If you’re on the hunt for a dish that combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors all in one bite, the Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe is your next kitchen win. This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts grilled to perfection with a luscious honey mustard marinade that caramelizes beautifully over the heat. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress guests, and I can’t wait for you to make it your new go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe shine, you only need a handful of simple and fresh ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating a perfect balance of flavor and texture, ensuring your chicken is juicy, flavorful, and packed with just the right brightness.
- 4 boneless (skinless chicken breasts): Choose even-sized breasts for uniform cooking and juicy results.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Offers a tangy and slightly spicy base for the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds natural sweetness that perfectly complements the mustard and caramelizes on the grill.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps the marinade coat evenly.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Gives a punch of savory depth that enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brings brightness and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthy, herbal note to round out the marinade.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all flavors together.
- Optional: Fresh parsley or chives for garnish: Adds a fresh pop of color and mild oniony flavor.
How to Make Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Marinade
Start by combining Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until you create a smooth, well-blended marinade. This hums with flavor and will tenderize the chicken while it soaks up all those delicious tastes.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is coated evenly so every bite bursts with flavor. Seal or cover, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—if you have more time, up to 4 hours is even better.
Step 3: Prep the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures your chicken will cook through perfectly while getting those beautiful, savory grill marks.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken Breasts
Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, giving them a gentle shake to let any excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade (for safety!). Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). You’ll see a tantalizing golden char develop as it cooks.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Once off the grill, let your chicken breasts rest for a few minutes. This little pause lets the juices redistribute inside the meat, making each bite juicy and tender without drying out.
How to Serve Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or chopped chives sprinkled on top add a lovely burst of color and a hint of fresh, bright flavor that balances the richness of the honey mustard glaze. It’s an easy step that elevates the dish visually and in taste.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with many sides. I love serving it alongside grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini, fluffy rice to soak up any extra sauce, or a crisp green salad to bring a refreshing contrast to the warm, flavorful chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Breast into strips and serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a hearty salad. Or, pile thick slices on a toasted bun for a juicy chicken sandwich that’s packed with zesty goodness. You can also cube the chicken and add it to grain bowls or wraps for a fun, nutritious meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as the chicken sits, making reheated leftovers just as delicious as fresh.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the grilled chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or in a warm skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out this tender, juicy chicken breast recipe.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken breasts will take a bit longer to cook, so just adjust your grilling time accordingly, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked. The marinade will still impart all that fantastic honey mustard flavor.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
If Dijon isn’t available, yellow mustard or whole grain mustard can work as alternatives, though the flavor profile will be slightly different—yellow mustard is milder and sweeter, while whole grain adds texture and a more rustic tang.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken? Can I grill without marinating?
While you can grill the chicken without marinating, the marinade is key to infusing the chicken with incredible flavor and keeping it juicy. At minimum, marinate for 30 minutes, but longer is better for maximum taste.
Can I bake this chicken instead of grilling?
Yes! If you don’t have access to a grill, bake the marinated chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked. For extra browning, you can broil for the last few minutes.
How can I tell when the chicken is perfectly cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. The chicken should be opaque and firm but still juicy. Avoid overcooking to keep it tender and moist.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe has easily earned a spot in my regular meal rotation, and I hope it will in yours too. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that brings together sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in a way that feels like a little celebration every time. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a household favorite!
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Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 26 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and thyme. Quickly grilled to perfection, it’s an easy and delicious meal perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or weekend cookout.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Marinade and Sauce
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to enhance flavor.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken, ensuring it is properly heated to create grill marks and cook evenly.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, shaking off excess, then discard leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through, achieving an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) with appealing grill marks.
- Rest the chicken: Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter and let it rest a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender results.
- Garnish (optional): Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives over the chicken for added color and freshness.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the honey mustard grilled chicken hot alongside your favorite sides such as grilled vegetables, rice, or salads for a complete meal.
- Enjoy your meal: Savor the deliciously tangy and sweet flavor of the honey mustard grilled chicken breast!
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes; longer marinating up to 4 hours intensifies flavor.
- Ensure grill is preheated to medium-high to avoid sticking and to get grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure chicken is safely cooked.
- Resting chicken after grilling helps retain juices and improves texture.
- Optional garnishes like fresh parsley or chives add freshness and visual appeal.
- Can be served with a variety of side dishes including grilled vegetables, rice, or salads.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
