Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe

Zesty Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering honey mustard grilled chicken breast demands creativity and passion for bold flavors.

Marinades can truly elevate simple ingredients into spectacular meals.

Sweet and tangy notes dance across perfectly charred surfaces, creating an irresistible combination.

Blending smooth honey with zesty mustard transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Lean protein meets delightful glazing in this simple yet impressive recipe.

Succulent meat absorbs rich seasonings, promising a delectable dining experience.

Come savor this quick and satisfying dish that will become your new weeknight favorite.

Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken – Here’s Why It Shines

  • Dive into a mouthwatering marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort.
  • Prepare this delectable dish in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy families craving a delicious and nutritious dinner.
  • Easily adaptable for different occasions, from casual family dinners to backyard barbecues with friends, this recipe guarantees smiles all around.
  • Packed with lean protein and bursting with zesty honey mustard flavors, this chicken recipe offers a nutritious and satisfying meal option that doesn't compromise on taste.

What to Buy for Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender protein base for the recipe.
Marinade and Flavor Builders:
  • Dijon Mustard, Honey: Creates a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and prevent sticking.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat.
  • Minced Garlic: Provides depth and aromatic base.
Seasoning Enhancers:
  • Dried Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Adds classic herb and basic seasoning notes.
  • Fresh Parsley, Chives: Optional garnish for color and fresh herb accent.

Make Honey Mustard Chicken Step by Step

Step 1: Craft The Flavor Explosion

Combine in a mixing bowl your Dijon mustard, golden honey, extra virgin olive oil, freshly crushed garlic, zesty lemon juice, aromatic dried thyme, sea salt, and cracked black pepper.

Whisk everything together until the marinade transforms into a smooth, glossy mixture that promises delectable flavor.

Step 2: Marinate The Chicken

Transfer chicken breasts into a large ziplock bag or shallow container.

Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, massaging to ensure every inch gets coated.

Seal and refrigerate, allowing the flavors to mingle and penetrate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.

Step 3: Fire Up The Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high temperature.

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.

Discard the used marinade to prevent cross-contamination.

Step 4: Grill To Perfection

Place chicken on hot grill grates.

Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, developing beautiful caramelized grill marks.

Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer for safe consumption.

Step 5: Rest And Relax

Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter.

Let it rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness.

Step 6: Garnish And Elevate

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the chicken for a burst of color and added herbaceous flavor.

Step 7: Serve With Style

Plate your honey mustard grilled chicken alongside complementary sides like:
  • Roasted vegetable medley
  • Fluffy jasmine rice
  • Crisp garden salad

Step 8: Savor The Moment

Dig in and enjoy your perfectly grilled, flavor-packed chicken masterpiece!

Honey Mustard Chicken Tips for Grilling Success

  • Let the chicken soak in the honey mustard mixture for at least 30 minutes to develop deep, rich flavors that penetrate every bite.
  • Maintain medium-high heat to ensure beautiful grill marks without burning the chicken's delicate surface.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat every time.
  • Discard the used marinade immediately and use clean utensils to avoid spreading harmful bacteria during cooking.
  • Allow grilled chicken to rest 3-5 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and keeps the meat tender and moist.

Storage Tips for Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains moist by adding a tablespoon of extra honey mustard sauce.
  • Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drizzle with reserved honey mustard sauce for extra moisture.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent toughness.

Side Pairings for Honey Mustard Chicken

  • Pair Perfect Chardonnay: Crisp, buttery white wine complements the honey mustard's tangy sweetness and balances the grilled chicken's smoky flavors perfectly.
  • Create Summer Quinoa Salad: Fresh herb-packed quinoa with cucumber, lemon zest, and feta cheese provides a light, refreshing side that enhances the chicken's zesty marinade.
  • Match Roasted Asparagus: Grilled asparagus spears drizzled with olive oil and sea salt offer a simple, elegant vegetable accompaniment that highlights the chicken's golden exterior and juicy interior.
  • Select Crisp Apple Slaw: Crunchy, slightly tart apple coleslaw with green onions and a light vinaigrette cuts through the chicken's richness while adding vibrant texture to the plate.

Honey Mustard Chicken Flavor Upgrades

  • Oven-Baked Honey Mustard Chicken: Prepare chicken in a preheated 375°F oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Dairy-Free Variation: Replace olive oil with avocado oil and ensure mustard is dairy-free for individuals with lactose sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute honey with sugar-free maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar flavor profile.
  • Herb-Infused Alternative: Swap dried thyme with fresh rosemary or basil, adding different aromatic dimensions to the marinade and enhancing overall taste complexity.

FAQs

  • How does the marinade enhance the chicken's flavor?

The honey provides sweetness, Dijon mustard adds tangy depth, and lemon juice helps tenderize the meat while balancing the overall taste profile.

  • Can I use different types of mustard?

Yes, you can substitute Dijon with whole grain or spicy brown mustard, which will slightly alter the flavor but still create a delicious marinade.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and grill it when ready, making it perfect for preparing meals in advance for the week.

  • What if I don't have a grill?

You can easily cook this chicken in a skillet, grill pan, or oven. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Print
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Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe

Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 46 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling honey mustard grilled chicken breast delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that dance across your palate. Juicy chicken marinated in a zesty blend elevates your summer grilling experience with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade Base:

  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice

Seasoning and Aromatics:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
  2. Immerse chicken breasts in the marinade within a sealed container, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
  3. Heat grill to medium-high (approximately 400°F), creating ideal searing conditions for the chicken.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard remaining liquid to prevent cross-contamination.
  5. Arrange chicken on grill grates, cooking 6-8 minutes per side. Rotate midway to achieve professional-looking crosshatch grill marks.
  6. Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. Chicken should appear firm and have a golden-brown exterior.
  7. Transfer grilled chicken to a clean platter, allowing 3-5 minutes of resting time to redistribute internal juices and maintain moisture.
  8. Enhance presentation by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or chives across the surface.
  9. Plate alongside complementary sides like roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a crisp garden salad for a complete meal experience.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken in the refrigerator for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption, ensuring each piece gets well-coated with the honey mustard mixture.
  • Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils when handling raw chicken, and always wash hands thoroughly after preparation.
  • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy texture.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, replace Dijon mustard with a gluten-free mustard variety and check all ingredient labels to ensure dietary compliance.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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