Nothing beats the sweet, tangy sizzle of summer when you’re making my favorite Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe. This isn’t just any grilled chicken—it’s juicy, bursting with flavor, and pretty effortless, making it a go-to for backyard dinners or casual weeknight treats.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t tell you how often I turn to this grilled honey mustard chicken recipe when I want to impress with minimal effort. It strikes the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and the grilling adds that irresistible smoky char that elevates every bite.
- Simplicity: Just a handful of pantry staples come together to create complex, rich flavors.
- Juiciness guaranteed: The honey mustard glaze locks moisture in, making dry chicken a thing of the past.
- Versatile flavor: You can dial up the heat with hot sauce or keep it mild for the kids—it caters to all taste buds.
- Perfect for all occasions: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a weekend BBQ, this recipe fits the bill beautifully.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in the Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe serves a purpose, creating harmony between sweet, tangy, and savory. When shopping, look for quality mustard varieties and fresh chicken breasts for the best results.
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for easier grilling and even cooking. Thicker breasts work better for juicy results.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the glaze on the grill.
- Dijon mustard: Provides a smooth, tangy base for the sauce.
- Yellow mustard: Adds a classic mustard sharpness for depth.
- Wholegrain mustard: Brings a nice texture and bursts of flavor with mustard seeds.
- Butter: Melted butter enriches the sauce and helps it stick to the chicken as it cooks.
- Spices (garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried basil): These all work together to season the chicken subtly without overpowering the honey mustard flavors.
- Hot sauce (optional): Just a dash adds a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
- White vinegar: Brings acidity to balance sweetness and tenderize the chicken slightly.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and vibrant color to the glaze.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this chicken based on who’s at the table or what I have on hand. It’s such a forgiving recipe that you can tailor it effortlessly to your taste.
- Add more heat: I often throw in extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper when hosting my spice-loving friends.
- Herb swap: Sometimes I swap out thyme and basil for rosemary or oregano when I want an earthier flavor.
- Glaze as a marinade: For even deeper flavor, try marinating the chicken in the honey mustard sauce for 1–2 hours before grilling.
- Different proteins: This glaze works wonders on pork chops or salmon too—just my little secret for quick variety!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Seasoning magic
First off, I pat the chicken breasts dry to help the seasoning stick better. Then, I season them evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and basil. Don’t rush this—you’ll thank me when every bite has that perfect hint of herbs.
Step 2: Whisk it up
In a bowl, mix honey, melted butter, Dijon, yellow and wholegrain mustards, hot sauce (if you like), vinegar, and paprika until it’s glossy and smooth. Reserve about ¼ cup for basting—that’s your secret weapon during grilling.
Step 3: Grill like a pro
I preheat my gas grill to medium-high and give the grates a quick brush with vegetable oil so nothing sticks. Place the chicken down and grill for 2 minutes per side to get a nice brown sear. Then comes the fun part: brush on half the honey mustard glaze, close the lid, and cook for 7 minutes. Flip, baste with the rest, and grill another 5-6 minutes until it reaches 165˚F inside. Patience here ensures juicy, tender meat every time.
Step 4: The all-important rest
Once off the grill, I always let the chicken rest on a cutting board for about 8 minutes. This step seals in the juices, so when you slice it, the meat stays moist and flavorful. Serve with the reserved honey mustard sauce for dipping that extra-pop of flavor.
Top Tip
After making this grilled honey mustard chicken recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that consistently lift the results—from juicy bites to beautiful caramelization.
- Dry chicken before seasoning: Moisture on the surface can steam the chicken instead of searing it, so give it a good pat dry.
- Preheat the grill fully: A hot grill ensures that satisfying sizzle and those gorgeous grill marks we all love.
- Baste generously: Applying the honey mustard glaze throughout cooking keeps the chicken juicy and layered with flavor.
- Rest is key: Don’t skip resting time or you’ll lose precious juices when slicing.
How to Serve Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this chicken with fresh chopped parsley or chives—those little green pops brighten both flavor and presentation. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a zesty contrast that pairs beautifully with the honey mustard.
Side Dishes
My favorite sides? Creamy mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. They all play well with the sweet and tangy chicken without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I sliced the grilled chicken over a bed of wild rice pilaf and scattered toasted almonds and pomegranate seeds on top. It’s always a showstopper—and everyone asks for the recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled honey mustard chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I slice it before storing so it’s easy to reheat or toss into salads or sandwiches.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist, then brush with leftover honey mustard sauce. Microwaving works too but can dry it out if you’re not careful.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving on the grill. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—usually a bit longer than breasts—to ensure they’re cooked through.
Great question! Honey can caramelize quickly, so keep the grill temperature medium to medium-high and apply the glaze mainly towards the end of cooking. Basting in intervals and watching closely helps avoid burning while still getting that lovely sweetness and color.
Yes! You can mix the honey mustard sauce up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Marinating the chicken for an hour or two before grilling gives extra depth of flavor, but if you’re short on time, just brushing on during grilling works fine too.
Classic sides like mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh leafy salad pair wonderfully. You can also get creative with rice pilafs, quinoa, or even a crunchy coleslaw for texture contrast.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe holds a dear spot in my recipe box because it’s both impressive and attainable. Every time I make it, there’s a tangible happiness around the table—and I’m pretty sure you’ll feel that too once you try it. Give it a go, and don’t hesitate to make it your own. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.
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Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken recipe features juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated and basted with a flavorful mix of honey, multiple mustards, melted butter, and spices. Perfectly grilled to a tender and moist finish, it’s a simple and delicious main course ideal for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
Honey Mustard Sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce, optional
- ½ teaspoon white vinegar
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat to ensure it's hot and ready for cooking the chicken evenly.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, freshly ground pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried basil. Set aside to let the flavors settle.
- Prepare Honey Mustard Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, melted butter, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, wholegrain mustard, hot sauce (if using), white vinegar, and paprika until smooth and well combined.
- Reserve Basting Sauce: Remove ¼ cup of the honey mustard sauce and place it in a separate bowl for basting during grilling. Keep the remaining sauce for dipping later.
- Prepare Grill Grates: Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and improve grilling marks.
- Initial Searing: Place the chicken breasts on the grill and sear (brown) for 2 minutes on one side. Flip and sear for another 2 minutes on the other side to develop a crust.
- Baste and Cook: Brush the chicken breasts thoroughly with half of the reserved honey mustard basting sauce. Close the grill lid and cook for 7 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and absorb the flavors.
- Flip and Baste Again: Open the grill, flip the chicken breasts, and brush with more of the basting sauce. Continue grilling uncovered for an additional 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F, indicating it’s fully cooked.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the grill and place on a cutting board. Let them rest for 8 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist texture.
- Serve: Slice the rested chicken and serve with the remaining reserved honey mustard sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to avoid over or undercooking.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop following similar steps.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder sauce.
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing keeps it juicy and flavorful.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
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