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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, spicy, and tangy grilled corn on the cob recipe featuring chipotle lime butter that brings backyard BBQ flavors to your table in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husks removed
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 12 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 large lime)
  • Zest of 1 large lime
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
  • Optional: grated Cotija cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chipotle lime butter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened butter, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, lime zest, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. If butter is too cold, microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften further. Butter can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
  2. Prepare the corn: Remove husks and silk from the 4 ears of fresh corn. Pat dry with a paper towel to ensure the butter sticks well.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). For charcoal grills, spread coals evenly and wait until covered with white ash.
  4. Butter the corn: Using a spoon or brush, generously spread the chipotle lime butter all over each ear of corn. Reserve a small amount for serving.
  5. Grill the corn: Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes to get an even char and prevent burning. Watch for kernels blistering and developing golden brown spots. Avoid over-charring.
  6. Finish and serve: Remove corn from the grill and immediately brush with the remaining chipotle lime butter. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped cilantro and grated Cotija cheese.

Notes

If butter hardens too quickly on hot corn, warm it slightly before brushing for a silky finish. Grilling with husks slightly pulled back but still attached can lock in moisture for juicier corn. Turn corn every 2-3 minutes to avoid burning. Butter can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. For dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and nutritional yeast instead of Cotija cheese.

Nutrition

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