🔥 Blackstone BBQ Chicken and Corn: Your New Summer Obsession
Picture this: golden hour light, a cold drink in hand, and the sizzle of juicy chicken and buttery corn hitting a hot griddle. That’s the magic of this Blackstone BBQ Chicken and Corn recipe—a meal that tastes like summer vacation on a plate. Whether you’re a griddle newbie or a flat-top fanatic, this dish is your ticket to easy, crowd-pleasing dinners. I’m talking tender, smoky chicken bites paired with corn that’s caramelized to perfection, all ready in 20 minutes flat. Let’s fire up that Blackstone and make memories (and maybe a little mess) together!
The Night I Became a Griddle Evangelist
Last summer, my cousin Jake challenged me to a “no-recipe cook-off” using only his Blackstone and pantry staples. I grabbed chicken, corn, and whatever spices I could find—garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a half-empty bottle of BBQ rub. The result? Pure chaos (we may have set off the smoke alarm), but also pure genius. The chicken caramelized into these crispy-edged nuggets of joy, and the corn… oh, the corn! It charred like it was auditioning for a food magazine. We ate straight off the griddle, laughing at our sauce-covered hands, and I knew this combo had to become a regular in my rotation. Now, it’s my go-to for impromptu patio hangs. Pro tip: Always keep extra napkins nearby.
What You’ll Need (and Why It Works)
- 1½ lbs chicken breasts or thighs – Thighs = juicier, breasts = leaner. Your call! Chef hack: Freeze the chicken for 20 minutes before dicing for cleaner cuts.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – The umami MVP. No Worcestershire? Soy sauce + a pinch of sugar works in a pinch.
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh is best, but 1 tsp garlic powder works if you’re rushing.
- Kosher salt, pepper, BBQ seasoning – Use your favorite store-bought rub or mix 1 tbsp smoked paprika + 1 tsp each of brown sugar, garlic powder, and chili powder.
- 4 ears corn – No fresh corn? Frozen corn kernels tossed in butter work too—just cook ’em in a pile!
- Cooking oil – Avocado oil’s my go-to for high heat, but whatever’s in your pantry works.
Let’s Get Sizzling: Your Griddle Game Plan
- Chicken Prep: Toss diced chicken with Worcestershire, garlic, and spices. Chef’s secret: Massage the seasoning into the chicken like you’re giving it a spa treatment—it helps the flavors stick!
- Corn Butter-Up: Brush corn with melted butter and roll in leftover BBQ seasoning. Yes, you’ll want to lick your fingers. Resist.
- Griddle Time: Crank your Blackstone to medium (about 400°F). Drizzle oil—it should shimmer but not smoke. Add chicken and corn. Pro tip: Keep corn on one side so you can shuffle the chicken without corn rolling away!
- Flip Like a Pro: Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side until you get those gorgeous grill marks. For corn, rotate every 2 minutes for even char. If things get too rowdy, spritz with water to tame the flames.
- Safety Check: Chicken’s done at 165°F. Corn should be tender with kernels that “pop” when pressed. If using BBQ sauce for dipping, warm it on the griddle’s cooler edge for 30 seconds!
Plating Like a Backyard Picasso
Pile that chicken high on a platter with corn arranged like edible sunshine rays. Serve with lime wedges for zing, extra BBQ sauce for dippin’, and a big ol’ bowl of cowboy beans. Paper plates? Absolutely allowed.
Mix It Up: 5 Flavor Adventures
- Honey Sriracha Twist: Swap BBQ seasoning for 2 tbsp honey + 1 tbsp sriracha in the marinade.
- Elote-Style Corn: After cooking, slather corn with mayo, sprinkle with cotija cheese and chili powder.
- Veggie Power: Replace chicken with portobello mushrooms and add zucchini coins to the griddle.
- Caribbean Vibes: Use jerk seasoning and add pineapple chunks to the cooktop party.
- Low-Carb Bowl: Skip the corn, serve chicken over cauliflower rice with avocado and pico de gallo.
Confessions of a Griddle Addict
True story: I once made this recipe during a power outage using a propane Blackstone and headlamp. My neighbors thought I was hosting a secret cookout. The recipe’s evolved since then—I now add a splash of bourbon to the marinade when feeling fancy. Kids? They’ll fight over the corn (cut kernels off the cob for less mess). Dogs? They’ll stare. A lot.
Your Questions, My Answers (No Judgement!)
Q: Help! My chicken’s sticking to the griddle.
A: More oil, less panic. Make sure the griddle’s properly preheated, and don’t move the chicken until it releases naturally—about 2 minutes per side.
Q: Can I cook frozen chicken?
A: Dice first, and pat dry THOROUGHLY. Frozen chicken releases moisture, which = steaming, not searing.
Q: Corn takes forever. Can I par-cook it first?
A: Microwave ears (in husks) for 3 minutes before griddling. You’ll get tender insides faster!
Q: No Blackstone? What’s the alternative?
A: Cast iron skillet or outdoor grill with a griddle plate works great. Even a nonstick pan in a pinch!
Nutritional Info (Because Balance, Right?)
Calories: 309 per serving (1 chicken breast + 1 ear corn)
Protein: 28g | Carbs: 18g | Fat: 14g
Blackstone BBQ Chicken and Corn
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4
Description
• 1½ lbs chicken breasts or boneless thighs, diced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• Kosher salt, black pepper, BBQ seasoning
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 4 ears corn on the cob, shucked
• Cooking oil (any kind)
• Optional: Your favorite BBQ sauce for dipping
Ingredients
Toss chicken with Worcestershire, garlic, salt, pepper, and BBQ seasoning. Marinate if time allows (at least 1 hour).
Brush corn with melted butter and season all sides.
Preheat Blackstone (or any flat top grill) to medium heat.
Add oil, then cook chicken and corn together for 9–11 minutes, turning occasionally.
Remove chicken once done, and cook corn until tender and golden.
Serve warm with BBQ sauce for dipping if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast + 1 ear corn
- Calories: 309 per serving
- Fat: 14g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 18g per serving
- Protein: 28g per serving
This is the 3rd recipe I’ve made on my new Blackstone & I’m glad we made it. Husband enjoyed it and the kids loved it.
★★★★★