There’s something special about firing up the grill and cooking up a meal that brings everyone together. The smoky aroma, the sizzle of the grill, and the anticipation of that first juicy bite—it’s an experience that signals warm, sunny days and relaxed evenings. One of my favorite go-to recipes for grilling season is Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken.
This dish is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, thanks to the irresistible honey mustard marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. The combination of golden honey, zesty mustard, and aromatic garlic infuses the chicken with mouthwatering flavor, keeping it tender and juicy. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just want a quick and flavorful dinner, this recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with flavor – The homemade honey mustard marinade creates a delicious balance of sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of spice.
- Quick and easy – Simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and fast cooking make this a great weeknight dinner.
- Juicy and tender – The marinade ensures that the chicken stays moist and flavorful, even when grilled.
- Great for meal prep – You can marinate the chicken ahead of time, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Versatile – Serve it with grilled veggies, salads, or over rice for a complete meal.
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
Description
There’s something special about firing up the grill and cooking up a meal that brings everyone together. The smoky aroma, the sizzle of the grill, and the anticipation of that first juicy bite—it’s an experience that signals warm, sunny days and relaxed evenings. One of my favorite go-to recipes for grilling season is Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken.
This dish is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, thanks to the irresistible honey mustard marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. The combination of golden honey, zesty mustard, and aromatic garlic infuses the chicken with mouthwatering flavor, keeping it tender and juicy. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just want a quick and flavorful dinner, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and dried thyme. This marinade is the star of the dish, giving the chicken a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for even more flavor).
Tip: The longer you marinate, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be!
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Pro Tip: Avoid pressing down on the chicken while grilling—this helps retain its juices and keeps it tender.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once done, transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken extra moist.
Serve with a side of grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or some fluffy rice. Drizzle any extra honey mustard sauce on top for even more flavor!
Notes
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or pan-sear it on the stovetop.
- Leftover chicken can be sliced and added to salads, wraps, or sandwiches for an easy meal the next day.
- Store any extra marinade in the fridge and use it as a dipping sauce—but make sure it hasn’t touched raw chicken!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
How to Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and dried thyme. This marinade is the star of the dish, giving the chicken a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for even more flavor).
Tip: The longer you marinate, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be!
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Pro Tip: Avoid pressing down on the chicken while grilling—this helps retain its juices and keeps it tender.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once done, transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken extra moist.
Serve with a side of grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or some fluffy rice. Drizzle any extra honey mustard sauce on top for even more flavor!
Helpful Tips
- Don’t skip the marinade time! Even 30 minutes will help infuse flavor, but overnight marination makes the chicken incredibly tender.
- Use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F internally to ensure it’s fully cooked without drying out.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess. If you prefer a more tangy flavor, add an extra teaspoon of Dijon mustard. If you love it sweeter, increase the honey slightly.
- Try different cuts of chicken. This marinade works great with chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even skewers.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (+ marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (+ marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or pan-sear it on the stovetop.
- Leftover chicken can be sliced and added to salads, wraps, or sandwiches for an easy meal the next day.
- Store any extra marinade in the fridge and use it as a dipping sauce—but make sure it hasn’t touched raw chicken!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~250
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fat: ~8g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
(Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon?
Yes, but keep in mind that Dijon mustard has a sharper, more complex flavor. Yellow mustard will work, but the taste will be milder and slightly sweeter.
What can I serve with honey mustard chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted potatoes, grilled corn, steamed broccoli, or a simple green salad.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. If meal prepping, cook the chicken and store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze marinated chicken?
Yes! Place the chicken with the marinade in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag.
- Reheating: Warm it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken, here are a few more delicious grilled recipes to try:
- Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad
- Italian Pasta Salad: A Perfect Dish for Any Occasion
- Jalapeño Peach Chicken – A Sweet and Spicy Delight
- Cajun Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce
Conclusion
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken is a foolproof recipe that’s bursting with flavor. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and turns out juicy and delicious every time. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just want a quick, flavorful dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit.
