The Perfect Grilled Chicken with Succotash Recipe You’ll Need
Grilled chicken thighs make for the ultimate summer grilling experience - but wait! Topping the grilled chicken with a burst of fresh flavor from succotash is even better! This simple, veggie-packed dinner recipe comes together in less than an hour and is a great way to use all your summer harvest. Marinate your chicken in a slightly sweet and smoky spice mixture made from paprika, garlic, brown sugar, and of course, salt and pepper. Finish off the Succotash with fresh sweet corn, tendergreen (also known as baby) lima beans, and lots of herbs. If you want a meal ready in a pinch and reminiscent of a warm summer afternoon, this is the meal for you! Ready to dig in?
Why Do They Call it Succotash?
Traditionally Succotash is, by definition, the combination of corn, lima beans, and vegetables, usually carrots or squash. Succotash, a timeless classic, has a long history, with credit given to the Natives Americans of Narragansett, New England. The name came from the native word “msickquatash” which means corn, lima beans, and other fresh vegetables from the harvest. This everyday salad was inspired by the “three sisters” method of farming, where corn, squash, and beans are grown together for optimal nutritional value in soil and your diet. Although Succotash is now eaten across the United States, it’s most commonly eaten in the South due to the hotter climate and frequently paired with okra, which gives meaning to the name southern succotash. We love to throw fresh tomatoes and herbs into the mix for a bright take on this traditional dish!
What Goes Well with Succotash?
Summer succotash, winter succotash, and succotash for all seasons in between. Our Succotash recipe pairs lima beans, corn, green onions, cilantro, basil, tomatoes, and lime with a perfectly charred and marinated chicken thigh. To make the succotash your own, you could swap out the tomato for red peppers, add bacon for a smoky kick, or try various herbs such as parsley or chives. You can simply utilize whatever is in season, in company with corn and lima beans, to create a flavorful, seasonal side. In the summer, we prepare our succotash alongside usual picnic fare such as Macaroni Salad, Dressed Up Baked Beans, and Classic Potato Salad. This veggie succotash recipe is also a great source of plant-based protein for all vegetarians and vegans. It’d be great alongside Vegetarian Enchilada Skillet, Portobello Mushroom Fajitas, or Black Bean Burgers.
How Long Does it Take to Grill Chicken Thighs?
The size of your chicken thighs, the type of chicken, such as bone-in or boneless, and the temperature of your grill are all essential factors in grilling time. For our grilled chicken thigh recipe, we use three pounds of boneless chicken, which makes for quicker cook time! We also suggest grilling the chicken thighs over low heat for a steady five minutes before flipping to achieve a delicious and crispy char with a tender, flavorful inside. When using your grill, be aware of the two different heating areas, such as high and low, and make sure to use the cooler area for this recipe. Note: gas grills are often easier to control than charcoal grills, but we’ll leave that choice for you to decide!
How to Make Grilled Chicken Thighs with Succotash
Make the Marinade! Mix your spices and olive oil together and coat your chicken thighs with it. If you’d like, you can do this step ahead of time and allow your chicken to marinate for up to 24 hours before cooking time!
Prepare the Succotash! Cooking the corn and lima beans will help achieve the perfect texture and develop flavor. After adding the remaining ingredients, let the mixture sit and allow the flavors to marinate while the chicken grills.
Grill the Chicken! Pro Tip: leave your chicken thighs untouched for the first 5 minutes as described in the recipe! You’ll be left with beautiful grill marks and flavorful chicken! One more thing: make sure your internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and delicious chicken!
Plate and Enjoy! Place the grilled chicken thighs on a large serving platter and top generously with the succotash! Leaving your thighs whole instead of slicing allows the chicken to rest and the meat to be juicy for everyone to enjoy.
Tools You’ll Need
The Top Summer Grill Recipes
Want to try your hand at more simple and delicious grill recipes? Check our 30 Best Grill Recipes, or we suggest our personal favorites for a hot summer day:
Show Us Your Grill Marks!
It’s not summer without grill marks! Snap a photo of your Grilled Chicken Thighs and Succotash and maybe even a video of the beautiful people you feed it to. Tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating!
