Grilled chicken doesn’t have to be boring. When honey meets mustard over flame-kissed chicken, something magical happens. This article dives into everything you need to know to make Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken that’s juicy, bold, and brimming with flavor. You’ll find pro tips, flexible ingredients, and plenty of down-home heart. Whether you’re a backyard BBQ fan or a weeknight meal warrior, this one’s for you. We’ll also explore the best ways to marinate, cook, and store it all while linking to some must-try recipes across the Empire of Recipes that complement it perfectly.
Table of Contents
From Backyard Smoke to Sweet Heat
Growing up in Texas, my dad thought anything could be fixed with either duct tape or a grill. He once charred a whole bag of hot dogs “testing a new technique.” But when we finally nailed the balance of sweet honey and spicy mustard over perfectly grilled chicken, even the dog sat down and waited patiently. This Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken recipe is a family favorite that came from trial, error, and one lucky bottle of Dijon.
The combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky is pure nostalgia. Whether I’m grilling in my backyard or prepping a quick weeknight meal, this dish always hits home. It’s not just about the marinade it’s about the memories that come with every bite. And the smell? It’ll bring neighbors knocking.
Try pairing this recipe with the Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad for a bold-flavored side that doubles as lunch the next day. And if you like a little spice with your sweet, don’t miss our Hot Honey Feta Chicken another must-try dish that builds on the same craveable profile.
Ingredients & Instructions – The Full Flavor Blueprint
Full Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need to create the perfect Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken. Each ingredient plays a role in building layers of flavor—don’t skip the garlic!
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 (about 6–8 oz each) | Pound to even thickness for even cooking |
| Honey | 1/2 cup | Preferably raw or local for better flavor |
| Dijon mustard | 1/4 cup | Can sub with spicy brown or whole grain |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Helps marinade cling and adds richness |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon | Balances sweetness with acidity |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 | Fresh garlic adds sharpness |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | To taste |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Freshly cracked preferred |
For a meal that hits all the right notes, try serving your grilled chicken alongside Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad the creamy, tangy contrast works beautifully with the sweet-savory glaze.
Instructions: Step-by-Step to Grilled Perfection
These steps are optimized for flavor, ease, and kitchen-tested results. You’ll find your new favorite prep routine right here.
- Pound chicken to even thickness (about 1 inch) for uniform cooking. Place in a large zip-top bag or bowl.
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and fully combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Pour marinade over chicken, seal the bag (or cover the bowl), and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grates or use a grill pan indoors.
- Grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid flipping too often—once per side helps retain grill marks and moisture.
- Optional: Brush with reserved (unused) marinade during the last minute for extra shine and flavor.
- Rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or an extra drizzle of honey mustard glaze.
This technique ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy every time. For those who prefer baking, check Part 4 for oven and storage methods!
How to Grill & Serve Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken
Grilling Techniques for Perfect Results
Grilling Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken isn’t complicated, but a few key moves make all the difference. First, always start with evenly pounded chicken breasts this ensures uniform cooking and avoids dry edges. Next, let your grill preheat fully. You want it hot enough to create those golden-brown char marks without burning the sugars in the honey.
Use medium-high heat (around 400°F) and avoid constant flipping. Cook each side for 6–8 minutes, turning once. This allows the honey in the marinade to caramelize and form a beautiful crust. If you want a stickier finish, reserve a couple of tablespoons of the marinade (before it touches raw chicken) and brush it over the breasts during the final minute of grilling.
Let the chicken rest under foil for 5 minutes after grilling. This step locks in moisture and makes every bite tender. If it’s raining or grill access is tricky, a stovetop grill pan works just fine same technique, same results.
Need more protein-packed grill inspiration? Our Garlic Shrimp Bowls use a similar heat-glaze balance and are just as easy to whip up midweek.
How to Serve Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken
Now here’s where Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken really shines on the plate. Personally, I love slicing it and layering it over a warm bed of roasted sweet potatoes or buttered couscous. For a refreshing twist, serve it chilled and sliced over greens with citrus vinaigrette and candied pecans perfect for a summer brunch.
