Name: Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground pepper, to taste; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ¼ cup honey; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard; 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional); ½ teaspoon white vinegar; ⅛ teaspoon paprika

There’s something magical about the combo of sweet, tangy, and a hint of spice in a Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe. It’s that perfect balance that keeps me coming back to this dish for backyard dinners or weeknight treats. Plus, the grill gives the chicken a smoky char that you just can’t beat.

The image shows many slices of cooked chicken pieces stacked close together on a white marbled surface. Each piece has a golden brown outside with a slight glaze that gives it a shiny look, mixed with green herb bits sprinkled over the top. The inside of the chicken is white and juicy. The chicken pieces vary in size, with some showing a bit of light charring or searing marks that add texture. The overall look is warm and flavorful, with a balance of colors from the golden outside, green herbs, and white inside. 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

I have to say, this grilled honey mustard chicken has become one of my go-to favorites because it hits all the right notes — juicy chicken, bright flavor, and a glaze that’s just downright addictive. I love how easy it is to whip up, yet it feels a little special, like you’re treating yourself without a ton of fuss.

Balanced Flavor: The honey provides sweetness, the mustards add tang and a little kick, and the spices round it out perfectly for a complex but approachable taste.
Quick and Easy: It’s all about simple ingredients and a straightforward technique that even busy cooks can handle confidently.
Perfect for Grilling: The grill adds that unbeatable smoky char that transforms ordinary chicken into something truly crave-worthy.
Flexible and Fun: You can easily tweak the heat, sweetness, or herbs to make it exactly how you like it every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe plays an essential role. From the herbs to the trio of mustards, it’s a symphony of flavors that marry beautifully on the grill. Here are some notes to help you shop and understand why they matter.

Flat lay of four raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, small white ceramic bowls containing golden honey, melted butter, smooth Dijon mustard, bright yellow mustard, coarse wholegrain mustard, amber hot sauce, clear white vinegar, and deep red paprika powder, and small piles of dried thyme and dried basil leaves arranged symmetrically, all ingredients 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

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless works best here for quick, even grilling and easy slicing afterward.
Salt and freshly ground pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning the meat to bring out its natural flavor.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory note without overpowering the honey mustard glaze.
Onion powder: Works alongside garlic to create depth in the seasoning blend.
Dried thyme: Brings a subtle earthiness and pairs perfectly with grilled chicken.
Dried basil: Adds a hint of herbal brightness that lightens the richness of the sauce.
Honey: The star of the sauce’s sweetness — go for pure honey for the best flavor and texture.
Butter (melted): Adds richness and helps create a luscious glaze when combined with the other sauce ingredients.
Dijon mustard: Provides smooth, tangy depth with a bit of a spicy edge.
Yellow mustard: Brings classic mustard flavor and a mellow sharpness for balance.
Wholegrain mustard: Adds texture and a tangy punch thanks to the mustard seeds.
Hot sauce (optional): I like this little touch of heat — it wakes the sauce up without overwhelming it.
White vinegar: Cuts through the sweetness to keep the glaze balanced and bright.
Paprika: Adds color and a subtle smoky note that complements the grill’s char.

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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 of the things I love most about this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you like it sweeter, spicier, or more herby, you can tweak the sauce and seasoning to make it just right for your taste buds.

Variation: When I want a smoky twist, I add a pinch of chipotle powder to the sauce — it gives the chicken a subtle smoky heat that’s addictive. Feel free to swap out the dried herbs with fresh thyme and basil if you have them for an even fresher flavor.
Dietary swaps: For a dairy-free version, just skip the butter or replace it with olive oil — it still works beautifully.
Seasonal upgrade: In summer, I like to serve this with grilled peaches or pineapple for a fruity balance that makes every bite pop.

