There’s just something irresistible about the sweet and tangy blend that makes this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe a standout on any grill night. The bright honey mustard glaze caramelizes perfectly over juicy chicken breasts, bringing that irresistible smoky-sweet flavor you didn’t know you needed.

The image shows several pieces of cooked chicken, sliced into thick strips and arranged closely together. The chicken has a golden-brown color with some grill marks and is covered in a shiny sauce that has a warm orange hue. Small green herbs are sprinkled evenly over the chicken, adding a touch of freshness. The texture of the chicken appears juicy and tender, with the inside showing a lighter white color. The dish is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This grilled honey mustard chicken recipe quickly became one of my go-tos for summer cookouts. It’s easy to throw together yet feels special. The balance of honey’s sweetness with mustard’s tang and a little spice just hits all the right notes every time.

Simple but Flavorful: No complicated ingredients, just pantry staples creating bold, balanced flavor.
Perfectly Juicy Chicken: The marinade keeps chicken breasts tender and moist, which can be tricky to achieve on the grill.
Built-in Sauce & Basting: You get a saucy glaze during grilling and extra sauce for dipping or drizzling.
Great for Any Occasion: Works for weekday dinners, weekend parties, or even meal prepping lunches.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe’s magic is in its simple but thoughtful ingredients that play off each other beautifully: sweet honey, sharp mustards, and gentle herbs. When combined, they create a vibrant marinade that flavors and tenderizes the chicken while adding a gorgeous glaze when grilled.

Flat lay of four raw boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried basil scattered beside them; a small white ceramic bowl with golden honey; a small white ceramic bowl with smooth melted butter; a small white ceramic bowl with bright yellow Dijon mustard; a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant yellow mustard; a small white ceramic bowl with textured wholegrain mustard seeds; a small white ceramic bowl with red hot sauce; a small white ceramic bowl with clear white vinegar; a small white ceramic bowl with deep red paprika powder, all arranged symmetrically around the chicken, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Easy to grill and quick to cook, ensuring juicy meat when done right.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps with caramelization on the grill.
Dijon, Yellow, and Wholegrain Mustard: Blending these three gives a complex mustard flavor – tangy, sharp, and textured.
Butter: Melts into the sauce adding richness that balances the tangy mustard.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Basic aromatics that deepen flavor without overpowering the mustard.
Dried Thyme & Basil: Herbal notes that add a subtle earthiness and freshness.
Hot Sauce (Optional): A little kick if you want some heat layering in the sauce.
White Vinegar: Brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness.
Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a hint of color.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all those flavors and balance sweetness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this grilled honey mustard chicken recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to your mood or pantry. Want it spicier? Add more hot sauce or a dash of cayenne. Prefer a milder taste? Use just one type of mustard and skip the heat.

Variation: I've tried swapping chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat, and it turned out fantastic every time – just adjust cooking time.
Dietary Twist: For a lighter version, skip the butter and substitute with a bit of olive oil.
Seasonal Touch: In summer, I toss fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme into the marinade for a garden-fresh effect.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

A white plate filled with two main layers: on the left side, a pile of roasted broccoli with a green and slightly charred texture, showing dark brown edges and lively green florets; on the right side, four grilled chicken pieces with a shiny, caramelized golden-brown surface, marked by distinct black grill lines and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a small glass bowl of light brown sauce nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Grill and Chicken

First things first, get your grill heated up to medium-high—around 375-400°F is perfect. While it warms, season your chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and basil. I find this quick dry rub builds a wonderful depth under the glaze.

Step 2: Whisk Up That Honey Mustard Sauce

Mix together the honey, melted butter, Dijon, yellow, and wholegrain mustards, hot sauce if using, white vinegar, and paprika in a bowl until it’s smooth and glossy. I always save about ¼ cup aside for basting while grilling—it’s key to developing that sticky, flavorful crust. The rest will be your dipping sauce later.

Step 3: Grill With Love

Oil your grill grates lightly to prevent sticking (a folded paper towel dipped in vegetable oil and rubbed on the grates works wonders). Place the chicken breasts down and sear them for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and sear 2 minutes on the other. Now, brush generously with half of the honey mustard sauce and close the lid. Let them cook for about 7 minutes—it’s key not to rush the process for juicy chicken.

Step 4: Flip, Baste, and Finish Cooking

Open the grill, flip the chicken again, and brush with the remaining basting sauce. Close the lid and grill for another 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remember thicker breasts take a little longer—so keeping a digital meat thermometer handy really helps nail perfect doneness.

Step 5: Rest and Serve with Extra Sauce

Once off the grill, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 8 minutes. This resting step keeps the juices locked inside for maximum tenderness. Slice and serve with the reserved honey mustard sauce drizzled or on the side for dipping. Trust me, that sauce will make everyone ask for seconds!

Top Tip

Over the years of grilling this honey mustard chicken, a few little tricks have really helped me get consistent results. These tips will save you from common pitfalls and elevate the dish every time.

Use a Meat Thermometer: Chicken thickness varies, so avoid guessing—aim for 165°F internal temp for perfectly cooked chicken.
Don’t Skip Resting: Letting the meat rest after grilling keeps it juicy; cutting too soon loses all that precious moisture.
Light Oil on Grill Grates: Prevents sticking and helps you achieve those beautiful grill marks every time.
Baste Late and Often: Brushing the sauce after the initial sear locks in flavor and prevents burning the sugars early.

How to Serve Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

Honey Mustard Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the sliced chicken before serving. The bright green adds freshness and vibrant color. Sometimes a lemon wedge on the side works wonders too—just a squeeze amps the flavor with a quick citrus zing.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs perfectly with grilled veggies like asparagus or bell peppers and a light crisp salad. Or, if you're after something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or a herby quinoa salad make great companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I enjoy serving the chicken sliced on a wooden board surrounded by dipping bowls of the honey mustard sauce, extra grilled lemon slices, and fresh herbs. It creates a relaxed, shareable vibe that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover grilled honey mustard chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I slice it first—it’s easier to reheat and toss into salads or wraps later.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked chicken pieces successfully by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing in a freezer-safe bag. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best texture. The sauce sticks nicely and adds extra flavor after thawing.

Reheating

For reheating, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, then drizzle with leftover sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch but can dry it out faster.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving on the grill. Just adjust the cooking time since thighs tend to take a bit longer depending on their size.

What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from burning on the grill?

Great question! Because the sauce has honey and sugars, it can burn if applied too early. That’s why it’s best to baste after the first sear and continue brushing during the last minutes of cooking to build up glaze without burning.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Totally! You can broil the chicken in your oven or cook it on a stovetop grill pan. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and baste the sauce like you would on the grill.

How long can I store the leftover chicken?

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to reheat gently to keep it moist and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This grilled honey mustard chicken recipe is one of those dishes I come back to season after season because it’s simple, flavorful, and always impressive to guests. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a meal that feels fresh but doesn’t demand complicated prep. Give it a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a new favorite in your rotation, just like it did in mine.