
If you are craving an easy summer dinner that delivers smoky flavor with a sweet and creamy side, this Chipotle Beer BBQ Chicken with Creamed Corn is your next favorite recipe. Juicy grilled chicken slathered in a sticky homemade barbecue sauce pairs perfectly with fresh creamed corn kissed by the grill. Both recipes become greater than the sum of their parts—a meal I discovered one hot Fourth of July that my family now asks for all season.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose bone in skin on if possible for juicier grilled meat
- Chipotle peppers in adobo: Brings smoky mild heat use just one for less spice
- Beer: Enhances flavor and keeps the sauce from being too sweet use a lager or pale ale
- Brown sugar: Rounds out the spicy flavors look for dark soft sugar for a deep molasses note
- Garlic and garlic powder: Essential for both the marinade and creamed corn pick firm fresh cloves for best flavor
- Fresh corn on the cob: Adds sweetness and texture look for ears with bright green husks
- Heavy cream and milk: Makes the corn luscious and velvety use full fat for the richest result
- Unsalted butter: A must for depth of flavor in the creamed corn select high quality for best results
- Parmesan cheese: Savory finish for the corn use freshly grated if possible
- Chives: Brightness and color for garnish snip just before serving for freshness
- Salt and black pepper: Always season in stages to build layers of flavor
Step by Step Instructions
- Make the BBQ Sauce:
- Simmer chipotle peppers beer brown sugar and any additional aromatics over low heat for at least thirty minutes and up to an hour Let the mixture reduce until glossy and thick stirring occasionally Cool entirely before using this prevents the sauce from sliding off the chicken during grilling
- Grill the Corn:
- Place husked corn directly over medium high grill heat and turn every five minutes Char the kernels evenly for a total of fifteen minutes This step brings a smoky pop to the creamed corn
- Grill the Chicken:
- Generously season chicken with garlic powder salt and black pepper Brush on a layer of BBQ sauce and grill over medium heat for five minutes on each side Add more sauce and grill for one to two additional minutes per side Remove and allow to rest for ten minutes so juices evenly distribute before slicing
- Make Creamed Corn:
- Slice kernels from grilled ears and add to a saucepan with cream minced garlic butter and a touch of sugar Cook over low heat until kernels soften Combine milk and flour separately then stir into corn Mixture will thicken as it simmers Lastly incorporate grated parmesan and balanced seasoning Taste and adjust as needed for your preference
- Serve:
- Arrange sliced grilled chicken on plates with a generous serving of creamed corn Sprinkle with chives and enjoy immediately while everything is hot

Storage Tips
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and creamed corn for two days The flavor gets bolder overnight Reheat chicken gently to keep it moist do not microwave on high or grill again to avoid drying it out
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap chipotle peppers for smoked paprika if you want less heat Add a splash of apple cider vinegar if you prefer vinegar led barbecue sauce Canned corn works in a pinch but always drain it well Use cheddar or another hard cheese instead of parmesan
Serving Suggestions
Pair the chicken and corn with a crisp salad or grilled vegetables for a colorful plate Serve with cold beer or iced tea If you are feeding a crowd offer soft rolls to soak up leftover sauce
Cultural Context
Barbecue chicken is a summer staple in many American backyards The addition of beer and chipotle gives a nod to southwestern flavors Creamed corn is a side with roots in Southern cooking giving this combo a true cookout vibe
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of beer works best for the BBQ sauce?
A medium-bodied lager or ale pairs well, adding depth without overpowering the chipotle and spices.
- → Can the chicken be baked instead of grilled?
Yes, oven-roast the chicken at 400°F, basting with sauce midway through for similar caramelization.
- → How do I keep the creamed corn from getting too thick?
Gradually add milk and adjust the cream level, stirring constantly, to achieve your desired consistency.
- → What can I substitute for chipotle if unavailable?
Smoked paprika with a pinch of cayenne offers smoky heat similar to chipotle, though with a milder kick.
- → How do I achieve the best grill marks on chicken?
Preheat your grill well and avoid moving the chicken for the first few minutes to ensure clear searing lines.