Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken

Juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly tangy—this Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken is the very best way to level up your weeknight grilling. The savory-sweet glaze caramelizes beautifully on the grill, turning every bite into a mouthwatering explosion of flavor.

This recipe is a total game changer because it’s both fast and foolproof. The honey mustard marinade comes together in minutes, infusing the chicken with bold, zesty notes and a subtle smoky char. It’s just as perfect for an effortless family meal as it is for impressing friends at your next summer BBQ.

Inspired by my childhood backyard cookouts, this dish is a long-standing favorite in my kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after one bite!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Packed with bold, tangy-sweet flavor in every bite
• Super easy and quick—perfect for busy nights
• Uses pantry staples you probably have on hand
• Naturally gluten-free and easily customizable

Key Ingredients for Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the main attraction here, delivering juicy texture and a perfect blank canvas for the honey mustard marinade. Make sure to choose breasts of even thickness so they cook uniformly. If needed, gently pound them to about 3/4-inch thickness. You can substitute chicken thighs if you prefer richer, darker meat—just increase the grill time slightly for thighs.

Honey

Honey is the secret weapon in this recipe, offering sweetness that balances the tang of the mustard and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully on the grill. Opt for runny, mild honey for the best consistency. If you’re out of honey, pure maple syrup works as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard gives the marinade its signature zing and creaminess. Its smooth, sharp flavor pairs perfectly with honey. You can swap in yellow mustard or even grainy mustard for a different texture or milder taste, but Dijon really brings the punch.

Garlic

Fresh garlic adds a savory depth to the marinade. Mince it finely so it disperses evenly. In a pinch, you can use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder instead, but fresh garlic really amps up the flavor.

Lemon Juice

A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens up the marinade and helps tenderize the chicken. Bottled lemon juice works if that’s all you have, though fresh is ideal. For a different twist, try a bit of apple cider vinegar.

Instructions for Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Make the Honey Mustard Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and fully combined. The mixture should be glossy and slightly thick.

Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour about two-thirds of the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat well. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor). If you’re low on time, even 15 minutes works in a pinch!

Preheat the Grill

While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard used marinade). Place the chicken on the hot grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, brushing with the reserved marinade halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F). If you notice flare-ups, move chicken to a cooler part of the grill.

Rest and Serve

Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep all those delicious juices inside. Slice, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Recipe Variations

Spice It Up

Craving some heat? Add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the marinade for a gentle kick. You can also mix in a bit of sriracha for a bolder, spicy-sweet flavor.

Use Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs work just as well and are extra juicy! Swap an equal weight of boneless, skinless thighs and adjust grill time to 6-8 minutes per side since they’re a bit thicker.

Make It Dairy-Free & Paleo

This recipe is naturally dairy-free and easy to make paleo—simply swap the Dijon for a paleo-approved mustard and double-check your honey’s source.

Oven-Baked Option

No grill? No problem! Bake marinated chicken breasts at 425°F for 18-22 minutes, brushing with marinade halfway through, until cooked through and juicy.

Herb Forward

Play up the fresh flavors by stirring chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil into the marinade. It adds a beautiful aromatic touch to every bite.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken alongside fluffy rice, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with grilled corn on the cob, steamed green beans, or a bright cucumber-tomato salad. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon for extra vibrancy.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave with a splash of water or covered in a 325°F oven until heated through. For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken (sliced or whole) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken (FAQ)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs are extra juicy and flavorful. Just increase grilling time by a few minutes per side.

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: Marinate for at least 30 minutes for best flavor, but even a quick 15 minutes works in a pinch. For extra depth, go up to 4 hours.

Q: Can I bake this chicken instead of grilling?
A: Yes! Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 18-22 minutes, brushing with marinade, until juices run clear and chicken is done.

This Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken is always a hit—juicy, tangy, and effortless! Make it for your next cookout or weeknight dinner, then let me know what you think. Don’t forget to leave a comment or rating below—I love hearing how your meals turn out!