essence of summer with its smoky, spicy, sweet, and fresh flavors, all layered into a quick-cooking, easy-to-prep recipe. Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight go-to, something to wow your guests, or a way to use up your grill before summer ends, this dish checks every box.
It’s proof that with a few fresh ingredients, a flavorful sauce, and a good grill, you can create something truly memorable. So grab your tongs, fire up the heat, and get ready to fall in love with this flavorful, fuss-free meal that brings the best of barbecue and Tex-Mex together in one sizzling plate.