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Ok so YOU GUYS.
I have serious summer eats on the brain, and it doesnโt help that I just spent Monday and Tuesday in LA for meetings. I mean, it was only 70 degrees, but man, the sunshine and warmer temps were kind of amazing. It was a busy and quick trip, so I didnโt get nearly enough time outside, but it was still nice.
Also, I think I should probably just move myself to southern California because I could really get used to their weatherโฆand their shoppingโฆand their FARMERS MARKETS.
But for now Iโll just dreamโฆ and go visit my brother whenever possible. I already have major plans to take Asher to the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter this summer. Sheโs been begging me to take her for months and I promised her that once I finished my book manuscript, we would go. Hoping for sometime in July, and hoping to make it a longer trip this time! Maybe even go to the beach, actually do a little shopping and eat at all the best brunch spots. DUH.
Okok, but my point in all this rambling is that my summer food cravings are strong. I guess itโs kind of appropriate since Memorial Day weekend is not this weekend, but then next. For me thatโs always the unofficial start to summertime! ๐
So letโs talkย BBQ Chicken. Did you guys grow up on this?? My dad would make grilled BBQ chicken in the summertime, all the time. It was just so quick and easy. Plus, it was a meal he could serve with rice, which you know is a HUGE hit in my family.
This dish kind of goes back to momโs and my comfort meal of chicken and rice. In the winter the chicken was baked, but in the summer it was grilled, and smothered in BBQ sauce. The only real difference was the sauce and maybe some grilled corn, but we loved it, and to this day itโs still one of my momโs and my favorite flavors.
A lot of times I will text people recipes and ask them to choose their favorites. Iโll text them a list of six or so recipes to a few people, mom included, and all will come back saying the same thing. BBQ Chicken!!
Well OK then!
Hereโs how this works, itโs simple and always a favorite. First, youโll need some polenta. I like to use dry polenta and cook it with milk + a touch of butter. It makes for the creamiest polenta. Then comes the cheddar cheese and charred corn!
Yes and YES.
Really, can you ever go wrong with a little cheddar and a little corn? NOPE.
So while the polenta is cooking, just toss the chicken with your all time favorite BBQ sauce and some honey. The honey is a MUST. It adds a sweetness that pairs so well with the corn and the polenta. Plus, it helps the honey barbecue chicken to get a nice caramelization, and makes for a super sticky sauceโฆaka the way all BBQ sauces should be (in my opinion).
Then just grill. See, super simple. You can also bake the chicken in the oven if you prefer, or if you donโt have a grillโฆor if the weather is just plain crappy, which I know all too well.
UGH.
Hang in there though guys, the nice weather will come, and when it does weโll have plenty of recipes to make and eat outside. Yeah!!
Alright, so once your polenta is all ready to go and your chicken is grilled, you just need a few more thingsโฆ
โฆavocado, because well, I add avocado to everything these days.
โฆpeaches!! My grocery store had California Peaches and guys I wasnโt sure if they would be good, but they where SO good. If you have peaches in your store add a few fresh or grilled slices to this meal, YUM.
โฆfresh cilantro and chives. I feel like the cilantro is obvious, but you could also use fresh basil, I think that would be amazing. The chives are sort of a new thing for me. I am really into them right now. Loving their flavor atop so many dishes!
โฆand lastly โ more cheese! Do I need to explain this? Never enough cheese!
Honey BBQ Chicken and Charred Corn Polenta.
Ingredients
Polenta
- 2 cup polenta
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- 2 ears sweet corn, charred, grilled or even left raw, kernels removed from the cob
- kosher salt
BBQ chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or tenders
- 1 cup BBQ sauce + more for serving
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 peaches, sliced (left raw or grilled)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- handful fresh cilantro
- fresh chopped chives
Instructions
Polenta
- Bring 3 cups water and 3 cups milk to a low boil in a large size pot. Whisk in the polenta and cook 15-20 minutes until thickened. Stir in the butter and cheddar cheese until melted. Add the corn and season with salt + pepper.
