This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken is a tasty mix of sweet and tangy flavors! The honey adds sweetness while the mustard gives a bit of a zing. Who can resist that?
I love making this dish for summer barbecues. It’s super easy to prepare, and it pairs perfectly with fresh veggies or a light salad. Plus, your friends will think you’re a grilling pro! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are perfect for grilling. If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey breast works well too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as turkey can take longer.
Dijon Mustard: This adds tangy flavor to the marinade. If you’re not a fan of Dijon, try yellow mustard or even whole grain mustard for a slightly different texture and taste.
Honey: Honey provides sweetness. Maple syrup can be a good substitute if you want a different flavor, but it will be just as sweet and sticky.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture. If you prefer, you can use avocado oil for a similar effect, or even vegetable oil if you’re watching your calories.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This balances the sweetness with acidity. You can switch it for white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar to adjust the flavor to your liking.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy, flavorful chicken lies in marinating and grilling it correctly. Always marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes, but the longer, the better! Ideally, aim for 2 to 4 hours.
- Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Coat the chicken well and refrigerate to let the flavors soak in.
- When grilling, make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high. This helps sear the chicken and keep it juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) to avoid overcooking.
Letting it rest for 5 minutes after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and flavorful. Enjoy your meal preparation!
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Marinade:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and at least 30 minutes to marinate. You’ll want to grill the chicken for around 12-14 minutes, so in total, you should plan for about 1 hour, especially if you let the chicken marinate longer for better flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This is where all those yummy flavors come together!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s all well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for even more taste, aim for 2 to 4 hours!
3. Preheat the Grill:
Once you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will give your chicken those nice grill marks and a tasty outer layer.
4. Grill the Chicken:
When the grill is hot, take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and you see those lovely grill marks.
5. Rest and Serve:
After grilling, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Then, slice it up, garnish with some freshly chopped parsley, and serve it warm. Enjoy your delicious grilled honey mustard chicken!
Can I Use Bone-in Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use bone-in chicken, but be aware that it will take longer to cook. Make sure to grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and consider increasing the cooking time to about 10-12 minutes per side for even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Dijon Mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or whole grain mustard as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor might differ slightly; yellow mustard is milder while whole grain has a bit more texture. Adjust the amount to your taste preference!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the marinade in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. This is a great time-saver for meal prep. When you’re ready to grill, just add the chicken and let it marinate as directed!
How to Store Leftover Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the microwave or on the grill for a few minutes until heated through. Enjoy it in salads, wraps, or sandwiches!