If you adore chicken that’s bursting with bright flavor and irresistible caramelized edges, you need to try this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken. Juicy chicken, tangy Dijon, and sweet honey come together in a quick marinade—then sizzle to smoky, golden perfection on the grill. It’s a weeknight game-changer that never fails to win hearts or thumbs up around the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Flavor: The marriage of tangy Dijon, rich honey, and smoky char takes simple chicken from ordinary to unforgettable.
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and a short cook time make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken a hero for both busy weeknights and summer gatherings.
- Healthy, Wholesome Meal: It’s naturally gluten-free, full of protein, and grilled with just a drizzle of avocado oil.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love the sticky-sweet glaze and juicy, tender bites of this grilled classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken is chosen for maximum flavor, simplicity, and the perfect balance of savory-sweet. Here’s what you’ll need (don’t worry, it’s a short and sweet list—but every item counts toward that craveable result).
- Dijon Mustard: Creamy, tangy Dijon infuses the marinade with bold flavor and creates that signature honey mustard bite.
- Avocado Oil: With its high smoke point, avocado oil is ideal for grilling and adds a light, neutral richness.
- Honey: Natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating glossy, golden edges that are utterly irresistible.
- Salt: A little salt sharpens all those delicious flavors and balances the sweetness of the honey.
- Water: Thins the marinade just enough to evenly coat the chicken and helps prevent burning on the grill.
- Chicken (1.5–2 pounds): Use boneless chicken breasts, thighs, or a mix—whatever you love best. This marinade works its magic on any cut!
Variations
One of my favorite things about Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken is how endlessly customizable it is. Whether you’re working around pantry limitations or just chasing a different flavor mood, there are so many ways to make this dish your own!
- Add Fresh Herbs: Mix in a tablespoon of minced rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the marinade for aromatic, herby undertones.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of hot sauce, cayenne, or a pinch of chili flakes for a bold, zesty version with a little heat.
- Swap the Protein: Try this marinade with pork chops, tofu, or even shrimp if you feel like shaking things up!
- Change Up the Mustard: A mix of whole grain and Dijon or even spicy brown mustard can add different textures and depth.
How to Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade
In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, avocado oil, honey, salt, and water. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy—the honey should fully dissolve and no streaky bits remain. Take a quick taste and admire how well-balanced it already is!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your chicken to a medium glass container or zip-top bag, then pour the marinade all over. Toss or turn the chicken to make sure every piece is coated in that luscious, golden sauce. Marinate for at least one hour (right on the counter, if you’re short on time), or up to overnight in the fridge for even deeper flavor.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Heat your grill to medium-high. When the chicken is ready (let it come to room temperature for even cooking), grill for about 8 minutes total—flipping halfway—until lovely char marks appear and the inside of each piece registers 165°F. Watch as the honey works its magic, caramelizing into sticky-sweet perfection. Discard any leftover marinade.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
- Maximize Marinade Time: The longer you can let that chicken soak, the more the flavor will penetrate—overnight is pure magic, but even an hour makes all the difference.
- Room Temperature Chicken: Let the marinated chicken sit out for an hour before grilling so it cooks quickly and evenly, avoiding dry, tough spots.
- Monitor Grill Heat: Medium-high is perfect; too hot, and the honey may burn before the chicken cooks through, so adjust as needed for those gorgeous grill marks and juicy centers.
- Don’t Waste the Marinade: If you want to baste the chicken with extra sauce while grilling, set aside a little before marinating—never reuse the portion that’s touched raw chicken!
How to Serve Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken with loads of chopped fresh herbs—think parsley, chives, or dill—and maybe even a zest of lemon for a pop of brightness. A pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving adds texture and makes flavors sing.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs perfectly with classic summer sides like grilled corn, a crisp green salad, or fluffy rice pilaf. Roasted veggies or even creamy coleslaw also make a wonderful accompaniment for soaking up that tangy-sweet glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
Sliced over salad, tucked into a wrap, or layered on top of grain bowls, Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken is as versatile as it is delicious. Try stacking it on a hearty sandwich with extra honey mustard sauce and crunchy lettuce for a seriously crave-worthy lunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken keeps beautifully! Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to 4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken for up to two months. Wrap individual portions tightly in foil or freezer bags, then thaw overnight in the fridge for easy future meals.
Reheating
To maintain moisture, reheat gently in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, until hot—or warm slices in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep things juicy. Avoid over-microwaving to preserve the succulent texture.
FAQs
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Can I make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken without a grill?
Absolutely! You can use a stovetop grill pan or even broil the chicken in your oven. Just watch for caramelization and flip the chicken halfway for gorgeous golden edges.
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Is it okay to marinate the chicken for longer than overnight?
For best results, don’t exceed 24 hours of marinating. After that, the texture can become mushy. For maximum flavor, overnight (12–16 hours) is perfect!
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What other cuts of chicken work for this recipe?
Both boneless thighs and breasts are fantastic. Bone-in cuts work too—just adjust cooking times, as bones require a bit longer on the grill.
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Can I double the honey mustard marinade for extra dipping sauce?
Definitely! Simply mix up a batch of marinade and set some aside before you add raw chicken. You’ll love having extra for drizzling or dipping at the table.
Final Thoughts
Don’t wait another day to treat yourself (and your family!) to the magic of Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken. It’s incredibly easy, so satisfying, and sure to become a new favorite at your table. Fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some memories—one juicy, irresistible bite at a time!
Print
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 13 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Grilling
- Method: Grilling
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken recipe combines the tangy flavor of mustard with the sweetness of honey, resulting in juicy, flavorful grilled chicken that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ.
Ingredients
For the marinade:
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons water
For the chicken:
- 1.5–2 pounds chicken
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, combine the mustard, avocado oil, honey, salt, and water. Stir until smooth.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a medium glass container and pour the marinade over it, ensuring all sides are coated. Marinate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
- Grilling: If marinating for only an hour, keep the chicken at room temperature. If marinating overnight, cover and refrigerate. Remove from the fridge 1 hour before grilling. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve: Discard any extra marinade before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
