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The smoky scent of honey mustard chicken sizzling on the grill always pulls everyone in. Every bite is ultra juicy and bright with sweet-tangy goodness from a super easy mix you whip up at home. When I want a sunny, crowd-pleasing dinner that doesn’t make a fuss, this is what I toss on the barbecue.
My family cheers when we fire this up. I started making it because I needed something picky eaters could’t complain about—and now even adults come back for seconds.
Juicy Ingredients
- Dijon mustard: thick and creamy with a zing; swap in stone-ground for an extra snap
- Honey: brings that cozy sweetness; use wildflower if you love a big flavor
- Chicken breasts: boneless and skinless cook in a flash and hold onto the marinade; aim for thick, fresh cuts
- Olive oil: helps keep your chicken moist and adds that beautiful char; try for good extra virgin
- Soy sauce: pumps up the savory sides and the saltiness; fresher the better for flavor
- Fresh lemon juice: adds a zing and keeps it balanced; don’t bother with bottled, get it fresh
- Garlic: loads each bite with savory punch; crush and mince for the most flavor
- Paprika: brings a warm boost of color plus a little earthy touch; Spanish style smells amazing
- Salt and black pepper: make every bite pop; fresh ground is best and sea salt works wonders
- Dried thyme: tosses in fresh herby aroma; just be sure yours hasn’t gone stale
- Onion powder: sweet depth in the background, you’ll notice if it’s missing
Simple Steps
- Get Grilling Hot:
- Before you start, fire up your charcoal or gas grill so it warms to medium-high (375–400°F). Once it’s good and hot, grab a wad of paper towel with tongs, dip it in oil, and swipe over those grates right after brushing off the old bits.
- Let the Chicken Soak:
- Plop your chicken into a plastic bag or shallow container. Pour the marinade all over so every piece is drenched. Squeeze as much air out as you can and chill for at least thirty minutes, up to eight hours for the juiciest chicken. If you can, turn it halfway to coat better.
- Mix Your Marinade:
- Grab a big bowl and whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, soy sauce, chopped garlic, paprika, sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, and thyme until it’s blended smooth. This gives your chicken a flavor boost and keeps every bite moist.
- Cook on the Grill:
- Take the chicken out of the marinade and let extra drip off. Lay it on the hot grill and put the lid on. Wait five to seven minutes, then flip (tongs help!). Grill another five to seven minutes until you see nice char and a thermometer stuck in the thickest part says 165°F. Try not to fuss with it while it cooks, so it gets super golden.
- Let It Rest & Slice:
- Once you’re done, shift chicken to a plate, cover with foil, and give it five minutes so the juices won’t run. Slice up, serve with your favorite sides, and spoon on any fresh sauce you held back before marinating if you want a zesty kick.
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Paprika’s the secret star of this mix, making the color pop and tying flavors together. I’ll never forget the first time my neighbor tried it and begged for the details—now it’s a must-hit every summer at the grill.
Keep It Fresh
This chicken stays tasty in the fridge up to three days if you stick it in a sealed container. Hold off on saucing until you’re ready to eat so it stays juicy, not soggy. Freeze cooled chicken (sliced) with parchment between layers and just warm up what you want later.
Easy Swaps
No Dijon? Sub with spicy or plain yellow mustard. Maple syrup works if you’re out of honey. Boneless thighs give you extra juiciness and a touch more flavor. Try chili powder instead of paprika for a gentle kick if that’s what’s in the cupboard.
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How to Serve
Fresh grilled veggies like bell peppers or squash go great with it, or cool it down with cucumber salad. You can add buttery corn or whip up brown rice on the side. Want to dress it up? Drizzle on vinaigrette and throw some chopped herbs over everything.
Backstory & Traditions
Sweet and bold marinades have been stars at family cookouts in the States and in all kinds of world food traditions. Honey mustard is a favorite here because it mixes familiar tangy mustard with the cozy taste of honey, making every bite a favorite for both kids and grown-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long do I marinate the chicken for best results?
For tons of flavor, leave the chicken in the fridge soaking up the marinade for anywhere from 30 minutes to as long as 8 hours.
- → Is there another way to cook this if I don’t have a grill?
You bet! Just pop it in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or cook up in a pan on your stove until it’s done.
- → What’s the safe inside temp for chicken?
Make sure the chicken hits 165°F inside so it stays juicy and you know it’s cooked through.
- → How do I keep chicken from sticking on the grill?
Brush a little oil on those grill grates before you add the chicken. That stops annoying sticking and makes flipping a breeze.
- → What should I serve with this chicken?
It’s awesome with steamed rice, crisp salads, or grilled veggies. Mix and match your favorite sides!