If you’re searching for a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that can elevate any meal, these Perfectly Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Breasts are just what you need. Infused with a tangy-sweet honey mustard glaze, each chicken breast is tender, juicy, and packed with incredible flavor. The combination of honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic creates a marinade that both tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with a mouthwatering sweetness and slight kick. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a barbecue, or simply making a weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.
The key to this recipe’s success lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. Not only does it require minimal preparation time, but it’s also versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple salad. The grill adds a perfect char, sealing in all the juices while giving the chicken a deliciously smoky flavor. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how you can make it at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Quick and Easy
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a quick, tasty meal.
2. Flawless Balance of Sweet and Tangy
The honey mustard glaze offers a perfect balance of sweetness from the honey and sharp tang from the Dijon mustard, making it irresistibly delicious.
3. Juicy and Tender Chicken
The marinade helps tenderize the chicken, ensuring that the breasts come out juicy and flavorful every time.
4. Grilled to Perfection
Grilling the chicken gives it a smoky flavor and crispy exterior, while keeping the inside tender and moist.
5. Versatile Meal
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper
Variations
- Spicy Honey Mustard Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Honey Mustard Chicken: Add the zest of one lemon to the marinade for a citrusy twist.
- Herb-Infused Honey Mustard Chicken: Mix in some fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for added flavor in the marinade.
- Oven-Baked Honey Mustard Chicken: If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Brush the honey mustard mixture generously onto both sides of the chicken breasts. Make sure they are evenly coated with the marinade for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fully cooked through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and serve hot. Enjoy with your favorite sides.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overcook: Keep a close eye on the chicken while grilling. Overcooking can dry it out, so make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Marinate Longer for Extra Flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours for a more intense flavor.
- Grill with the Lid Closed: Grilling with the lid closed helps cook the chicken evenly and retains moisture.
- Use Skinless Chicken Breasts: Skinless breasts work best for this recipe as they allow the marinade to fully absorb into the meat.
How to Serve
This perfectly grilled honey mustard chicken can be served with a variety of sides. Try pairing it with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or a side of mashed potatoes. It also works wonderfully as a protein in wraps, sandwiches, or atop a bed of rice or quinoa. For a lighter option, serve it with steamed vegetables or a refreshing coleslaw.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover grilled honey mustard chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To keep it juicy, you can drizzle some extra honey mustard sauce over the chicken before storing.
Freezing
If you have extra chicken, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the grill or in the oven.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, you can place it back on the grill for 3-4 minutes per side or heat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used in this recipe. They tend to stay more moist due to their higher fat content.
2. Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Absolutely! A grill pan on the stovetop works well for cooking these chicken breasts.
3. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
4. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor, though marinating for at least 30 minutes will still give you a great result.
5. Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until it reaches 165°F internally.
6. Can I make extra sauce to drizzle on the chicken?
Definitely! You can make extra honey mustard sauce to drizzle over the chicken after grilling for more flavor.
7. How long should I grill the chicken on each side?
Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon mustard?
Yes, yellow mustard will work as a substitute, though Dijon adds a more sophisticated flavor.
9. Can I add other spices to the marinade?
Feel free to add spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or thyme to customize the flavor to your liking.
10. How can I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill is well-oiled before placing the chicken on it, and avoid flipping the chicken too early.
Conclusion
These perfectly grilled honey mustard chicken breasts are an easy and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful, juicy meal. The combination of honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic creates a balanced marinade that infuses the chicken with sweet and tangy goodness. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or a weekend barbecue, this recipe will become a favorite. With minimal prep time and a quick grilling process, you’ll have a meal that everyone will love!
PrintPerfectly Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Breasts
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These grilled chicken breasts are packed with flavor thanks to a sweet and tangy honey mustard marinade. The combination of honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic creates a delicious glaze that caramelizes on the grill, making each bite juicy and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the honey mustard mixture generously onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Remove from the grill, let rest for a couple of minutes, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the honey mustard mixture for 30 minutes to an hour before grilling.
- Serve with your favorite grilled vegetables or a side of rice for a complete meal.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes