Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken: A Flavor-Packed, Easy Weeknight & BBQ Favorite

Crafted with everyday pantry staples, this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken bursts with irresistible flavor and remarkable simplicity, making it a staple for any occasion. The iconic honey mustard sauce, a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes, is so delectable you’ll be tempted to savor every last drop. Whether you’re planning a lively summer cookout or seeking a quick, satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe promises to impress and deliver on taste and ease.

Enjoyed solo or as the star of a vibrant salad or a hearty sandwich, this grilled honey mustard chicken has earned its place as a beloved family recipe. You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can recreate this BBQ sensation. The entire process involves just a few straightforward steps: whisking together a handful of ingredients, allowing the chicken to marinate, and then grilling it to juicy perfection. There’s no complexity here – just pure, delicious results that everyone will rave about.

Grilling chicken is one of my favorite ways to prepare a meal, especially when the weather is warm. This honey mustard chicken has quickly become a top choice in my kitchen, alongside other easy-to-make favorites like my Grilled BBQ Chicken Breast, flavorful Grilled Beef Kofta, and a medley of Grilled Vegetables. Each of these recipes comes together so quickly, transforming weekend cookouts and busy weeknights into stress-free culinary experiences.

Why This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Will Be Your New Favorite

• Unbelievably Versatile: The beauty of this grilled chicken lies in its adaptability. Serve these succulent chicken breasts whole as a main course, slice them thinly to top a refreshing salad, tuck them into a warm pita or sandwich, or even shred them to create a delightful pulled honey mustard chicken. Feeling adventurous? A dash of your favorite hot sauce can transform this into a spicy sensation. This recipe is designed to be enjoyed all summer long, offering endless variations without ever getting tired of the incredible flavor.
• Simple Ingredients, Explosive Flavor: Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredient list fool you. Most likely, you already have all the necessary items in your pantry. Yet, despite its straightforward components, this recipe consistently yields chicken that is incredibly tender, moist, and bursting with a rich, complex flavor profile that belies its easy preparation. It’s a testament to how well basic ingredients can harmonize to create something extraordinary.
• Effortless Preparation & Ideal for Meal Prep: This recipe shines not only in its ease of preparation but also as an excellent candidate for meal prepping. The marinade can be made ahead, and the chicken grills quickly, making it a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want a homemade, flavorful meal. Prepare a larger batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have delicious, ready-to-eat chicken for multiple meals, saving you precious minutes during busy days.

Essential Ingredients for Your Honey Mustard Chicken

• Chicken: For optimal tenderness and quick cooking, I highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins. Their smaller size ensures they cook evenly and absorb the marinade beautifully, resulting in incredibly moist and flavorful bites. While tenders are preferred, this recipe is highly adaptable to other cuts like chicken breasts or thighs (adjusting cooking times accordingly).
• Marinade Essentials: The heart of this recipe is its vibrant honey mustard marinade, crafted from a blend of carefully selected ingredients:
  • Mustard Seeds: Adds a delightful texture and a robust, earthy mustard flavor that deepens during marination.
  • Coarse Dijon Mustard: Contributes a tangy, sharp, and slightly spicy kick, providing a fantastic base for the sauce.
  • Honey: Balances the mustard’s tang with natural sweetness, aiding in caramelization and creating that beautiful golden crust on the grill.
  • Olive Oil: Helps emulsify the marinade, keeps the chicken moist, and prevents sticking on the grill. A light-tasting olive oil or canola oil is ideal.
  • Lemon Zest & Lemon Juice: Infuse bright, citrusy notes that cut through the richness, tenderize the chicken, and add a refreshing zing.
  • Rosemary: Provides a fragrant, piney aroma and subtle herbaceous flavor that pairs wonderfully with chicken and mustard.
  • Onion Powder & Minced Garlic: Essential aromatics that build a savory foundation for the marinade, adding depth and warmth.
  • Black Pepper & Salt: Standard seasonings that enhance all other flavors and bring out the natural taste of the chicken.
  • Paprika: Offers a mild, sweet, peppery flavor and a beautiful reddish hue, contributing to the chicken’s inviting appearance.
  • Ginger Powder: Adds a subtle, warm, and slightly pungent undertone that complements the honey and mustard beautifully.
• Optional Garnishes: While optional, a sprinkle of fresh lemon slices, sprigs of rosemary, and a handful of chopped parsley can elevate the dish visually and add a burst of freshness right before serving.

