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Flavorful Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe with Easy Chipotle Lime Butter

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

This grilled corn on the cob features smoky charred kernels slathered with a creamy, spicy chipotle lime butter, delivering a perfect balance of heat, tang, and sweetness. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious side for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ears fresh corn on the cob, husked
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • Zest of 1 medium lime
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for sprinkling
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chipotle lime butter: In a bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, chipotle powder, lime zest and juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until creamy and fluffy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Set aside.
  2. Prep the corn: Husk the ears of corn, removing all silk strands. Rinse under cold water and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with white ash.
  4. Grill the corn: Place the ears directly on the grill grates. Turn every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking and char marks all around. Grill for about 10-12 minutes until kernels blister and develop golden-brown color with some blackened spots.
  5. Remove corn from the grill and immediately spread the chipotle lime butter all over each ear while still hot. Sprinkle with additional salt or fresh cilantro if desired.
  6. Serve the grilled corn on the cob warm, optionally with lime wedges.

Notes

If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broiler to achieve similar char marks. Avoid piercing the kernels to keep juices locked inside. For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives. Store leftovers wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat on the grill or broiler.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled corn on the cob, chipotle lime butter, summer BBQ, smoky corn, easy side dish, vegetarian, gluten-free