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

A white shallow bowl filled with two main layers: on the left side, there is a pile of bright green broccoli florets with charred black spots showing a slightly crispy texture; on the right side, four pieces of grilled chicken thighs with a golden-brown glaze and dark grill marks, topped with small chopped green herbs for garnish. The food rests on a white marbled surface with a small glass container of sauce visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by heating your gas grill to medium-high — you want it hot enough to get those perfect grill marks but not so hot that the outside burns before the inside cooks. While the grill heats, season each chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried basil. I like to do this step ahead of time and let the chicken rest at room temperature for 15 minutes; it helps the seasoning sink in and the meat to cook more evenly.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Honey Mustard Sauce

Mix your honey, melted butter, Dijon, yellow, and wholegrain mustards, hot sauce (if you’re using), white vinegar, and paprika in a bowl until smooth. The butter helps the sauce cling to the chicken and caramelize nicely on the grill. Don’t forget to scoop out about a quarter cup of this sauce and set it aside — that's your basting sauce. The rest will be perfect for dipping later.

Step 3: Grill and Glaze the Chicken

Brush some oil on your grill grates so the chicken doesn’t stick. Place the breasts on the grill and cook for two minutes on one side, then flip and grill for two more minutes on the other side. Now brush the chicken with half of your reserved basting sauce, close the grill lid, and let it cook for about 7 minutes. After that, flip the chicken again, brush on the rest of the basting sauce, and grill for 5 to 6 more minutes. The secret here is to keep the grill closed as much as possible to lock in moisture and get that perfect smoky flavor. Use a meat thermometer to check — you’re aiming for 165˚F inside.

Step 4: Rest Then Serve

Once your chicken is off the grill, let it rest on a cutting board for about 8 minutes. I can’t stress this enough — resting lets the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken beautifully juicy and tender. Then slice it up, drizzle with that reserved dipping honey mustard sauce, and get ready to impress yourself.

Top Tip

After making this grilled honey mustard chicken a bunch of times, I’ve learned these little tricks really make a difference. They’ve saved me from dry chicken disasters and elevated the flavors to juicy perfection.

Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking — chicken dries out quickly if you’re not careful.
Baste Often: Basting with the honey mustard sauce throughout grilling helps build a sticky, flavorful glaze rather than letting the sauce burn too fast.
Rest Time: Don’t skip resting! Letting the chicken sit after grilling keeps it juicy and makes slicing easier.
Oil Your Grill: Oil the grill grates well before cooking to prevent the chicken from sticking and tearing — a delicate touch that saves you cleanup hassle.

How to Serve Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

Honey Mustard Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives — the green pop adds freshness and color to the plate. A little lemon wedge on the side is great if you want to brighten things up with a squeeze of citrus just before eating.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or grilled vegetables like asparagus and zucchini. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or a herby couscous are fantastic companions that soak up the honey mustard sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this grilled honey mustard chicken sliced over a bed of wild rice with roasted cherry tomatoes and microgreens sprinkled on top. It’s elegant enough for guests but still super approachable. You can also turn leftovers into wraps or salads the next day for a fresh twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which honestly doesn’t happen often), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The honey mustard helps keep the chicken flavorful even after a day or two.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the cooked chicken before and found that it reheats nicely without losing much moisture. Just wrap portions tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Use within 2 months for best taste.

Reheating

When reheating, I usually pop leftover slices in a warm skillet with a little drizzle of olive oil or butter so they gently warm through without drying out. You can also microwave but do so in short bursts to keep the chicken tender and drizzle a bit more sauce on top after heating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and more forgiving on the grill; just adjust cooking time accordingly — thighs usually take a bit longer to cook through.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! You can cook this on a grill pan or even bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (205°C) for about 20-25 minutes, basting with the sauce midway through cooking.

Is the hot sauce necessary?

The hot sauce is optional — it adds a nice gentle heat, but if you prefer milder flavors or are serving kids, feel free to leave it out. The glaze will still be delicious.

How do I prevent the sauce from burning on the grill?

Great question! Because the sauce contains honey and butter, it can burn quickly if the grill is too hot. Keep the grill at medium-high rather than super hot, and baste the chicken in intervals, closing the lid between bastings to control caramelization without charring.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is truly one of those dishes I love sharing with friends because it’s flavorful but never intimidating. Every time I fire up the grill and whip up that golden honey mustard glaze, it feels like I’m treating myself and anyone lucky enough to join me. Give it a try — I’m confident you’ll find it as comforting and delicious as I do.