Backyard Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe That Tastes Like Summer

Succulent grilled honey mustard chicken promises a mouthwatering meal that satisfies serious flavor cravings.

Summer barbecues reach new heights with this crowd-pleasing favorite that combines sweet and tangy profiles.

Simple ingredients transform an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary and memorable.

Backyard gatherings become more exciting when serving this delightful protein centerpiece that everyone craves.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Minimal preparation means maximum enjoyment for anyone seeking a delicious main course that impresses family and friends.

Why Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Is Worth Making

Why Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Is Worth Making
  • Flavor Explosion: This honey mustard marinade packs such incredible depth that your family will be begging for seconds every time you make it.
  • Super Simple Prep: With just a few minutes of mixing ingredients and letting the chicken sit, you can create a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.
  • Versatile Dinner Champion: Perfect for weeknight meals, weekend cookouts, or impressing guests with minimal kitchen effort and maximum taste satisfaction.
  • Healthier Homemade Option: Controlling your own marinade means avoiding processed ingredients while delivering big, bold flavors that feel totally indulgent without guilt.

Full Ingredient List for Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (4): The star of your meal, these lean cuts absorb flavor beautifully and grill to tender perfection.
Marinade Base:
  • Dijon Mustard (⅓ cup), Honey (⅓ cup): These ingredients create a sweet and tangy sauce that makes your chicken sing with flavor.
Supporting Liquid Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil (2 tablespoons), Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon), Soy Sauce (2 teaspoons): These help balance the marinade and add depth to your chicken’s taste.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic (3 cloves), Paprika (1 teaspoon), Salt (½ teaspoon), Black Pepper (½ teaspoon), Onion Powder (½ teaspoon), Dried Thyme (½ teaspoon): These spices transform your chicken from simple to spectacular, adding layers of aromatic complexity.

What Tools Do You Need for Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken

  • Large Mixing Bowl (4-quart): Perfect for whisking together your marinade ingredients and coating chicken completely.
  • Whisk (10-inch): Essential for blending honey, mustard, and other marinade components smoothly without lumps.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient proportions to balance your marinade flavors.
  • Meat Thermometer (digital): Helps check chicken’s internal temperature for safe, perfectly cooked results.
  • Tongs (12-inch, stainless steel): Great for safely flipping chicken on the grill and moving pieces without piercing the meat.
  • Grill (gas or charcoal): Necessary for achieving those delicious grilled marks and smoky flavor.
  • Cutting Board (wood or plastic): Provides a clean surface for preparing chicken and ingredients.
  • Chef’s Knife (8-inch): Sharp blade makes chopping garlic and trimming chicken easy and precise.

Classic Way to Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken

Classic Way to Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
1

Mix the Magic Marinade

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flavor-packed ingredients for the marinade.

  • ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Blend everything until smooth and well combined. The aroma will make your kitchen smell amazing.

2

Coat the Chicken

Place your 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the entire marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece gets completely covered. Seal and pop into the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 8 hours.

3

Prepare the Grill

Fire up your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for 375-400°F. Clean and oil the grates to keep the chicken from sticking. This step prevents frustration and keeps your chicken looking perfect.

4

Grill to Perfection

Carefully place the marinated chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer – this ensures your chicken is safely cooked through.

5

Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle some of the remaining marinade over the top before serving.

Important Prep Notes for Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken

Important Prep Notes for Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
  • Whisk all marinade ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors and ensure your chicken gets coated evenly with that tangy-sweet goodness.
  • Give your chicken at least 30 minutes in the marinade, but aim for 2-4 hours to let those flavors really penetrate the meat.
  • Clean and oil your grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and get those beautiful golden-brown grill marks.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm your chicken reaches 165°F – no guesswork means perfectly safe and juicy chicken every time.
  • Always let your grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to help the juices redistribute, keeping your meat super tender.

