The Chipotle Beer BBQ Chicken with Creamed Grilled Corn from How Sweet Eats is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines smoky, spicy chicken with a creamy, sweet corn side. This recipe is perfect for summer gatherings or any time you crave a hearty meal with bold flavors

Full Recipe:

Chipotle Beer BBQ Chicken

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup ketchup

• ⅔ cup beer (or substitute with root beer, ginger ale, or broth)

• ½ cup honey

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder (or diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce)

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together ketchup, beer, honey, garlic, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.

2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 30 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

3. Preheat your grill to high heat.

4. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

5. Brush the chicken with some of the prepared BBQ sauce.

6. Grill the chicken for about 6–8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), basting with additional sauce as desired.

7. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Creamed Grilled Corn

Ingredients:

• 6 to 8 ears of corn (to yield about 2½ cups of kernels)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup milk (any variety)

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• Fresh chopped chives, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to high heat.

2. Place the ears of corn on the grill and cook for about 15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until charred and tender.

3. Once cooled slightly, cut the kernels off the cobs to yield approximately 2½ cups.

4. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to create a roux.

6. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, then add the sugar. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.

7. Add the grilled corn kernels and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.

8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Garnish with fresh chopped chives before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the grilled chipotle BBQ chicken alongside the creamed grilled corn for a complete meal. The smoky heat of the chicken pairs beautifully with the sweet and creamy corn. For a balanced plate, consider adding a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables.

Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 550 kcal

• Protein: 35 g

• Carbohydrates: 40 g

• Fat: 25 g

• Saturated Fat: 12 g

• Cholesterol: 120 mg

• Sodium: 600 mg

• Fiber: 3 g

The Flavor Profile: Smoky Heat Meets Creamy Sweetness

The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the chipotle beer BBQ sauce. A homemade blend of ketchup, beer, honey, garlic, vinegar, mustard, and smoky spices, this sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and spicy. The chipotle chili powder (or diced chipotle in adobo) adds a subtle, lingering heat and a signature smokiness that sets this chicken apart from ordinary BBQ fare.

On the side, the creamed grilled corn acts as the perfect contrast. It’s silky and rich, with charred kernels lending depth and a gentle sweetness that complements the heat of the chicken. The combination of heavy cream, milk, garlic, and Parmesan creates a velvety sauce that clings to each golden kernel, adding layers of indulgence without overwhelming the palate.

Together, these two dishes create a balance of flavor and texture that’s hard to beat.

Why This Dish Works So Well

This recipe is a prime example of flavor pairing done right. Chipotle and beer are a natural match—both contribute earthy, robust undertones that hold up well on the grill. Adding honey and Dijon mustard to the sauce enhances the complexity, rounding out the heat with a touch of sweetness and tang.

Meanwhile, the creamed corn isn’t your typical side dish. It’s fresh and summery thanks to the grilled corn, yet comforting and rich thanks to the creamy base. The contrast between the cool, creamy corn and the sizzling, smoky chicken makes each bite dynamic and satisfying.

Another reason this dish works so well is that it feels elevated, but it’s still approachable. You don’t need professional kitchen equipment or niche ingredients—just a grill, a few pantry staples, and a willingness to experiment with flavor.

Perfect for Summer Gatherings

Nothing says summer like grilling outside, and this meal is tailor-made for that. Whether you’re cooking on a charcoal grill, gas grill, or even an indoor grill pan, the flavors still shine. The beer in the BBQ sauce adds a layer of depth that’s perfect for outdoor cooking vibes. Not a fan of beer? No problem—this recipe gives you plenty of alternatives, like root beer, ginger ale, or broth.

The creamed grilled corn also benefits from outdoor cooking. Charring the corn on a hot grill brings out its natural sugars, adding a subtle smokiness that you simply can’t get from canned or frozen corn. It’s these small touches that make the meal feel special.

Best of all, both components can be made in advance. You can prepare the BBQ sauce the day before and let the flavors develop in the fridge. The corn can be grilled ahead of time and added to the cream base just before serving. This makes it an ideal choice for hosting without the stress.

Cooking Tips for Success

To get the best results from this recipe, keep a few tips in mind:

Let the BBQ sauce simmer long enough to reduce and thicken—it should coat the back of a spoon before you use it on the chicken.

Don’t skip seasoning the chicken before adding the sauce. A simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder goes a long way in building flavor.

Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking the chicken. Aim for 165°F (74°C) internal temperature for juicy, tender results.

If using bone-in chicken, increase grilling time slightly and be sure to baste frequently for maximum flavor.

When grilling corn, don’t be afraid to get a good char—it adds a crucial depth of flavor to the final dish.

Freshly grated Parmesan adds better flavor and texture than pre-grated cheese. It melts more smoothly into the cream base and provides a more pronounced savory finish.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

To round out the meal, you can add a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers. These lighter sides provide freshness and color, balancing out the richness of the chicken and corn.

For drinks, pair the meal with crisp, cold beverages like:

A hoppy IPA or amber ale to match the smoky BBQ sauce
Iced tea with lemon for a refreshing non-alcoholic option
A light, citrusy cocktail like a Paloma or Margarita to complement the spice

For dessert, keep it simple with something fruity and cool—think grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream, berry shortcake, or even a lemon sorbet.

Versatility and Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Don’t eat meat? Use the chipotle BBQ sauce on grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu steaks. You can also swap chicken for pork chops or shrimp. Want to make the creamed corn vegetarian-friendly? Use vegetable broth instead of milk and skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.

Spice tolerance can also be adjusted. If you’re cooking for kids or those sensitive to heat, reduce or omit the chipotle and offer hot sauce on the side.

You can even turn the chicken into sandwiches by slicing it thin and serving it on toasted buns with slaw and extra sauce. The creamed corn makes a unique and delicious side for burgers or grilled sausage, too.

Conclusion: A Must-Try for Flavor Lovers

The Chipotle Beer BBQ Chicken with Creamed Grilled Corn isn’t just another summer meal—it’s a bold, flavorful celebration of the season. It brings together spicy, sweet, smoky, and creamy elements in a way that feels both indulgent and comforting. With its easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish invites both experienced and novice cooks to try something new.

Whether you’re grilling up a weekend dinner or planning a summer party menu, this recipe checks every box. It’s hearty enough to satisfy a crowd, delicious enough to stand out, and simple enough to make again and again.