Chipotle Lime Corn on the Cob Recipe – Easy Grilled Flavor

Summertime brings an abundance of fresh, sweet corn on the cob. While plain corn on the cob with a little butter and salt is delicious, this chipotle lime version takes corn to a whole new flavor level! The combination of smoky chipotle, tangy lime, salty cotija cheese and fresh cilantro is absolutely incredible. Keep reading to learn how to make the best corn on the cob you’ve ever tasted. In this article we talk about Chipotle Lime Corn on the Cob ingredients & Recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 6-8 ears of corn, shucked
• 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1-2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 cup grated cotija or feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges for serving
• Salt and pepper to taste

The star of this recipe is clearly the fresh sweet corn. When selecting your corn, look for plump, tightly packed rows of kernels. The husks should be green and not dried out. The silk threads should also look moist and fresh.

The butter, lime juice and chipotle chili powder combine to make a sauce that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of corn. The smoky, slightly spicy chipotle pairs beautifully with the bright acidity of the lime.

Cotija is a firm Mexican cheese with a salty, crumbly texture similar to feta. It adds a wonderful salty, nutty crunch to contrast the soft corn kernels. Fresh cilantro brightens up the flavors even more.

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You can also boil the corn cobs if you prefer.
2. While the grill is heating, combine the melted butter, lime juice, chipotle powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well until uniform.
3. Use a brush to coat each ear of corn with the chipotle-lime butter. Make sure to brush it over the entire surface area to evenly distribute the flavors.
4. Grill the corn for 15-20 minutes, rotating occasionally for even cooking. The kernels should take on some nice char marks.
5. When the corn is done grilling, transfer to a serving platter. Immediately sprinkle the cotija cheese over each ear of corn so it sticks.
6. Top with the chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top to heighten the flavors.

Tips for Perfect Chipotle Lime Corn

• Choose corn that feels very firm and heavy for its size when selecting. This indicates peak freshness and sweetness.
• Peel back the husks but leave them attached at the base. Remove the silk strands before folding back over and grilling for more flavor absorption.
• Soak the corn in water for 10-15 minutes before grilling for juicier kernels.
• Use metal skewers inserted at the tip and base of each ear to make grilling easier and prevent drying out.
• Grill over a hot direct flame, rotating frequently, until kernels are lightly charred in spots.
• The chipotle chili powder amount can be adjusted to preference. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more for more heat.
• Substitute feta or queso fresco if you can’t find cotija cheese.
• Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra spice and kick.
• Garnish with extra lime wedges, cilantro or green onion for a pop of color.

Flavor Variations

The basic flavors in this chipotle lime corn recipe pair so nicely together. But you can also take things in a different direction with a few easy substitutions.

Try using lemon juice instead of lime juice for a more tropical flavor. Coconut oil can also be subbed for some of the butter.

For an Italian flair, omit the chipotle and cilantro. Brush with a garlic butter mixture instead and top with parmesan cheese.

To give it more of a Tex-Mex taste, swap out half the butter for mayonnaise and use a mixture of pepper jack and cheddar cheese on top.

No matter which flavors you end up going with, grilled corn on the cob always makes for the perfect summer side dish!

Serving Suggestions

While chipotle lime corn tastes fantastic on its own, it also pairs beautifully with so many other foods. Here are some delicious ideas for serving:

• Alongside grilled chicken, beef or shrimp fajitas
• In a taco or burrito bowl with rice, beans, salsa and avocado
• With a mixed summer greens salad with a chipotle-ranch dressing
• On a cheese quesadilla for a sweet and spicy combo
• Together with roasted potatoes seasoned with cumin and paprika
• As part of a Mexican-inspired tapas spread
• Alongside seared scallops with a creamy chipotle sauce
• In a bowl with zucchini noodles, corn, peppers and cotija cheese

This versatile corn recipe can be served as either a side dish or a light main course depending on your menu. It also works for lunches and dinners, casual family meals or fancier dinner parties.

Storing and Freezing Leftovers

Since corn on the cob is best eaten fresh after grilling, you likely won’t have many leftovers with this recipe. But if you do, the corn can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerated for 2-3 days.

Reheat leftover grilled corn by steaming briefly either on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water.

For longer term storage, cut the kernels off the cobs and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the corn kernels in the refrigerator when ready to use again. Reheat gently before serving.

The flavorful chipotle lime butter sauce freezes very well too. Simply freeze any extra in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for 3-4 months.

Key Takeaways

That covers all the basics for making the most insanely delicious chipotle lime corn on the cob! Here’s a quick recap of the key points:

• Look for plump ears of corn with fresh green husks and moist light silk.
• Combine melted butter, lime juice and chipotle powder to generously brush over corn before grilling.
• Grill over medium-high heat until kernels develop some nice char marks, rotating periodically.
• Immediately top grilled corn with salty crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.
• Adjust chipotle spice amount to taste preference and get creative with flavor variations.
• Serve alongside Mexican food, salads, meat or seafood entrées.
• Eat leftover corn within 2-3 days and freeze extra grilled corn kernels for longer storage.

I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and experience just how unbelievably delicious grilled corn can be! The sweet juicy kernels topped with that incredible smoky, spicy and tangy butter sauce is a truly mind-blowing combination. I sincerely hope you find this “Chipotle Lime Corn on the Cob ingredients & Recipe” article helpful.