Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken

This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken turns a humble chicken breast into something you want to make again and again The sweet and tangy sauce caramelizes on the grill adding gorgeous color and bright flavor while the meat stays juicy and tender It is perfect for a quick summer dinner or impressing guests with almost no extra fuss

I first made this when my husband wanted something new for the grill and now it is our backyard barbecue favorite The leftovers are just as good cold in a lunch salad

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose chicken that feels plump and moist with no odd odor for best texture
• Salt and pepper: These set the base flavors and are best measured by taste
• Garlic powder: Brings mild aromatic flavor Look for powder that is fresh and not cakey
• Onion powder: Delivers subtle depth and umami
• Dried thyme: Gives herbal floral notes Pick whole leaves that crumble easily
• Dried basil: Adds a little warmth and complexity Fresh dried herbs make the difference
• Honey: Provides sweetness and sticky caramelization Use local honey for pure flavor
• Butter: Melted gives smooth body and helps lock juices in Chicken gets extra glossy from butter
• Dijon mustard Yellow mustard and wholegrain mustard: Three types make the sauce complex and tangy Use mustards that taste sharp and not rubbery or dull
• Hot sauce: Optional for a kick Choose a vinegar based sauce without artificial flavors
• White vinegar: Rounds out the tang so chicken does not taste flat
• Paprika: Smoked or sweet both work for a hint of color and gentle warmth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Grill:

Preheat your grill to medium high heat Take a moment to brush the grates with a paper towel dipped in a little oil so chicken will not stick and you get beautiful grill marks

Season the Chicken:

Pat chicken breasts dry then sprinkle both sides with salt pepper garlic powder onion powder thyme and basil Press seasoning into the meat for maximum flavor Set aside so the flavors absorb while you make the sauce

Mix the Honey Mustard Sauce:

In a medium bowl whisk together honey melted butter all three mustards hot sauce vinegar and paprika Whisk until the sauce is silky smooth and well blended Remove about a quarter cup of the sauce and put it in a small bowl for basting The rest will be saved for dipping later

Grill and Baste the Chicken:

Place chicken on the hot grill Let it sear untouched for two minutes to create crust Flip and sear the second side another two minutes Brush chicken all over with half your reserved basting sauce Close the grill lid and cook for about seven minutes so the chicken cooks through and the glaze starts caramelizing

Final Baste and Finish Cooking:

Uncover grill flip chicken again and brush on more basting sauce Cook for five to six more minutes Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness The thickest part should read one hundred sixty five degrees This is the key to juicy chicken let it cook fully without drying it out

Rest and Serve:

Move grilled chicken to a cutting board Let it rest undisturbed for at least eight minutes Slice against the grain and serve with your remaining honey mustard sauce drizzled on top or on the side

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I truly love using three mustards in this recipe The blend of sharp dijon earthy wholegrain and classic yellow delivers such a bright punch I can still remember my kids’ faces the first time I drizzled the extra sauce on their dinner plates They asked for second helpings before I could put the lid back on

How to Store Leftovers

Cool chicken fully before placing in an airtight container I always put a little piece of parchment between slices to keep them from sticking The chicken lasts up to three days in the refrigerator The honey mustard sauce will keep in a jar in the fridge for a week It is great stirred into salads or wraps If you need to freeze the chicken wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently

Swaps and Substitutions

You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer darker juicier meat Just cook a few minutes longer Mustards are flexible use all of one type if that is all you have Skip hot sauce if you do not want spice For a dairy free version swap in olive oil for butter and double check that your mustards are free from milk byproducts

Serving Suggestions

Pile slices on a platter with steamed green beans or a big chopped salad For a true summer feast add grilled corn on the cob I sometimes tuck the chicken into soft buns with extra honey mustard for a delicious sandwich The sauce is tasty enough to be the star drizzled on roasted vegetables or as dip for sweet potato fries

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A Little History

Honey mustard as a sauce dates back to classic American diner cooking where the sweet tanginess was perfect for dipping fried foods What began as a favorite for nuggets or tenders is now a household staple and for good reason making your own takes only five minutes and brightens any grilled dish

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they grill evenly and absorb the honey mustard flavors beautifully. For more juicy results, you can also use chicken thighs.

→ How do I keep the chicken juicy on the grill?

Preheat your grill, do not overcook, and allow the chicken to rest after grilling. Using a meat thermometer helps ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F without drying out.

→ Can I make the honey mustard sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared a day ahead and chilled. Bring it to room temperature before using for easy basting and serving.

→ Is it possible to adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the glaze?

Absolutely. Increase or decrease the amount of honey and mustard to balance sweetness and tang. Try adding more vinegar for extra sharpness or additional honey for a sweeter glaze.

→ What sides pair well with this grilled chicken?

Great options include grilled vegetables, green salads, roasted potatoes, or steamed rice. The dish’s flavors complement a variety of classic sides.

→ Can I use a stovetop grill pan if I don't have an outdoor grill?

Yes, a stovetop grill pan works well for this dish. Preheat it over medium-high heat and grill as you would outdoors for similar results.