Nothing beats the juicy, caramelized bites of chicken straight off the grill. This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe hits all the right notes—sweet, tangy, and smoky with just a touch of spice. Trust me, it's a crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for weekend cookouts.

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’m genuinely excited to share this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between simple prep and bold flavor. Over the years, it’s become my go-to when I want something that feels a little fancy but doesn’t keep me in the kitchen all day.

Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your pantry, which makes it easy to whip up anytime.
Flavor-packed: The combination of three types of mustard with honey and herbs delivers layers of tang and sweetness that will surprise you.
Juicy & tender chicken: Thanks to a careful grilling technique and a butter-enriched sauce, the chicken stays moist and delicious.
Versatile: Whether you're hosting a barbecue or just cooking dinner for your family, this recipe fits in perfectly.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together beautifully, creating a sauce that’s sweet and tangy, enhanced by a subtle heat and herbaceousness. Picking quality chicken and balanced mustards is key here—don’t skimp on the Dijon and wholegrain for complexity.

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

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These cook evenly and absorb marinades well, making them perfect for grilling.
Salt and freshly ground pepper: Basic, but essential for seasoning the chicken to enhance the flavors.
Garlic powder: Adds a gentle aroma without overpowering the honey mustard sauce.
Onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning base nicely.
Dried thyme: Offers a fresh, slightly minty note that complements mustard.
Dried basil: Adds a mild, sweet herbal flavor that blends well with the spices.
Honey: The star ingredient for sweetness and caramelization on the grill.
Butter (melted): Makes the sauce rich and helps keep the chicken juicy.
Dijon mustard: Provides a sharp, creamy tang.
Yellow mustard: Mild and bright, balancing the Dijon and wholegrain mustards.
Wholegrain mustard: Adds texture and a robust mustard flavor.
Hot sauce (optional): Brings in a gentle kick that wakes up the flavors but isn’t overpowering.
White vinegar: Offers a touch of acidity to brighten the sauce.
Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and color.

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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

I love to mix things up depending on the season or the crowd I’m feeding. This grilled honey mustard chicken is forgiving enough that a few tweaks won't mess it up—so feel free to experiment!

Variation: I sometimes swap the chicken breasts for thighs if I want a juicier, richer flavor, especially for casual summer dinners.
For extra smokiness: Try adding a bit of smoked paprika or even a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce.
For milder flavor: Skip the hot sauce or reduce it to make the sauce kid-friendly.
Herb remix: Fresh rosemary or oregano makes a nice change from dried thyme and basil if you have them on hand.

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: Season the Chicken Right

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried basil. Make sure to coat each piece evenly—this seasoning base is what helps bring out the best flavor once it hits the grill. I usually prepare this in a shallow dish and let it rest for a few minutes while I make the sauce. This step helps the spices stick and penetrates the meat just a bit.

Step 2: Whisk Up That Magic Honey Mustard Sauce

Mix together honey, melted butter, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, wholegrain mustard, white vinegar, paprika, and hot sauce (if you’re using it). Whisk until it’s smooth and shiny. This sauce doubles as both the marinade and the basting glaze, so it’s important that all those flavors fully marry at this stage.

Step 3: Prepare Your Grill and Start Grilling

Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with vegetable oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the chicken breasts on the grill for about 2 minutes on each side just to get a nice sear. This initial browning locks in juices and gives you those beautiful grill marks we all love.

Step 4: Baste and Cook Through

Brush the chicken liberally with half of your honey mustard sauce and close the lid. Let it cook for about 7 minutes, then flip, baste again, and cook for an additional 5 to 6 minutes. Keep an eye on the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F for safe and juicy results. Remember, thicker breasts need just a bit longer, so don’t rush the process.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once off the grill, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for about 8 minutes. This little wait lets the juices redistribute, so your chicken stays tender and moist. Slice it up, serve with the reserved honey mustard sauce, and watch everyone dig in!

Top Tip

From making this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe dozens of times, I've gathered a few insider tips that really make a difference between just good and absolutely amazing.

Don’t skip resting: It’s tempting to serve right off the grill, but resting the chicken makes the meat juicier and more flavorful.
Keep a basting reserve: Always save some honey mustard sauce for serving so every bite stays vibrant.
Oil those grates: A well-oiled grill prevents sticking and helps you get those perfect sear marks without tearing the meat.
Use a thermometer: Guessing chicken doneness can be tricky; an instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out and keeps it juicy.

How to Serve Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

Honey Mustard Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top the sliced chicken with some freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nice crunch and hints at a nutty flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the mustard.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to accompany this are grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini, which complement the smoky flavors beautifully. Simple garlic roasted potatoes or a tangy coleslaw are great too—something crisp to balance the richness of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of mixed greens with roasted nuts and thin apple slices. It turns a simple recipe into a colorful, restaurant-style plate that’s sure to impress without a ton of extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover grilled honey mustard chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. It stays moist and flavorful — perfect for quick lunches or to toss into salads.

Freezing

Freezing works well too! Just wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture intact.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or broth helps keep things moist. Microwaving works but watch closely to avoid overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit fattier and juicier. Just adjust cooking times slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.

Is this recipe suitable for a gas grill only?

While it's designed for gas grills, you can also use a charcoal grill for that extra smoky flavor—just watch your cooking times closely and manage your heat zones.

Can I prepare the honey mustard sauce in advance?

Yes! You can whisk the sauce together a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a quick stir before using it to baste or serve.

What’s the best way to check if the chicken is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat but still juicy.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe holds a warm spot in my heart because it’s like a hug from the grill—comforting, flavorful, and just so satisfying. Next time you want an easy recipe to impress your family or friends, give this one a try. I promise you’ll enjoy every juicy, sweet, tangy bite just as much as I do.