Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken is a summer favorite that combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors into a mouthwatering dish perfect for any backyard barbecue or weeknight dinner. This recipe starts with perfectly seasoned chicken breasts and finishes with a golden glaze of homemade honey mustard sauce. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual cookout or looking to meal prep something flavorful and healthy, this dish is your go-to. What’s more, it’s fast to make and bound to delight even fussy eaters. Let’s jump into how to whip up this tasty and easy meal!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
This recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet honey, sharp mustard, and a subtle kick of spice that makes for a truly mouthwatering grilled dish. The chicken stays juicy and flavorful thanks to the mustard-based marinade and basting sauce, while grilling adds a satisfying smoky char. With only a few pantry staples and about 30 minutes of cooking time, this meal is both fast and satisfying. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it over salad, with roasted veggies, or as a sandwich filling.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
For the Honey Mustard Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional for added heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
Step-by-Step: How to Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Generously coat the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and basil.
- In a bowl, whisk together the honey, melted butter, Dijon, yellow, and wholegrain mustards, hot sauce (if using), vinegar, and paprika until well blended.
- Set aside 1/4 cup of the sauce in a separate bowl for basting. Reserve the remainder for dipping.
- Brush oil onto the grill grates.
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 2 minutes per side to get a good sear.
- Brush the chicken with the reserved basting sauce, close the lid, and continue grilling for 7 minutes.
- Flip the chicken, baste once more, and grill for another 5–6 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F at the thickest point.
- Take the chicken off the grill and allow it to rest for 8 minutes.
- Carve the chicken and serve with the remaining honey mustard sauce.
Helpful Tips
- For consistent results, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
- Let the meat rest post-grilling to keep it tender and juicy.
- A grill pan or your oven’s broiler makes a great alternative to outdoor grilling.
Substitutions And Variations
- Chicken thighs make a deliciously moist alternative.
- Swap in maple syrup for honey to add depth.
- Prefer dry heat? Use crushed red pepper instead of hot sauce.
- Brighten it up with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley.
- Make it dairy-free by using olive oil instead of butter.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover grilled honey mustard chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 255 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 88mg
- Sodium: 364mg
- Potassium: 463mg
- Sugar: 18g
- Vitamin A: 257 IU
- Vitamin C: 3mg
- Calcium: 22mg
- Iron: 1mg
Serving Suggestions
- Pair it with grilled vegetables or a crisp garden salad.
- Tuck into wraps or sandwiches for a hearty lunch.
- Serve with oven-roasted potatoes or a wild rice pilaf.
- Layer over leafy greens and drizzle with extra honey mustard for a satisfying salad.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and add more flavor, though you may need to adjust cooking time.
Is this recipe spicy? Only if you include the hot sauce. You can tailor the heat level to your taste or omit it completely.
Can I bake this chicken instead? Certainly! Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 25–30 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 165°F.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance? Yes. You can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Just give it a stir before using.
How do I know when the chicken is done? Use a meat thermometer—once it reads 165°F at the thickest part, it’s perfectly cooked and ready to eat.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for giving this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken recipe a try! It’s one of my favorite go-to meals because it’s simple to make and absolutely bursting with flavor. The sweet and tangy notes combined with tender grilled chicken make it a real crowd-pleaser. I hope it brings the same joy to your table as it does to mine. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of this delicious journey!
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Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken is quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights or BBQs. Try it now and bring bold flavor to dinner!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried basil
For the Honey Mustard Sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
2 tsp hot sauce (optional)
1/2 tsp white vinegar
1/8 tsp paprika
Instructions
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Season chicken with spices.
Mix all sauce ingredients until smooth.
Reserve 1/4 cup of sauce for basting.
Oil grill grates.
Sear chicken 2 min per side.
Baste and grill 7 min covered.
Flip, baste again, grill 5–6 min until 165°F.
Rest 8 min before slicing.
Serve with reserved sauce.
Notes
For best results, pound chicken evenly. No grill? Use a grill pan or broiler. Swap honey with maple syrup for extra depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 255 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Protein: 25g