Honey BBQ Chicken with Grilled Corn & Honey-Chili Butter

Sweet, smoky, and a bit spicy - a perfect summer dinner for two.

A smoky-sweet dinner for two, perfect for a laid-back summer evening.

Some summer dinners just feel and smell right. We love that unmistakable smell of BBQ in the air (that get our neighbors jealous attention.)

We put this together last week when the weather hit almost 100 degrees in Las Vegas, and we didn’t want anything too complicated, just good, down home flavor.

This meal has it all: savory, smoky, sweet, and just a little spicy.

The chicken is coated in a sticky honey BBQ glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. And while the chicken sizzles, we throw corn cobs on the fire, brushing them with a quick honey-chili butter that melts right in.

It’s that favorite combo of sweet heat and smoke that makes this feel like real summer food—no fluff, just flavor.

Honey BBQ Chicken (Serves 2)

Ingredients:

• 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts if you prefer)

• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)

• 1 1/2 tablespoons honey

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt & pepper

  
  

Instructions:

1. Prep the glaze: In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, and smoked paprika. Set aside.

   
   

2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.

   
   

3. Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the chicken, skin-side down first, for about 5–6 minutes per side. During the last 5 minutes, brush generously with the honey BBQ glaze, flipping and brushing again until caramelized and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).

   
   

Grilled Corn with Honey-Chili Butter (Serves 2)

Ingredients:

• 2 ears of corn, husked

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (or more, to taste)

• Pinch of salt

  
  

Instructions:

1. Make the honey-chili butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with honey, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt.

   
   

2. Grill the corn: Place the husked corn on the grill and rotate every couple of minutes until lightly charred all over (about 8–10 minutes total).

   
   

3. Serve: Immediately brush the hot corn with honey-chili butter so it melts into all the crevices. Serve alongside the chicken, maybe with a wedge of lime on the side.

   
   

This meal is made for two—perfect for a backyard dinner or even a little weeknight celebration when you’re wanting something bold and summery. It’s simple, hearty, and has just enough kick to keep things interesting.

Betsy and Pete

Vegas Bees

Las Vegas, Nevada

About Us: The Authors

Betsy and Pete from Vegas Bees

We're Betsy and Pete, passionate Las Vegas beekeepers trained by a master in the field. With hundreds of successful bee and bee swarm removals under our belts, we're not just experts; we're enthusiasts committed to the well-being of these incredible pollinators.

We manage dozens of beehives, both natural and honey-bearing at our Joshua Tree Preserve.

Our Commitment to Excellence

Education is an ongoing journey, especially in a dynamic field such as beekeeping. That's why we continually update our knowledge base, collaborate with other experts, and stay up to date with the latest advancements in bee control methods and beekeeping practices.

We also provide top-tier beekeeping supplies, offering everything a beekeeper needs, from beginners to experts.