Name: Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon dried basil; 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

There’s something irresistibly sweet, tangy, and smoky about the Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe that always brings everyone to the table with a smile. Juicy chicken breasts glazed with a luscious honey mustard sauce—trust me, this one’s a keeper for your grill nights and weeknight dinners alike.

The image shows several pieces of cooked chicken, sliced into thick strips and arranged closely together. The chicken has a golden-brown color with some grill marks and is covered in a shiny sauce that has a warm orange hue. Small green herbs are sprinkled evenly over the chicken, adding a touch of freshness. The texture of the chicken appears juicy and tender, with the inside showing a lighter white color. The dish is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to admit, this grilled honey mustard chicken quickly became one of my go-to recipes because it’s so straightforward, yet full of flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, this recipe walks you through every step so the chicken comes out perfectly every time. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit a family dinner or an impromptu backyard gathering.

Simple, Delicious Marinade: The blend of three mustards with honey and butter creates a rich sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
Juicy, Tender Chicken Every Time: Seasoned with herbs and spices, this chicken never dries out, even if you’re new to grilling.
Quick and Easy Prep: You’ll be amazed at how fast you can get dinner on the table with minimal ingredients and fuss.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a casual weeknight or a weekend barbecue, this recipe fits seamlessly into your meal plans.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this grilled honey mustard chicken recipe plays a part in building that amazing balance of flavors—sweet, tangy, buttery, and just a hint of spice. When you shop for these, look for fresh herbs if you can, and quality mustards for the best results.

Flat lay of four raw boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried basil scattered beside them; a small white ceramic bowl with golden honey; a small white ceramic bowl with smooth melted butter; a small white ceramic bowl with bright yellow Dijon mustard; a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant yellow mustard; a small white ceramic bowl with textured wholegrain mustard seeds; a small white ceramic bowl with red hot sauce; a small white ceramic bowl with clear white vinegar; a small white ceramic bowl with deep red paprika powder, all arranged symmetrically around the chicken, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for even cooking and easy slicing. Thicker breasts will take a bit longer on the grill.
Salt and freshly ground pepper: Essential basics that bring all the other flavors to life.
Garlic powder and onion powder: These add subtle depth without overpowering the honey mustard glaze.
Dried thyme and dried basil: These herbs complement the sweetness and add a fragrant earthiness.
Honey: The star sweetener that caramelizes perfectly, giving the chicken that signature glaze.
Butter (melted): Adds richness to the sauce, helping everything bind together smoothly.
Dijon, yellow, and wholegrain mustard: Using three types gives the sauce complexity—tangy, sharp, and mildly spicy tones layered together.
Hot sauce (optional): Just a touch to balance sweetness and bring a gentle heat.
White vinegar: Brightens the sauce and keeps the flavors vibrant and fresh.
Paprika: Adds smokiness and a subtle color boost which looks great on the finished chicken.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I adore about this grilled honey mustard chicken recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I like to play around with the heat level and herbs depending on the season or what’s in my spice cabinet. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—that’s part of the fun.

Variation: When I’m feeling adventurous, I swap the dried thyme and basil for smoked paprika and chili powder—adding a smoky-spicy kick that’s irresistible at summer barbecues.
Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free version, you can replace the butter with olive oil—it still helps the sauce come together smoothly.
Serving style: Try slicing the chicken thinly and tossing it over a fresh green salad for a lighter option.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

A white plate filled with two main layers: on the left side, a pile of roasted broccoli with a green and slightly charred texture, showing dark brown edges and lively green florets; on the right side, four grilled chicken pieces with a shiny, caramelized golden-brown surface, marked by distinct black grill lines and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a small glass bowl of light brown sauce nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Grill and Chicken

First things first, get your gas grill heating up to medium-high. This ensures you get those beautiful sear marks without drying the chicken. While it’s warming, season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and basil. You’ll want to do this part well ahead if possible; even 15 minutes resting lets the flavors soak in better.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Honey Mustard Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the honey, melted butter, Dijon, yellow, and wholegrain mustards, plus hot sauce, vinegar, and paprika. This sauce tastes amazing raw, but don’t worry—we’ll be cooking it right on the chicken, caramelizing those layers into a sticky, glossy glaze. Don’t forget to set aside a quarter cup for basting, and keep the rest for dipping later. Trust me, you’ll want extra sauce on hand!

Step 3: Grill and Glaze Your Chicken

Brush the grill grates lightly with oil so the chicken won’t stick, then place the breasts on it. Grill each side for about 2 minutes to get a good sear. Next, slather half the reserved basting sauce over each piece—don’t be shy, this is key! Close the lid and cook for 7 minutes, then flip, baste again, and grill for another 5 to 6 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check—when the internal temp hits 165°F, you’re good to go.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once off the grill, let your chicken rest for about 8 minutes. This step is crucial because it lets the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken juicy rather than drying out. After that, slice and serve alongside that leftover honey mustard sauce for dipping—the perfect finishing touch.

Top Tip

Over the years, I learned a few tricks that really elevate this grilled honey mustard chicken recipe from good to unforgettable. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls, so your chicken turns out perfect every time.

Preheat Properly: Make sure your grill is fully heated before cooking; this prevents sticking and helps the sauce caramelize perfectly.
Baste Generously: Don’t just brush the chicken once—multiple layers of glaze build flavor and create that delicious sticky crust.
Use a Thermometer: It’s the easiest way to know exactly when your chicken is done without guessing or cutting into it.
Rest Your Meat: Letting the chicken rest makes all the difference in juiciness; rushing this step can lead to dry, tough chicken.

How to Serve Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

honey mustard chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing off this chicken with some fresh herbs—chopped parsley or basil adds a lovely pop of green and freshness. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crushed nuts can also add a nice crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This grilled honey mustard chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like grilled asparagus, roasted baby potatoes, or even a crisp coleslaw. My personal favorite is creamy mashed potatoes or a quinoa salad to keep things light yet satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a picnic or party, I like slicing the chicken into strips and serving it with skewers alongside dipping bowls of the sauce and crunchy veggies. It’s casual but elegant and invites guests to customize their bites!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover grilled honey mustard chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays great for up to 3 days. I like to slice the chicken first for easy use in salads or wraps the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, wrap each chicken breast tightly in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When thawed overnight in the fridge, they reheat nicely without losing their juicy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the chicken in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, covering with foil to keep it moist. You can also microwave it gently with a damp paper towel over for short bursts. Reheating slowly keeps the honey mustard sauce from burning and preserves juiciness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully with this recipe and tend to stay even juicier due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the grilling time slightly until they reach 165°F internally.

Do I need to marinate the chicken overnight?

It’s not necessary to marinate overnight for this recipe—seasoning the chicken and letting it rest for at least 15 minutes before grilling is enough to bring out great flavor, thanks to the honey mustard glaze. If you have the time, longer marinating won’t hurt.

Can I make the honey mustard sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Give it a good whisk before using, as some ingredients might separate. This can even save time on grilling day.

What sides complement this grilled honey mustard chicken best?

Sides that balance the sweetness and savoriness of the chicken work best—think grilled veggies, roasted potatoes, fresh salads, or even a light quinoa or rice pilaf. Choose whatever suits your mood or the season!

Final Thoughts

This grilled honey mustard chicken recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s reliable, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. I love how it brings out the best in simple ingredients with very little fuss. Give it a try—you might find it becomes your own favorite go-to for any season, just like it did for me. Can’t wait to hear how you make it yours!