Grilled Chicken Thighs and Corn With Lime-Basil Butter | Juicy, Zesty & Easy Dinner Recipe
I remember going on a trip with my girlfriend about 1.5 years ago, which was the first time I had ever gone on a trip with her. As you can imagine, the trip was so exciting, and what made it even more exciting was the amazing chicken recipe that I’m going to share with you. We had it at a restaurant that had a juicy and flavorful grilled chicken thighs recipe that’s perfect for your next backyard BBQ or summer dinner. These Grilled Chicken Thighs with Corn and Lime-Basil Butter are the ultimate combination of smoky, zesty, and buttery goodness—made in just 30 minutes!
This easy, high protein low carb dinner is an awesome choice for healthy eaters, grilling enthusiasts, and anyone craving quick, satisfying meals without the fuss. Perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend cookouts, or even meal prep, this dish uses simple, wholesome ingredients like bone-in chicken thighs, fresh corn on the cob, and a fragrant lime basil butter that melts right over the hot-off-the-grill food. It’s a gluten-free, keto-friendly, and budget-friendly recipe packed with protein and healthy fats—ideal for weight loss meal plans or clean eating BBQ recipes.
So you can make it not only at an outdoor restaurant or BBQ party, but also at home if you want. With its eye-catching presentation and crowd-pleasing taste, it’s one of the best summer grilling recipes you’ll ever make.
🔥 Why This Grilled Chicken Thighs and Corn Recipe Works
- Juicy & Crispy Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs stay moist and get perfectly crisped on the grill.
- Flavorful Marinade: A zesty blend of lime juice, smoked paprika, and garlic powder penetrates deep into the chicken for a bold taste in every bite.
- Charred Sweet Corn: Grilling enhances the natural sweetness of corn, adding a smoky summer flavor you’ll crave.
- Lime-Basil Butter: Adds a herby, citrusy finish that melts beautifully over hot corn and chicken.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute BBQ ideas.
- Low Carb & High Protein: Perfect for keto, paleo, and clean eating meal plans.
Suggested: Make-Ahead Freezer Meals For Busy Moms
🔥 Grilling Tips & Techniques for Juicy Chicken Thighs and Perfect Corn
All you need for juicy grilled chicken thighs and delicious corn on the cob is an eye on the grill. Whether you’re just starting out or already a BBQ master, check out these tried-and-true grilling tips to help you do it successfully every time!
- ✅ Preheat the Grill: Always start with a hot grill (around 400°F/200°C) to ensure a good sear and juicy interior.
- ✅ Use Indirect Heat for Chicken Thighs: Place chicken over indirect heat once seared to finish cooking evenly and avoid flare-ups from dripping fat.
- ✅ Get Crispy Chicken Skin: Pat skin dry before seasoning, and avoid flipping too often. Let it crisp up before moving.
- ✅ Rotate Corn Regularly: Turn corn every 2–3 minutes for even char marks and caramelization without burning.
- ✅ Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures safe and juicy results. Learn more from the USDA’s official grilling safety guide.
Pro Tip: Always oil your grill grates before cooking. This prevents sticking and creates those picture-perfect grill marks that make your chicken thighs irresistible!
These grilling methods are not just for chicken—they work wonders for fish, pork, and even plant-based alternatives.
Suggested: Easy Vegan Dinners
🧈 About Lime-Basil Butter: The Secret Flavor Booster
This creamy lime-basil compound butter is the ultimate finishing touch to your grilled meals. It adds a burst of zesty citrus, herbaceous aroma, and melt-in-your-mouth richness that elevates both the grilled chicken thighs and charred corn on the cob.
- ✅ Made with real butter, fresh basil, lime zest, and garlic
- ✅ Easy to make ahead and refrigerate or freeze
- ✅ Perfect for grilled meats, veggies, seafood & more
- ✅ Keto-friendly, low-carb, and gluten-free
🍽️ Why It Works So Well With Grilled Chicken
When the hot chicken hits the plate, the lime-basil butter melts instantly, seeping into the crispy skin and juicy meat—creating a rich, savory glaze. It also enhances the smoky charred flavor of the corn, making it a total crowd-pleaser.
🌿 Ingredient Benefits & Nutritional Boost
– Basil: Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds
– Lime: Adds vitamin C and a refreshing tang
– Butter: Source of healthy fats that help with satiety in low-carb diets
Make It Dairy-Free
Swap regular butter with a high-quality vegan or plant-based butter to keep this grilled chicken recipe dairy-free without losing the flavor. Perfect for those following Whole30 or lactose-free diets.
📦 Storage Tips for Compound Butter
Roll into a log using parchment paper and store in the fridge for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Just slice a coin-sized piece to top off any grilled dish!
Related: Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
🥗 Serving Suggestions
This grilled chicken thighs and corn with lime-basil butter recipe is the ultimate healthy summer dinner idea. It’s juicy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile when it comes to sides and pairings.
- Grilled Veggies: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus make flavorful and low-carb companions.
- Fresh Summer Salads: Try a watermelon feta salad or cucumber avocado salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Whole Grains: Serve with quinoa, brown rice, or wild rice for a balanced meal.
- Low-Carb Options: Cauliflower rice, lettuce wraps, or roasted radishes are great keto alternatives.
