Oh, you guys have GOT to try this! There’s something so incredibly comforting and satisfying about a plate piled high with smoky, tender chicken coated in the most amazing chipotle BBQ sauce, especially when it’s paired with a side of super creamy, sweet corn. Seriously, my Flavorful Chipotle BBQ Chicken With Creamed Corn Recipe is honestly one of my absolute go-to meals when I want something that tastes like I slaved over it for hours but is actually ridiculously easy. I first whipped this up on a chaotic weeknight when the fridge looked pretty bare, and ever since, it’s become a family favorite. It’s just pure magic on a plate!
Why You’ll Love This Flavorful Chipotle Bbq Chicken With Creamed Corn Recipe
There are so many reasons this dish is a weeknight warrior! Here’s why it’s destined to become your new favorite:
- Super Easy Prep: We’re talking minimal effort, maximum flavor. Most of the work is just mixing ingredients and letting the oven do its thing.
- Smoky & Sweet Bliss: That chipotle BBQ sauce is just *chef’s kiss*. It’s got that perfect smoky kick balanced with sweetness, and it makes the chicken absolutely melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Completely Creamy Corn: The creamed corn is pure comfort food. It’s rich, smooth, and the perfect sweet counterpoint to the smoky chicken.
- Fast Weeknight Meal: Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at under an hour. Perfect for when you’re short on time but craving something amazing.
- Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Even the pickiest eaters in my house gobble this up! It’s got something for everyone.
- So Versatile: Serve it as is, over rice, or even tuck the chicken into buns for a killer sandwich.
Gather Your Ingredients for Flavorful Chipotle Bbq Chicken
Alright, let’s get down to what you’ll need for this amazing meal! The beauty of this Flavorful Chipotle BBQ Chicken with Creamed Corn recipe is that most of these things are probably already in your pantry or fridge. I always keep a few cans of corn and my favorite BBQ sauce on hand for moments like these, and the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce? They’re like little magic flavor bombs! Trust me, having these key players ready to go makes the whole process so smooth. You can even whip up a batch of your own homemade BBQ sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!
Here’s your shopping list, or I guess your *what-to-grab-from-the-pantry* list:
- About 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (they stay so juicy!)
- 1 cup of your go-to BBQ sauce – use your favorite!
- 2 generous tablespoons of chopped chipotle peppers, right out of the can.
- 1 tablespoon of that smoky adobo sauce from the same can the chipotles came in.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika (this really boosts that smoky vibe!)
- A little salt and black pepper, just to taste.
And for that dreamy side of creamed corn:
- 1 (15 ounce) can of corn, make sure to drain it well.
- 1/2 cup of milk (whole milk makes it extra creamy, but any kind works!).
- 2 tablespoons of butter.
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
- About 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese – or any cheese you love, really!
- A pinch of salt and pepper for the corn, too.
Quick Tip: If you’re feeling fancy or it’s corn season, using fresh corn cut right off the cob is amazing! You’ll probably need about 2-3 ears.
Simple Steps to Prepare Flavorful Chipotle Bbq Chicken
Okay, let’s get this amazing dinner on the table! This recipe for Flavorful Chipotle BBQ Chicken is honestly so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it a million times already. We’re going to start by getting our oven nice and toasty, because a hot oven is key for juicy chicken!
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Gotta get it nice and hot to cook that chicken perfectly.
- Now, grab a medium-sized bowl. This is where the magic starts! Combine your favorite BBQ sauce, those finely chopped chipotle peppers (the more, the spicier – you know your crowd!), and that super flavorful adobo sauce from the can. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Give it a good whisk until it’s all blended together.
- Season your chicken thighs with a little salt and pepper. Then, plop them right into that delicious sauce mixture. Use your hands – it’s the best way to make sure every single piece of chicken is coated beautifully.
- Once they’re all saucy and ready to go, arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in your baking dish. Try not to have them overlapping too much so they cook evenly.
- Pop that dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through. The easiest way to tell is to use a meat thermometer – you want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sauce will also likely be bubbly and slightly caramelized around the edges.
While that chicken is getting all yummy in the oven, we’ll whip up the easiest, creamiest corn you’ve ever had. You can find my favorite baked chicken inspiration over here, but this chipotle version? It’s a whole other level!
Crafting the Perfect Creamed Corn Side
Okay, while that chicken is doing its thing in the oven, let’s talk about this incredible creamed corn. Honestly, it’s the stuff dreams are made of! It’s so simple, but the results are just… wow. Forget those watery canned versions you might have tried; this is the real deal, homemade with love. It balances out the smoky heat of the chipotle chicken perfectly. It feels so decadent and goes amazing with just about anything, but especially with this chicken. You can even check out my favorite creamed corn recipe for more ideas!
Here’s how we make it happen:
First, grab a medium saucepan. Melt that butter over medium heat. Once it’s all bubbly and lovely, whisk in the flour. You want to cook that for just about a minute, whisking constantly. This little step helps cook out that raw flour taste and makes your sauce nice and thick. It’s called making a roux, fancy, right?
Next, *gradually* whisk in the milk. Seriously, add a little at a time and keep whisking so you don’t get any lumps. Keep stirring until it all comes to a nice, gentle simmer and starts to thicken up. You want it thick but still pourable, like a nice gravy.
