If you’re craving a dinner that feels like a celebration of summer any night of the week, Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken deserves a spot at your table. This dish strikes the ultimate balance between sweet, tangy, and savory, with juicy grilled chicken kissed by fire and lacquered in a glossy, flavor-packed honey mustard glaze. Whether you’re cooking for a backyard gathering or a cozy family meal, you’ll marvel at how little effort yields such big, mouthwatering results. Once you try it, Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken will absolutely become a staple in your recipe collection—it’s that irresistible!

Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of kitchen staples to bring out the best in Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken. Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing either a punch of flavor or helping create that golden caramelized exterior everyone loves.

Chicken breasts or thighs: Use boneless, skinless pieces for fast, even grilling and maximum tenderness.
Honey: Opt for a good quality honey for natural sweetness and a beautiful sticky glaze.
Dijon mustard: Brings tangy complexity and a gentle heat that’s never overpowering.
Whole grain mustard: Adds a burst of flavor and pretty pops of texture to the marinade.
Olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and keeps things juicy.
Fresh garlic: Minced garlic punches up the aromatics, making each bite unforgettable.
Lemon juice: Lends brightness and keeps everything fresh on the palate.
Salt and black pepper: Don’t skip these! They tie all the flavors together perfectly and enhance every other ingredient.
Fresh herbs (optional): A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives as garnish really makes the finished dish pop.

How to Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by whisking together the honey, both types of mustard, olive oil, fresh garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. This is where the magic begins! The mixture should look creamy and smell amazing, thanks to the sweet honey and zippy mustard dancing together. Reserve a couple of tablespoons for basting or drizzling at the end; trust me, you’ll want that glossy finishing touch.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure every piece is coated. Let the chicken soak up those delicious flavors in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours if you plan ahead. The longer it sits, the deeper the honey mustard magic infuses every bite.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Your Grill

When it’s time to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. If you’re using a charcoal grill, build a two-zone fire so you can control the heat—this helps keep your chicken juicy and prevents burning all that beautiful marinade.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken directly on the preheated grill grates. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, flipping just once to develop gorgeous grill marks and perfect caramelization. During the last two minutes of grilling, brush with the reserved honey mustard sauce for a sticky, glossy finish that seals in flavor.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Once the Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken hits the ideal juicy doneness—reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit—transfer it to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes. This locks in the juices and makes for incredibly succulent chicken when you’re ready to slice and serve.

How to Serve Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken

Garnishes

A beautiful plate deserves a beautiful finish! Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, chives, or even a handful of sliced green onions over your Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken. A final drizzle of the reserved honey mustard sauce is both pretty and delicious. If you like a little crunch and tang, try some paper-thin slices of radish or a few microgreens for a restaurant-worthy touch.

Side Dishes

This chicken is so versatile when it comes to sides. Pair it with classic summer fare like grilled corn, a zippy coleslaw, or buttery roasted potatoes. For a lighter option, toss together a crisp garden salad or serve it with steamed green beans. The sweet and tangy chicken sings alongside any veggie-laden dish you love.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get a little playful! Slice the Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and tuck it into a toasted bun with pickles and greens for a killer sandwich. Cube it and toss with quinoa, herbs, and veggies for a protein-packed salad. Or, serve it family-style on a wooden board, surrounded by grilled veggies and lemon wedges for striking, sharable presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and flavorful in the fridge for up to 4 days—making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches that taste like a treat.

Freezing

Want to stock up? Cooked chicken freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out excess air to help prevent freezer burn. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to three months. When you’re ready, just thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken gently—either in the microwave at medium power, or covered in a skillet with a splash of water or extra sauce. This keeps it moist and revives the vibrant flavors without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are extra juicy and flavorful, and they soak up the honey mustard marinade beautifully. Just adjust the grilling time as needed, since they may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

Is there a way to make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken without a grill?

Yes, you can! Try searing the marinated chicken in a hot cast iron skillet, then finishing it in a 400-degree oven until it’s cooked through. You’ll still get fantastic caramelization and flavor.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Definitely. The marinade can be mixed up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick whisk before using, and your prep will be even easier.

What kind of honey works best in this recipe?

A mild, runny honey (like clover or wildflower) is great, but feel free to experiment with local varieties for a deeper, more unique flavor. The only must is that it’s real honey for the proper sticky-sweet result.

Can I use the reserved marinade for serving?

If you set aside some marinade before adding the raw chicken, it’s safe and delicious to drizzle over the cooked chicken. Never use marinade that raw chicken has touched, unless you boil it first to make it food-safe.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken enough—it’s one of those recipes that always wins rave reviews, whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just treating yourself to a special meal. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes the most requested dish in your summertime (or anytime) lineup!