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Flavorful Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chipotle Lime Butter

grilled corn on the cob with chipotle lime butter - featured image

A smoky, zesty grilled corn on the cob recipe featuring a chipotle lime butter that brings a perfect balance of heat and citrus brightness, ideal for easy summer BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husks removed or pulled back but still attached
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 to teaspoons chipotle powder
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup softened unsalted butter with 1 to 1½ teaspoons chipotle powder, the zest of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper if using. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  2. Peel back the husks of each ear of corn without removing them completely. Remove the silk strands by hand. Fold the husks back over the corn. Soak the ears in cold water for 10-15 minutes to prevent the husks from burning too quickly on the grill.
  3. Heat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high (~375°F/190°C). If using a grill pan, preheat it over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
  4. Place the soaked corn on the grill with the husks pulled back or removed. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes to ensure even charring. The kernels should be tender and have golden to slightly charred spots.
  5. Remove the corn from the grill and carefully pull back husks if still attached. Use a basting brush or a knife to slather the chipotle lime butter generously over the hot corn. Return the corn to the grill for 1-2 minutes to set the butter if you want a bit more char on the buttered surface.
  6. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Notes

Soak corn with husks pulled back or on for 10-15 minutes before grilling to retain moisture and prevent burning. Whip softened butter for a smoother spread. Avoid over-charring to prevent bitterness. Butter can be made ahead and refrigerated. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn on the cob, chipotle lime butter, summer BBQ, smoky corn, easy side dish, grilled corn recipe