Now for the good part! Stir in that drained corn and the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is all melted and gooey and the corn is heated through. Give it a taste and add a little salt and pepper if it needs it. Boom! Perfect creamed corn, ready to go.
My little secret? If you want it extra smooth, you can always give it a quick pulse with an immersion blender right before serving. But honestly, even with the little bits of corn and cheese, it’s divine.
Expert Tips for the Best Flavorful Chipotle Bbq Chicken
You know, I’ve made this Flavorful Chipotle BBQ Chicken with Creamed Corn so many times, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that really make it sing. It’s already super forgiving, but these little tweaks can take it from great to absolutely unforgettable. Don’t be afraid to play around a bit!
Chicken Thighs Are Your Best Friend Here
Seriously, I always reach for chicken thighs for this recipe. They’re just way more forgiving than breasts – they practically beg you not to overcook them! They stay wonderfully tender and juicy, absorbing all that smoky chipotle goodness without drying out. If you *must* use chicken breasts, just keep a closer eye on them in the oven and maybe pull them out a few minutes sooner.
Dial Up (or Down!) the Heat
The heat level in this dish totally comes from those chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. If you or your family likes things a little more fiery, don’t be shy! Add an extra tablespoon or even two of the chopped peppers. If you’re more sensitive to spice, start with just one tablespoon of the peppers *and* maybe skip the tablespoon of adobo sauce. You can always add more at the table with some extra hot sauce if needed!
Grilling is a Totally Delicious Option!
While baking is super convenient, sometimes I just want that extra char and grill flavor. You can absolutely grill this chicken! Just marinate it like instructed, then grill over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through and beautifully caramelized. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn, that smoky sauce can char quickly!
Boost Your BBQ Sauce
Look, I love a good store-bought BBQ sauce, but sometimes, I like to give it a little upgrade for this recipe. If you have some extra time, whipping up a quick batch of homemade BBQ sauce, maybe with a smoky kick of its own, is amazing. Or, just stir a teaspoon of molasses or a splash of Worcestershire sauce into your favorite store-bought brand to give it a richer, more complex flavor. You can even find a great base recipe here.
Serving and Storing Your Flavorful Chipotle Bbq Chicken
This Flavorful Chipotle BBQ Chicken with Creamed Corn is fantastic served piping hot right out of the oven! I love spooning it over fluffy white rice, or even some quinoa if I’m feeling healthy-ish. For an extra treat, you could even shred the chicken once it’s cooked and pile it into soft buns for some amazing BBQ sandwiches – talk about a quick meal upgrade! You can find some easy sandwich ideas here to get inspired. It makes about 4 servings and takes roughly 45 minutes total, prep and cook time included.
Leftovers? Oh yes, there will be leftovers because this recipe makes enough to share (or for super satisfying lunches!). Just pop any extra chicken and corn into an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for about 3-4 days. To reheat, I usually pop it in a low oven (around 300°F) or even microwave it gently, stirring the corn a bit. Don’t overcook it when reheating, you want it warm and delicious, not rubbery!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
You totally can! Chicken breasts will work, but they cook faster and can dry out more easily. Keep a close eye on them in the oven and try to pull them out around the 20-25 minute mark, making sure they reach that 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. Thighs are just a bit more forgiving and stay juicier!
How can I make this chicken spicier or milder?
The heat level really comes from the chipotle peppers. For spicier chicken, just add more chopped chipotle peppers to the sauce mixture – maybe an extra tablespoon or two! If you want it milder, start with just a teaspoon of chopped peppers, or even none at all, and rely on the BBQ sauce for flavor. You can always add a dash of hot sauce at the table!
Can this be made ahead of time?
You can definitely make the chipotle BBQ sauce and the creamed corn a day in advance and store them in the fridge. However, I find the chicken is best cooked fresh right before serving so it stays super tender and juicy. You could marinate the chicken for up to a few hours beforehand, though!
What if I don’t have chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?
While chipotle peppers give this recipe its signature smoky heat, you can improvise! For smokiness, try a little extra smoked paprika or a tiny pinch of chipotle powder if you have it. For a bit of heat, some finely minced jalapeño or even a pinch of cayenne pepper could work, though the flavor will be different. It’s worth picking up chipotles for next time, though – they’re amazing!
Nutritional Information (Estimate)
Just a heads-up, the numbers below are estimates, okay? They can totally change depending on the brands you use and how much of everything you end up loading onto your plate! This is just to give you a general idea of what you’re working with for one serving of chicken and creamed corn.
Per Serving (approximate):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 25g
Flavorful Chipotle BBQ Chicken with Creamed Corn
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple recipe for tender, smoky chipotle BBQ chicken served with creamy, sweet corn.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from can
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken thighs to the BBQ sauce mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Place coated chicken thighs in a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- While chicken bakes, prepare the creamed corn. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Stir in drained corn and cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until cheese is melted and corn is heated through.
- Serve the baked chipotle BBQ chicken with the creamed corn.
Notes
- For spicier chicken, add more chipotle peppers.
- You can grill the chicken instead of baking.
- Fresh corn can be used; cut kernels off 2-3 ears.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh and 1/4 cup creamed corn
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chipotle bbq chicken, creamed corn, easy chicken recipe, smoky chicken, weeknight dinner