- Wrap It Up: Use leftovers in a tortilla wrap, taco, or pita for a flavorful lunch the next day.
- Perfect Drink Pairing: Pair with homemade lemonade, iced tea, or a light white wine for a true summer vibe.
Related: Broken Egg Salad
🍽️ Variations & Substitutions
Want to customize your grilled chicken Thai recipe? These delicious options and flavor twists will help you get the most out of your summer barbecue menu!
🍗 Boneless vs Bone-In Thighs
Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for quicker grilling and easier slicing. Reduce cooking time by 5–6 minutes.
🌿 Herb Swaps
No basil? Try cilantro, parsley, dill or thyme. All pair beautifully with lime and grilled corn!
🌶️ Add a Spicy Kick
Mix in red chili flakes, cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your lime-basil butter for a smoky heat.
🥬 Low-Carb & Keto Adaptations
Swap corn for keto-friendly vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower steaks.
🧈 Dairy-Free Option
Use vegan butter or avocado oil in place of dairy butter for a plant-based version.
🌽 Corn Alternatives
Out of fresh corn? Use frozen corn cobs or grilled baby corn. Canned corn sautéed in butter works in a pinch too.
🧠 Tip: These customizations are perfect for those looking for budget-friendly dinner ideas, meal prep recipes, or seasonal spins on classic grilled chicken dishes.
Suggested: Keto Side Dish Recipes
🥗 Health & Nutrition Information
This grilled chicken thighs and corn with lime-basil butter recipe isn’t just flavorful—it’s also packed with protein, low in carbs, and naturally gluten-free. Ideal for those following a low-carb, keto, or high-protein diet, this dish provides a balanced, nutritious meal in under 30 minutes.
🔋 Calories
390 kcal per serving
💪 Protein
31g per serving
🥑 Fat
25g (healthy fats from butter & chicken skin)
🍞 Carbohydrates
9g (mainly from corn)
Why This Recipe is Healthy
- High in lean protein to support muscle building & satiety
- Low in net carbs – perfect for low-carb or keto plans
- Butter used in moderation with fresh herbs for flavor & nutrition
- Grilled, not fried – reducing added oils and empty calories
- Gluten-free and grain-free, suitable for food sensitivities
Related: High Protein Snacks
Grilled Chicken Thighs and Corn With Lime-Basil Butter
Juicy grilled chicken thighs paired with sweet corn on the cob and finished with a zesty lime-basil butter—this summer recipe is bursting with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes! It’s one of the best high-protein grilled dinner ideas, perfect for BBQs, meal prep, or healthy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lime
For the Corn:
- 4 ears fresh corn, husked
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Salt, to taste
For the Lime-Basil Butter:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- ½ tsp garlic paste or grated garlic
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Heat your outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C).
- Prep the Chicken:
Pat chicken thighs dry. In a bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Rub all over the chicken thighs. - Grill the Chicken:
Place chicken skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 6–8 minutes per side until golden, crispy, and internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C). Move to indirect heat if needed to prevent burning. - Grill the Corn:
While the chicken cooks, brush corn with olive oil and grill for 10–12 minutes, rotating occasionally, until slightly charred. - Make the Lime-Basil Butter:
In a small bowl, mix butter, basil, lime zest and juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and fragrant. - Serve:
Plate the grilled chicken and corn. Slather the corn with lime-basil butter and let some melt over the chicken for added zing!
Notes
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make extra chicken for salads, wraps, or meal prep bowls throughout the week.
- Make it Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne or chili flakes to the seasoning blend for a spicy kick.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free twist on the lime-basil blend.
- Fresh Corn Substitute: Frozen corn cobs (thawed) can be grilled if fresh corn is out of season.
- Indoor Alternative: No grill? Use a cast iron grill pan or bake the chicken at 425°F for 25-30 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh summer salad, like watermelon-feta or avocado tomato salad.
- Pair with grilled sweet potatoes or quinoa pilaf for a hearty meal.
- Add a cold drink like lime soda or sangria for a full BBQ experience!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 387Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 443mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 3gSugar: 11gProtein: 11g
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work perfectly for this recipe. They’re quicker to cook and easier to serve. Grill for 4–5 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Boneless grilled chicken thighs are a great option for fast and healthy dinners.
This dish is naturally low in carbs! Just skip the corn or substitute it with grilled zucchini or asparagus. The lime-basil butter is keto-approved and adds healthy fats, making it a perfect keto grilled chicken recipe.
For oven-baked chicken thighs, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place them on a baking sheet, and bake for 25–30 minutes. Use a broiler at the end for crispy skin. It’s a great alternative when grilling isn’t possible. Searchable keyword: baked chicken thigh recipes for dinner.
Brush fresh corn with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and grill over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes, rotating every few minutes. This gives you perfectly charred and juicy grilled corn—a summer BBQ essential!
Mix softened butter, chopped basil, lime zest, and juice. Wrap in parchment paper, roll into a log, and refrigerate. It keeps for 1 week in the fridge or 1 month in the freezer. Ideal for prepping compound butter for grilled meats or vegetables.
Yes! Cook the chicken thighs in batches and store in airtight containers. Keep the butter in a separate container and add it fresh when reheating. It’s one of the best high protein meal prep ideas for the week.
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