Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ultimate Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken is a game-changer for busy home cooks. The marinade doubles as a glaze, creating layers of flavor that penetrate deep into the meat while forming a gorgeous golden crust on the outside. With just 15 minutes of prep time and simple pantry ingredients, you can create restaurant-quality chicken that’s both impressive and effortless. The combination of Dijon mustard’s sharpness with honey’s sweetness creates a complex flavor profile that appeals to both adults and kids.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 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
How to Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, and soy sauce until smooth. Add minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and dried thyme. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Place chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade for glazing later. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken Remove chicken from marinade and discard used marinade. Grill chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush with the reserved marinade for a glossy finish.
Step 5: Rest and Serve Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Helpful Tips
Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your Ultimate Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature without overcooking.
Pound for Even Cooking: If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even ¾-inch thickness for uniform cooking.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the chicken rest after grilling is crucial for juicy results.
Grill Maintenance: Keep your grill grates clean and well-oiled to prevent the honey in the marinade from causing excessive sticking.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes Marinating Time: 30 minutes to 4 hours Cook Time: 12-14 minutes Total Time: 1 hourServings: 4 Difficulty Level: Easy
Notes
The key to perfect Ultimate Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken lies in the balance of sweet and savory elements. The Dijon mustard provides acidity that helps tenderize the meat while the honey caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Don’t substitute regular yellow mustard for Dijon – the flavor profile will be significantly different. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use ¾ teaspoon garlic powder instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully with this recipe. Increase cooking time to 8-10 minutes per side and ensure internal temperature reaches 175°F.
Can I make this in the oven? Yes, bake marinated chicken at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, brushing with reserved marinade halfway through cooking.
How long can I marinate the chicken? For best results, marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours. Longer marinating times can make the chicken mushy due to the acid in the marinade.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken? Yes, you can freeze chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before grilling.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Ultimate Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through. The chicken can also be enjoyed cold in salads or sandwiches.
For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Related Recipes
Looking for more delicious grilled chicken recipes? Check out these favorites from RunofLife.com:
Conclusion
This Ultimate Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. The sweet and tangy glaze transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend entertaining. With its foolproof method and incredible flavor, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Fire up that grill and get ready to enjoy the most flavorful chicken you’ve ever made!