This grilled honey mustard chicken is juicy, tasty, and super easy to make! The sweet and tangy flavor pairs perfectly with fresh green beans for a colorful meal.
I love how quickly this dish comes together. Just marinate the chicken, grill it, and toss some beans on the side. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide juicy flavor. If you prefer less fat, chicken breasts can be a lean substitute, but adjust the cooking time since they cook faster.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness. If you need a substitute, maple syrup works nicely or you could use agave nectar for a vegan option.
Dijon Mustard: This gives a tangy punch. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard can work, but it’s milder. For a twist, try whole grain mustard for a bit of texture.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps with grilling. Avocado oil is a great substitute with a higher smoke point. You can also use melted butter, but be careful of burning it on high heat.
Green Beans: Fresh green beans keep things vibrant and crunchy. If they’re out of season, frozen green beans are a good option. Just adjust the blanching time as needed.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken thighs can be tricky if you want that crisp skin and juicy meat. Follow these steps for best results:
- Ensure the grill is heated properly. A medium-high heat helps crisp the skin and cook through evenly.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour. Overnight marinating deepens flavor, so try it if you can!
- After placing the thighs skin-side down, resist the urge to move them around. Let them sear for about 6-7 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (75°C) is key!
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken With Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Green Beans:
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep the ingredients and marinate the chicken, plus at least 1 hour to let it marinate (you can do this overnight for even more flavor). Cooking will take around 20-25 minutes, making the total time approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, including marinating time. It’s worth the wait for the delicious flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, making sure they’re completely coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you have the time.
2. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, heat your grill to medium-high. To prevent the chicken from sticking, lightly brush the grill grates with a bit of oil.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade and let the extra marinade drip off. Place the chicken on the grill skin-side down. Grill for about 6-7 minutes until the skin is nice and crispy with good grill marks. Flip the chicken and continue grilling for another 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Prepare the Green Beans:
While the chicken is grilling, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. Drain the beans and immediately place them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. After they cool down, drain again.
5. Sauté the Green Beans:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the blanched green beans and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they’re heated through. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
6. Serve:
Once the chicken is done, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the grilled honey mustard chicken with the sautéed green beans on the side. Don’t forget to add lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze over your dish. Enjoy!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer, but remember they can dry out more easily than thighs. To keep them juicy, marinate for at least an hour and consider reducing the grilling time slightly, cooking them for about 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Dijon Mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard in a pinch, though the flavor will be milder. Another great alternative is to mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and honey with a little bit of ground mustard to mimic the tanginess.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken and green beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help keep the chicken moist.
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade the day before and marinate the chicken overnight for enhanced flavor. You can also blanch the green beans ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to sauté them. Just remember to bring both back to room temperature before grilling or cooking!
