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.
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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.
- 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.
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
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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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
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A flavorful and easy grilled honey mustard chicken recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts marinated and basted with a tangy honey mustard sauce, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 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
For the 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
- Prep the grill: Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat to prepare for grilling.
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried basil. Set aside.
- Make the 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 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 the grill grates: Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Initial grilling: Place the chicken breasts on the grill and brown for 2 minutes on one side. Flip and brown for 2 minutes on the other side.
- Baste and cook: Brush the chicken breasts all over with half of the reserved basting sauce. Close the grill and cook the chicken for 7 minutes.
- Flip and continue grilling: Open the grill, flip the chicken breasts, and brush with the remaining basting sauce. Continue to grill for 5 to 6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill, transfer to a cutting board, and let rest for 8 minutes. Slice and serve with the reserved honey mustard dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- If you don't have a gas grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the chicken in the oven.
- For a spicier sauce, add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter sauce.
- Resting the chicken after grilling helps retain juices for a juicy bite.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
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