Chicken
- Preheat the grill to medium high heat.
- In a large gallon size zip-top bag or glass bowl, combine the chicken, BBQ sauce and honey and toss well to coat.
- Grill the chicken, brushing with any leftover BBQ sauce for 3-4 minutes per side, gently flipping 2-3 times until chicken is cooked through and has light char marks. You can also use a grill pan or skillet. Remove and let rest 5 minutes, then slice against the grain.*
- To serve, divide the polenta among bowls. Top the polenta with sliced peaches, avocado and the BBQ chicken. Garnish with cilantro and chives. EAT!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
And then youโre DONE. Honey BBQ Chicken and Charred Corn Polenta in under an hourโฆ please and thank you!
Looking for a recipe to make my boyfriend and I this weekend and I think this is it! Weโre not a huge fan of avocado though, do you have any suggestions of something else we could add in? Maybe another vegetable or something? Thanks!
Hi Victoria,
You can simply omit the avocado. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Guys, do this chicken, it is so so so good! Really worth trying.
Wow this is so sweet! Thank you so much Ola!
Hi Tieghan – I stumbled across your site whilst looking for an inspired way to use polenta I bought once upon a time. I made this this evening – and oh my – it’s just divine! Seeing as though coriander/cilantro is the devil’s herb (hahaha), I used parsley fresh from my garden, and it was so good. Thank-you so much!
I have to add, your recipes, PHOTOGRAPHY (omg!!), and site is a goldmine! I’m so pleased I discovered your work! Thank-you again for doing what you do, and I can’t wait to try out the next one – Market Veggie Board with Roasted Corn Jalapeno Hummus + Honey Whipped Goat Cheese looks just right for a gathering I’ve got coming up soon!
YES!! This is one of my favorites!! SO happy you found it!!
Thank you so so much it means a lot!! I hope you love everything you make Emma (:
I made this yesterday and it was AMAZING!! I just love your site and all your recipes! Thank you ?
Thanks so much Jen! So happy you like it!! (:
I love this recipe!! My family asks for it at least twice a month. It is sooo delicious. I love to double and even triple it and serve on a huge platter for a big crowd. I add lots of grilled corn and cilantro over the top. Yummo!!!
Extra cilantro is the way to go haha! I am so happy you are enjoying this Colleen, thank you so much!
Kind of confused, the directions say to bring 3 cups of water, and 3 cups of milk to a boil? Then add 2 cups of polenta. Is this an error?
No that is correct!! Polenta needs a lot of liquid, unless you are using instant polenta, then follow the instructions on the box! Hope this helps. Thanks Jill!
Hi Tieghan!
I made this meal for my family tonight and it was delicious. After scrolling through your Instagram feed in awe for so long I finally decided to try one of your recipes, I’m glad I did! Being young like you (I’m 16), it’s so amazing to see you have such a successful food blog. Thanks for the great recipe!
Hi, Eva!! Thank you so much!! I’m so happy you tried to make this! Sounds like you killed it!! So awesome!! Hope to hear more from you Eva!!
This was great!, made it last night. The polenta is amazing & i would never think to pair it with, peaches/avocado/bbq sauce & cilantro together but it works! Your flavor combinations are amazing!
Really great, will make again!
Thanks you.
๐
Thank you so much Karen!! It means so much to me to hear that you loved the recipe! (:
Gotta tell you. I feel pretty confident in the kitchen ,And feel a lot of food blogs may not go outside the box too much.
Your blog is always inspiring !!!!!
Just want to cook when I see your pictures. Keep it up ??????
WOW!! Thank you so much Donnie!! Theres nothing better to hear than that my blog is inspiring(:
Yum! This looks amazing!! Added it to my weekly round-up. Looks fantastic!
YAY! Hope you love it Kate! Thank you!