Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

Sweet, tangy, savory, and slightly smoky—Honey Mustard Chicken checks all the flavor boxes. When grilled to perfection, it turns into a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both healthy and comforting. The magic lies in a simple yet punchy marinade made with honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and herbs.

🍴 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious and balanced: Sweet and tangy with a savory edge

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• Healthy: Lean protein with wholesome ingredients

• Flexible: Can be grilled, baked, or pan-seared

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• Meal-prep friendly: Stores and reheats well

• Quick marinade: Just 30 minutes to overnight

🔪 Equipment Needed

• Grill (gas, charcoal, or grill pan)

• Mixing bowl or zip-top bag (for marinade)

• Tongs or spatula

• Meat thermometer (highly recommended)

• Cutting board and knife

• Basting brush (optional)

🧄 How to Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken

✅ Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Dijon mustard

• Whole grain mustard (if using)

• Honey

• Olive oil

• Apple cider vinegar

• Garlic

• Paprika

• Onion powder

• Salt, pepper, and herbs

Taste test: The marinade should be tangy, sweet, and slightly sharp. Adjust salt or honey to balance as needed.

✅ Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Trim any excess fat from chicken.

2. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about ½ to ¾ inch) for even cooking.

3. Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.

4. Pour marinade over the chicken, turning to coat all sides.

5. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 4–6 hours.
   (Marinate up to 24 hours for max flavor.)

Tip: If you’re short on time, a 30-minute marinade still gives great results thanks to mustard’s natural acidity.

✅ Step 3: Preheat the Grill

• Heat grill to medium-high (about 400°F / 204°C).

• Lightly oil the grill grates with a brush or paper towel dipped in oil.

• Let chicken sit at room temperature while grill heats (helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking).

✅ Step 4: Grill the Chicken

1. Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess.
   (Discard used marinade unless boiling for a sauce.)

2. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

3. Use tongs to flip once. Chicken is ready to flip when it releases easily from the grill.

4. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Optional: Brush with reserved marinade or extra honey mustard in the final minute for a glaze effect.

Pro Tip: Do not press down on chicken while it cooks—you’ll squeeze out juices.

✅ Step 5: Rest and Serve

• Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

• Garnish with chopped parsley or serve with extra honey mustard dipping sauce.

• Enjoy hot, at room temperature, or sliced over a salad!

🥗 Serving Suggestions

🧡 Fresh & Light Pairings:

• Arugula salad with vinaigrette

• Cucumber and tomato salad

• Watermelon-feta salad

🍚 Hearty Options:

• Roasted baby potatoes or sweet potato wedges

• Brown rice or wild rice pilaf

• Buttered corn on the cob

🥪 Casual Serving Ideas:

• Sliced in wraps or pita sandwiches with greens and tzatziki

• Over grain bowls with quinoa, greens, and avocado

• As a chicken sandwich on brioche with slaw

🍱 Meal Prep & Storage

❄️ Refrigeration:

• Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

❄️ Freezing:

• Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

🔥 Reheating Tips:

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth.

• Microwave in short bursts with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.

🔁 Variations

🔥 Spicy Honey Mustard Chicken:

• Add 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce to the marinade.

• Top with sliced jalapeños or chili flakes.

🧀 Honey Mustard Stuffed Chicken:

• Slice a pocket into the chicken breasts.

• Stuff with a mixture of cheese (like Swiss or mozzarella) and spinach or ham.

• Grill or bake until fully cooked.

🥩 Use Other Proteins:

• Chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness

• Pork chops (boneless, thick cut)

• Tofu or tempeh (marinate at least 4 hours)

🌿 Pro Tips for the Best Results

✅ 1. Use High-Quality Mustard

Dijon adds tang and depth, while whole grain mustard adds texture. Avoid yellow mustard—it’s too sharp for this marinade.

✅ 2. Don’t Skip the Resting Time

Resting the chicken after grilling locks in the juices.

✅ 3. Pound Chicken Evenly

This ensures it cooks evenly and stays juicy.

✅ 4. Watch the Heat

Too high of a grill temperature can burn the honey. Medium-high heat gives a nice char without burning.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the honey mustard chicken instead of grilling?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 165°F. Broil for the last 2 minutes to caramelize the top.

Is it safe to reuse the marinade as a sauce?

Only if you boil it first for at least 5 minutes. Or set some aside before adding raw chicken.

Can I cook this on an indoor grill or grill pan?

Absolutely. Heat the pan to medium-high and cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

Minimum 30 minutes; maximum 24 hours. Longer than that and the acid may start to affect the chicken texture.

🌟 Conclusion

Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken is the perfect example of how a few everyday ingredients can create a stunning, flavorful dish. Whether you’re firing up the grill for summer or just looking for a healthy, craveable weeknight meal, this recipe delivers every time.