Name: Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast or chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons honey; 3 tablespoons dijon mustard (grainy dijon mustard preferred); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 garlic clove, finely minced or grated; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat); Freshly ground salt and black pepper to taste

If you’re craving a juicy, flavorful dinner that’s both sweet and tangy, this Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Recipe might just become your new favorite. It’s super easy to make and perfect for a weekday meal or a casual weekend grill session.

A white plate holds four grilled chicken pieces arranged in a close cluster, each with a golden-brown color and visible grill marks, brushed with a shiny orange glaze and sprinkled with small green herb pieces. Underneath and around the chicken is a bed of mixed salad leaves, including light green lettuce, shredded carrots, purple cabbage, and fresh parsley sprigs adding green accents. To the right of the chicken, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with a golden-orange dressing that has herb specks. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this honey mustard chicken more times than I can count, and it never disappoints. The marinade is such a perfect balance that it keeps the chicken juicy and bursting with flavor every time.

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Versatile Cooking: You can grill or bake depending on your mood or weather.
Delicious Flavor: Sweet meets tangy with just a hint of heat if you want it.
Juicy Results: Marinating and resting ensure tender, moist chicken every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, make sure you have good quality chicken and flavorful Dijon mustard — preferably grainy for an extra texture boost. Fresh garlic really makes the marinade pop, and a touch of cayenne pepper gives it that optional gentle kick.

Flat lay of a raw chicken breast with smooth pale pink skin, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl of grainy dijon mustard with visible mustard seeds, a small white ceramic bowl of rich green olive oil, a single garlic clove with papery white skin, and a small white ceramic bowl with ground cayenne pepper showing a deep rusty red hue, alongside small piles of coarse sea salt and freshly cracked black peppercorns, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breast or chicken thighs: Choose whatever you prefer or have on hand; both work beautifully with the honey mustard marinade.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness that helps balance the tang and create a beautiful glaze.
Dijon mustard (grainy preferred): Gives the marinade a lovely tanginess and a subtle texture from the mustard seeds.
Olive oil: Helps bind everything together and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
Garlic clove: Fresh garlic brings depth and a slight pungency that elevates the flavors.
Cayenne pepper (optional): Adds gentle heat if you like a little extra kick without overpowering the sweetness.
Freshly ground salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily tweak it to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences, making it a go-to dinner for any occasion.

Variation – Spicy Kick: I love adding a bit more cayenne pepper or even some smoked paprika for a smoky heat that pairs beautifully with the sweet honey mustard. It’s a simple twist that wakes up your palate!
Variation – Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the marinade. I tried rosemary once, and it added a lovely, earthy aroma that made the chicken feel extra special.
Variation – Swap the Chicken Cut: This recipe works wonderfully with both chicken breasts and thighs. Thighs stay juicy and flavorful, which is perfect if you prefer darker meat with a bit more richness.
Variation – Oven Bake Instead of Grill: Don’t have a grill or the weather isn’t cooperating? No worries! Baking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit gives you tender, juicy chicken with minimal fuss.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Recipe

A clear glass bowl contains three raw chicken pieces arranged flat and close together, showing their pale pink color and smooth texture. A woman's hand is pouring a thick brown mustard sauce with visible grainy mustard seeds onto the chicken, covering parts of the top pieces. The bowl is set on a small wooden board, partially covered by a beige cloth. The scene is on a white marbled surface with a wooden honey dipper holding some honey and a whole garlic bulb with garlic cloves scattered nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Together the Magic Marinade

Start by combining 3 tablespoons of honey, 3 tablespoons of grainy Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and a finely minced garlic clove in a large bowl. If you like a bit of heat, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, then season generously with freshly ground salt and black pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and vibrant—the aroma is instantly comforting and sweet with a velvety tang.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Place 1 pound of chicken breasts or thighs in the bowl and turn them gently in the marinade until every piece is beautifully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This resting time lets all those lovely flavors infuse deeply into the meat, keeping your chicken moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Your Grill

Preheat your grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it’s hot, place the marinated chicken directly onto the grill grates and close the lid. This helps trap heat, so your chicken cooks evenly and quickly, developing those irresistible grill marks.

Step 4: Grill with Patience and Care

Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 6 to 8 minutes on one side—resist the temptation to peek too often! After this, open the lid and carefully flip each piece using tongs. Grill for an additional 6 to 8 minutes on the other side. The key tip here is to flip the chicken only once to lock in juices and get that perfect sear. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; when the thickest part hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit, you’re all set.

Step 5: Rest Before Serving

Transfer the hot chicken to a clean plate or cutting board and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes—this is crucial! Resting lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.

Step 6: Baking Alternative – A Crowd-Pleaser in the Oven

If you prefer, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the marinated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and that there’s no pink left. This method is incredibly hands-off and yields juicy, flavorful chicken every time.

Top Tip

These tips have helped me get the perfect balance of juicy, flavorful chicken every single time I make this honey mustard grilled chicken recipe. I hope they make your cooking experience just as satisfying!

Marinate Just Right: I learned that marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes but no more than 1 hour really lets the honey mustard flavors sink in without overpowering the meat.
Keep the Lid Closed: Keeping the grill lid closed while cooking locks in heat and moisture—this is how you get those gorgeous grill marks and juicy chicken.
Only Flip Once: Flipping your chicken just once after 6 to 8 minutes prevents it from drying out, helping maintain tender, juicy meat with a beautiful char.
Rest Your Chicken: Don’t skip resting! Covering your grilled chicken with foil and letting it rest for 5 to 10 minutes seals in all those delicious juices before slicing.

How to Serve Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Recipe

The image shows several pieces of grilled chicken, sliced into thick strips and arranged closely on a white marbled surface. The chicken has a golden-brown outer layer with light grill marks, and the inside is tender and white. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled evenly across the chicken, adding contrast. A small white bowl with a light yellow sauce partially covers the top right corner, with some sauce gently drizzled over the chicken pieces. The scene looks fresh and appetizing, with a warm, natural light highlighting the moist texture of the chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme add a lovely pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the sweet and tangy honey mustard marinade. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few thin lemon slices also add bright notes and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve this honey mustard grilled chicken with simple, satisfying sides like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. For a lighter option, steamed asparagus or grilled corn on the cob pair beautifully. And if you want some grains, fluffy quinoa or wild rice work wonderfully to soak up the delicious sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place leftover honey mustard grilled chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick meals later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your chicken gently in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through—typically about 10 to 15 minutes. Microwaving works too; just be sure to cover it to retain moisture and heat it in short bursts to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! This Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Recipe works beautifully with both chicken breasts and thighs. Thighs tend to be even juicier and more forgiving if you’re worried about overcooking.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour to let the marinade infuse the flavors without changing the texture of the meat.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

Yes! Just bake the marinated chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Using a meat thermometer is the best way to be sure. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part of the chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Recipe truly feels like a little celebration of sweet and tangy goodness in every bite. It’s straightforward enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough to serve for guests. I hope making it brings you as much joy and comfort as it always does in my kitchen. Happy cooking!