Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken is that perfect backyard classic, bringing smoky char, juicy meat, and an irresistible sweet-tangy glaze to your table. This dish wins crowds with flavors that balance lush honey, zippy mustard, and savory spices—making dinner both vibrant and comforting. Whether you’re planning a summer cookout or simply looking for a weeknight staple, this recipe guarantees flavor, minimal fuss, and a golden, caramelized finish you’ll crave again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken is just how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create something special. Every choice here—from the cut of chicken to the right kind of mustard—delivers a pop of taste, and it’s these little details that make the difference!

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless, skinless options work best for quick, even grilling and juicy results.
• Honey: Offers natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, giving the glaze its signature stickiness.
• Dijon mustard: Adds depth, tang, and a little heat to the marinade—don’t skip it!
• Whole grain or yellow mustard: Gives lovely texture and a mellow bite alongside the Dijon.
• Olive oil: Helps the marinade coat every piece and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
• Fresh garlic: Minced garlic infuses an aromatic touch and rounds out the honey-mustard pairing.
• Lemon juice: A dash of acidity brightens everything and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for sharpening and balancing all those layered flavors.
• Fresh herbs (optional): Chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top bring great color and freshness.

How to Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, both mustards, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. This luscious golden mixture is what gives Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken its signature tang and sheen. Be sure to taste the marinade—if you love it now, you’ll love it even more after grilling!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then coat it all over with the marinade. Place the chicken in a shallow dish or zip-top bag, making sure every piece is well-covered. For best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to four hours if you have time—the longer it soaks, the deeper the flavor for your Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. A hot grill ensures those classic sear marks and locks in all the juiciness. If grilling indoors, a stovetop grill pan works well too!

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Remove the chicken from the marinade (letting excess drip back into the bowl) and place on the grill. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, flipping once, until the chicken is gorgeously charred and cooked through (internal temp should hit 165°F). During the last minute, brush on a little reserved marinade for a bold, glossy finish.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let your Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing—this keeps all those fabulous juices where you want them. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm. The aroma alone will bring everyone to the table!

How to Serve Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken

Garnishes

A final shower of freshly chopped parsley or chives is all you need to make your plate pop with color and herbaceous aroma. For a touch of zing, a squeeze of lemon over the top right before serving brings every flavor to life, and a scattering of flaky sea salt can add a satisfying crunch.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs like a dream with summery sides such as grilled corn on the cob, a crisp garden salad, or garlicky roasted potatoes. If you’re craving something heartier, serve it over brown rice or tuck slices into warm pita with fresh greens. The honey-mustard glaze shines alongside anything fresh and seasonal!

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken thin and arranging it over a platter of mixed greens and colorful veggies for a vibrant salad centerpiece. You can also chop it and fill toasted buns, creating incredible sandwiches. For a fun twist, thread bite-sized pieces onto skewers for a playful, party-ready option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The glaze keeps it moist, and leftovers are delicious cold, sliced into salads or lunch wraps for easy meal-prep magic.

Freezing

Pop fully-cooked, cooled chicken into freezer bags or containers for up to 2 months. If possible, freeze in single layers or portions for quick thawing. This is a perfect solution for busy weeks when you need a ready-made protein boost!

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it juicy. You can also reheat in the microwave—just cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second bursts until just warmed through.

FAQs

What’s the best type of chicken to use for grilled honey mustard chicken?

Both chicken breasts and thighs work wonderfully, but thighs are especially juicy and forgiving on the grill. Stick with boneless, skinless pieces for the best marinade absorption and fastest cooking time.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, simply lay the marinated chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet and cook at 400°F for 20–25 minutes. For extra caramelization, broil for the last 2 minutes.

Is it okay to marinate the chicken overnight?

Overnight marinating works if you love deep flavor, but try not to exceed 12 hours, as the acids can start to alter the texture. Four hours is usually ideal for Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

You can swap in spicy brown or even plain yellow mustard in a pinch—the flavor will be a bit milder, but still deliciously tangy and bright. The key is balancing sweet, tangy, and a bit of heat.

Can I use this marinade on other proteins?

Definitely! The honey mustard marinade is fantastic on pork chops, salmon, or tofu. Just adjust marinating and cooking times to suit your protein of choice.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a go-to recipe that turns out joyful and tasty every single time, Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken is a must-try. Fire up your grill, gather your favorite people, and let this crowd-pleaser bring everyone together. I can’t wait for you to taste just how good homemade can be!

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