This Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken is the perfect combination of tangy and sweet, with a flavorful mustard glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. The juicy chicken breast, coated in the honey mustard mixture, is charred to perfection, creating a smoky yet sweet bite that’s irresistible.
Not only does this recipe pack tons of flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. It’s great for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ. Serve it with a fresh side salad or some grilled vegetables, and you’ve got a meal that will please everyone at the table. Plus, the honey mustard glaze can be made in advance, saving you time on busy days.
Full Recipe:
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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
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1/4 cup Dijon mustard
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1/4 cup honey
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1/4 cup olive oil
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic until smooth.
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Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
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Brush both sides of the chicken with the honey mustard mixture.
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Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken: A Perfect Summer Dish
When it comes to grilling season, few things compare to the satisfaction of a perfectly grilled chicken. Honey mustard grilled chicken offers the ideal balance of sweet and savory flavors that both kids and adults will love. This dish is a fantastic way to bring some exciting flavors to your BBQ menu without needing complex ingredients or preparation.
Honey mustard is a versatile condiment that pairs wonderfully with chicken, creating a glaze that caramelizes on the grill and locks in moisture. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd at a summer BBQ or simply looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this grilled chicken recipe is both delicious and straightforward to make.
Why Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken is a Crowd-Pleaser
One of the standout features of honey mustard grilled chicken is its universal appeal. The tangy mustard combines beautifully with the sweetness of honey, and when paired with the smoky, charred flavor from the grill, you get an irresistible dish that works for almost any occasion. It’s also a great choice for picky eaters or those who prefer milder flavors, as the honey balances out the sharpness of the mustard, creating a harmonious taste profile that satisfies all palates.
Additionally, chicken breasts are a popular protein choice because they are lean, versatile, and quick to cook. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful meal that feels indulgent yet remains relatively light. The combination of honey mustard and grilled chicken ensures a juicy, flavorful result every time.
How to Grill Chicken to Perfection
Grilling chicken can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the process, but with a few key tips, you can master the art of juicy, flavorful grilled chicken. The most important factor when grilling chicken breasts is ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This will ensure the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat while remaining tender and juicy.
To avoid dry chicken, consider marinating the chicken before grilling. Marinating the chicken in the honey mustard mixture for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy final product. If you’re short on time, you can skip the marination step and simply brush the chicken with the honey mustard sauce while grilling, but marinating does provide an extra layer of flavor that elevates the dish.
Another tip is to use direct and indirect heat. Start by grilling the chicken over direct heat for a few minutes on each side to achieve those gorgeous grill marks and caramelization from the honey mustard glaze. Then, move the chicken to indirect heat to allow it to cook through without burning. This method helps prevent overcooking and drying out the chicken.
The Versatility of Honey Mustard Sauce
What sets this dish apart is the versatility of the honey mustard sauce. While traditional honey mustard is a simple blend of honey, mustard, and a few other ingredients, you can easily tweak the sauce to suit your taste preferences. If you like a spicier kick, add a little bit of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the mix. For a richer flavor, consider using whole-grain mustard instead of Dijon, which adds a mild tang and a bit of texture to the glaze. You can even experiment with different types of honey for subtle variations in sweetness and depth.
The honey mustard sauce also doubles as a dipping sauce, so don’t be afraid to serve extra on the side for a little extra indulgence. It’s perfect for dipping grilled veggies, fries, or even slices of fresh bread.
Pairing Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken
When it comes to pairing sides with your honey mustard grilled chicken, there are numerous options that will complement the smoky, tangy flavors of the dish. A fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette is always a good choice, as the acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of the chicken.
Grilled vegetables also make an excellent pairing. Try grilling some seasonal veggies such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. The smoky flavors from the grill will align with the chicken, making for a cohesive meal that bursts with flavor.
For a heartier meal, consider serving the chicken with mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or a quinoa salad. These options provide a satisfying balance to the lean protein, while still keeping the meal light and healthy.
If you’re in the mood for a more indulgent side, cornbread or crispy potato wedges would be a perfect accompaniment. The sweetness of the cornbread pairs well with the honey mustard, while the crispy potatoes offer a delightful contrast in texture.
The Health Benefits of Grilled Chicken
Chicken breast is one of the healthiest cuts of meat, offering a high protein content with relatively low fat. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor. By grilling instead of frying, you eliminate excess oils and fats, making the meal even healthier.
Grilling also helps retain the natural flavors of the chicken while adding a delicious smoky depth. Combined with the honey mustard marinade, the chicken remains juicy and flavorful, with less fat than other cooking methods. Plus, chicken is a great source of essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, niacin, and phosphorus, which are important for energy production and muscle health.
Making the Recipe Your Own
While the honey mustard glaze is a key feature of this dish, one of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce based on your preference. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to give the chicken a unique twist. For example, adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the marinade can enhance the flavor profile, or a touch of garlic powder can give the dish a savory note.
For those who prefer a more robust flavor, you could even marinate the chicken in a blend of honey mustard and your favorite BBQ sauce. This gives the chicken an extra layer of sweetness and smokiness, perfect for those who enjoy the bold flavors of BBQ.
If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, you can substitute the honey with a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. This can help cut down on the calorie count while still giving the chicken a flavorful glaze.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Recipe
Honey mustard grilled chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that will make your next BBQ or weeknight dinner a hit. The easy-to-follow recipe requires minimal preparation while delivering a satisfying, flavorful dish that can be paired with a variety of sides to suit your taste.
Whether you’re an experienced griller or a beginner, this dish is a great addition to your grilling repertoire. It’s a versatile recipe that can be modified to meet your dietary preferences, and its delicious, juicy result will have everyone coming back for seconds. So fire up the grill, try this recipe, and enjoy the wonderful combination of honey mustard goodness that makes this dish a true standout.