Hosting guests? Add this chicken to a brunch board with fresh fruit, mini waffles, and deviled eggs. Or tuck it into toasted brioche buns with slaw for a sweet-savory sandwich situation that disappears fast. My go-to pairing: a side of Korean Cucumber Salad to offset the richness with a cool, vinegary crunch.
One more trick slice the grilled chicken thin and roll it into wraps with arugula, feta, and pickled onions. Add a swipe of extra mustard for punch. It’s just the right balance of rustic and refined.
This is one of those Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken recipes that plays well at dinner, works cold for lunch, and turns leftovers into magic. It also tastes incredible paired with something as hearty as our Walking Taco Casserole a comfort-food clash in the best way.
How to Store Leftovers the Right Way
One of the best things about Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken besides the flavor is how well it keeps. If you find yourself with extras (or if you’re smart and make a double batch), you’ll be glad to know it stores beautifully. Let the chicken cool completely, then place in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat without drying it out, slice the chicken and warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra marinade. You can also microwave it covered with a damp paper towel for 60–90 seconds. Avoid overheating it’s already cooked, and overdoing it can zap the juiciness.
This chicken is even better the next day in wraps, sandwiches, or over salads. Try tossing it in with High Protein Pasta Salad for a filling, meal-prep-friendly combo.
Freezing? Yes. Just place cooked and cooled chicken in freezer bags with parchment in between. It keeps up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently when ready.
Make-Ahead Meals + A Brunch Story
When I make Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken ahead for Sunday brunch, I find that slicing the grilled breasts the night before makes everything smoother. I lay the chicken out in a shallow dish, drizzle a bit of fresh honey mustard on top, and pop it in the fridge overnight. The next morning, I’m free to focus on setting up coffee, cutting fruit, or dealing with my family’s ongoing feud over how crispy bacon should be.
This chicken turns any brunch into something special. Lay it next to soft scrambled eggs and roasted asparagus for a protein-packed start to the day. Or pile it into croissants with arugula and aioli. It holds its flavor and texture like a champ.
Hosting a casual brunch? This dish pairs perfectly with make-ahead casseroles like our Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole or even sweet finishes like Peach Cobbler that nod to my Texas roots.
Whether served warm, cold, or packed to-go, Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken remains one of the most versatile recipes I keep on rotation.
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Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken That Tastes Like Summer
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This honey mustard grilled chicken is sticky-sweet, tangy, and smoky perfect for weeknights or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup of honey
1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
1. Pound chicken to even thickness.
2. Whisk together honey, mustard, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
5. Grill chicken 6–8 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 165°F.
6. Optionally brush with extra marinade during last minute.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
8. Serve hot with sides or on a salad.
Notes
Marinade doubles as a glaze—reserve extra before adding raw chicken.
Make-ahead friendly: store grilled chicken in fridge for 4 days.
Freezes well up to 3 months in airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
FAQS
Yes, Dijon works best, but spicy brown, whole grain, or even classic yellow will do in a pinch. Each changes the flavor slightly—spicy brown adds heat, yellow is mellow, and whole grain brings texture.
For the best results, marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal. If you’re in a rush, even 30 minutes will add noticeable flavor.
Let the chicken cool fully and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with moisture to avoid drying out.
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 20–22 minutes or until internal temp hits 165°F. Broil the last 2 minutes for a golden finish.
Conclusion
Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken is more than just another chicken recipe it’s a flavor-packed dish that’s built for real life. It’s quick to prep, easy to adapt, and even better the next day. Whether you’re grilling for family, meal-prepping for the week, or planning a brunch that impresses without stress, this chicken checks all the boxes.
The honey brings sweetness, the mustard brings tang, and the grill adds that irresistible smokiness. From personal brunch rituals to casual backyard feasts, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll make once and crave again and again. So fire up that grill, stir up that marinade, and make a little memory with every bite.