How to Master Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken

1. Craft the Irresistible Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: mustard seeds, coarse Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, fine rosemary, onion powder, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, paprika, and ginger powder. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and cohesive. This ensures every component is evenly distributed, ready to infuse your chicken with flavor.

2. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Add your chicken tenders (or chosen chicken cut) to the bowl with the marinade. Ensure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated, gently massaging the marinade into the meat. For optimal flavor penetration and tenderness, allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes. For an even more intense flavor, you can marinate it for up to 1 hour. Avoid marinating for excessively long periods (e.g., more than 2-3 hours for tenders) due to the lemon juice, which can begin to “cook” the delicate meat, potentially altering its texture.

3. Grill to Perfection: Preheat your grill (outdoor, indoor, or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken tenders directly on the grill. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown with beautiful grill marks and cooked through. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) as measured with an instant-read meat thermometer. For chicken tenders, this usually takes about 8 minutes total. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Expert Tips for Grilling Irresistible Honey Mustard Chicken

• Strategic Marination: While 30 minutes to an hour is sufficient for chicken tenders, you can marinate the chicken up to 2 days in advance for deeper flavor. Always store marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator to ensure food safety. For larger cuts like chicken breasts or thighs, an overnight marinade (8-12 hours) can yield even more tender and flavorful results.
• Choose Your Grilling Method: This recipe is incredibly adaptable! You can achieve fantastic results on an outdoor grill for that authentic smoky char, an indoor grill pan for convenience, or even baked in the oven. If baking, place marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached. While all methods work, outdoor grilling often imparts the most desirable charred flavor.
• Amp Up the Heat: For those who love a bit of a kick, easily transform this into spicy honey mustard chicken. Simply add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce, or a teaspoon of red chili flakes directly to the chicken marinade. Adjust the quantity to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Preheat for Perfection: Always ensure your grill is fully preheated to the correct temperature before placing the chicken on the grates. A hot grill prevents the chicken from sticking and helps create those coveted sear marks, locking in moisture and flavor. Don’t rush this crucial step!
• Invest in a Meat Thermometer: The key to perfectly cooked, juicy chicken is never to overcook it. An instant-read meat thermometer is your best friend in the kitchen. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken (avoiding bone if using bone-in cuts) to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees safety and optimal texture every time.
• Rest Your Chicken: Once grilled, resist the urge to slice into the chicken immediately. Transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a significantly juicier and more tender final product.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken

More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Explore

• Creamy Sundried Tomato Chicken Thighs
• Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe
• Sundried Tomato Chicken and Broccoli
• Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers
• Harissa Chicken Traybake
• Chicken Zucchini Enchilada

I genuinely hope you find joy in preparing all the recipes I share, especially this mouthwatering Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken. I encourage you to give it a try, savor every bite, rate it, and share this delightful recipe with your cherished friends and family!

If you make this recipe and love it, please consider leaving a star rating and a comment below. Don’t forget to use my hashtag to share your delicious recreations with me on INSTAGRAM! You can also follow Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST for all my latest social posts, kitchen tips, and new recipes.

Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

Made with simple pantry ingredients, this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken is packed with flavor and is so easy to make! The honey mustard sauce is so sweet and tangy that you’re going to want to lick the plate clean. Perfect for a summer cookout or just as a weeknight dinner.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs. chicken tenderloins, film removed
• Chopped parsley, garnish
• Lemon slices, garnish
• Rosemary stems, garnish

For the Marinade:

• 2 tbsps. mustard seeds, old style mustard
• 2 tbsps. coarse Dijon mustard
• 3 tbsps. honey
• 3 tsps. light tasting olive oil, or canola oil
• 1 whole lemon zest
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• ½ tsp. fine rosemary
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. black pepper, fresh cracked
• ¾ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. paprika
• ½ tsp. ginger powder

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients together.
2. Add in the chicken and coat well with the marinade.
3. Allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
4. Grill until fully cooked. About 8 minutes or internal temperature of 165 F.

Notes

• You can marinate chicken up to 2 days ahead of time. Store in an airtight container.
• You can grill the chicken in the oven, indoor grill, or outdoor grill. For the best flavor, I recommend grilling outdoor for the char flavor.
• Want to make this spicier? Add some cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red chili flakes to the chicken marinade.
• Be sure the grill is preheated so the chicken doesn’t stick.
• I always use a thermometer to make sure the chicken tenders are cooked perfectly.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 51g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 709mg | Potassium: 976mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 406IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 2mg