What Other Variations Work For Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken

What Other Variations Work For Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
  • Balsamic Herb Swap: Replace honey and Dijon mustard with balsamic vinegar and fresh chopped rosemary, keeping the same marinade technique for a tangy Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Spicy Sriracha Version: Substitute honey with sriracha sauce and add extra red pepper flakes to give your chicken a fiery kick that will warm up your dinner plate.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for anyone managing gluten sensitivities without losing rich flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Lean Protein Alternative: Replace chicken breasts with turkey breast tenderloins, maintaining the same grilling method and marinade ingredients for a lighter protein choice.

Best Serving Options For Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken

  • Serving Size: Plan for one chicken breast per person, making it perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering with friends.
  • Perfect Plate Partners: Serve alongside roasted summer vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers or a crisp garden salad with fresh herbs.
  • Wine Pairing: Grab a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy honey mustard flavors.
  • Side Dish Suggestion: Whip up some herbed quinoa or lemon-kissed rice to soak up the delicious marinade drippings.

Simple Storage Instructions For Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken

Simple Storage Instructions For Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping the meat as moist as possible by sealing it tightly.
  • Freeze your grilled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months, separating pieces with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • When reheating, warm your chicken gently in the oven at 350°F to prevent drying out, covering the dish with foil to retain moisture.
  • Remove chicken from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before reheating to help it warm more evenly and maintain its tender texture.

Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Common Questions

FAQ

Can I reuse the marinade?

Never reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken. Discard the used marinade to prevent bacteria from spreading. For extra flavor, reserve some marinade before adding the chicken.

FAQ

What if I do not have a grill?

No problem! You can cook this chicken in a skillet or oven. In a skillet, cook over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side. In the oven, bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.

FAQ

How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. When the chicken reaches 165°F at the thickest part, it is safe to eat.

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely. Chicken breasts work great with this marinade. Just adjust cooking time to prevent drying out – they typically cook faster than thighs.

FAQ

Should I remove the chicken skin before marinating?

That depends on your preference. Leaving the skin on can help keep the meat juicy, but removing it reduces fat content. Either way works with this recipe.

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Backyard Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

Backyard Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 50-54 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Grilled honey mustard chicken delivers a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Marinating the chicken in a zesty honey mustard sauce ensures tender, juicy meat that’s sure to become a weeknight dinner favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade and Sauce:

  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ⅓ cup dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce

Seasonings:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Mix ⅓ cup Dijon mustard, ⅓ cup honey, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon thyme in a bowl until your marinade becomes smooth and well-combined.
  2. Place 4 chicken breasts in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage the liquid into the meat, ensuring every surface gets coated.
  3. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply. For maximum taste, you can marinate up to 8 hours.
  4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat at 375-400°F. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place the breasts on the hot grill.
  6. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes, turning once. Your chicken is ready when an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
  7. Transfer grilled chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps the meat tender.
  8. Optional: Drizzle remaining marinade over the chicken before serving for an extra flavor boost.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality honey and Dijon mustard for the most vibrant flavor profile.
  • Chicken breasts work best when pounded to an even thickness before marinating, ensuring consistent cooking and tenderness.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the savory depth.
  • Extra marinade can double as a quick sauce when boiled for 2-3 minutes to kill any bacteria from raw chicken contact.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 240 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 360 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Mary Sue

Mary Sue

Founder & Creative Recipe Developer

Expertise

Comfort Food Twists, Seasonal Cooking, Creative Flavor Pairings, Easy Weeknight Dinners, Flexible Pantry Cooking

Education

Trident Technical College, Culinary Institute of Charleston
  • Program: Culinary Arts Technology, A.A.S.
  • Focus: Built a strong foundation in professional food preparation, cooking, and presentation while also learning the hospitality side of the industry, including quality standards, sanitation, and the real-world pace of working kitchens

Mary Sue is the playful, creative recipe mind behind Mary Sue & Susan, known for big flavor ideas, warm storytelling, and dishes that feel both comforting and a little unexpected. She has a talent for taking familiar meals and giving them just enough personality to make them memorable.

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