In just 25 minutes, you can prepare this flavorful Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken. The sweet-tangy marinade caramelizes on the grill, creating a juicy, savory main dish that’s perfect for summer meals, cookouts, or meal prep.
This recipe is simple, fast, and packed with flavor. Grilling keeps cleanup minimal and adds that desirable charred taste. Because it’s easy to scale, it’s an excellent option to make ahead for the week or freeze for later use.
When stored properly, the chicken works well diced in wraps, salads, quesadillas, burritos, or as a quick protein to add to many dishes—making it a versatile meal-prep favorite.
What you’ll love about this grilled chicken recipe:
- EASY – Prep and cook in about 25 minutes. Few steps and minimal cleanup make this weeknight-friendly.
- HEALTHY – High in protein and relatively low in calories. Serve as a main dish or portion for multiple meals during the week.
- DELICIOUS FLAVOR – The honey-dijon marinade delivers balanced sweet and tangy notes that sing when grilled.
Recipe Ingredients
Below is a quick ingredient overview. Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card at the end of the article.
- Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) – You can substitute chicken breasts, but cook times may differ. Choose similarly sized pieces for even cooking.
- Dijon mustard – Provides tang and depth.
- Honey – Adds sweetness and helps the chicken caramelize on the grill.
- Avocado oil – A neutral oil with a high smoke point; other neutral oils also work.
- Mayonnaise – Helps thicken the marinade and keeps the chicken moist while preventing sticking to the grill.
- Soy sauce – Adds savory umami. Use a gluten-free soy sauce if needed.
- Spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Lemon juice – Brightens the flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
How to Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
For this recipe you’ll need a grill (gas or charcoal) and a mixing bowl. Follow the simple steps below for great results.
Marinate the chicken
Combine all marinade ingredients in a shallow bowl and whisk until smooth. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the marinade and refrigerate it to use after cooking. Add the chicken to the remaining marinade and refrigerate for 4–8 hours; 6–8 hours yields the best tenderness, but 4 hours still infuses good flavor.
Tip: The reserved sauce is great drizzled on the grilled chicken right before serving.
Grill the chicken
Preheat the grill to medium-high. Remove chicken from the marinade and place on the grill. Cook for about 10 minutes, flip, then grill another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes, then brush or drizzle with the reserved honey mustard sauce and serve.
What to Serve with Grilled Chicken
This chicken pairs well with simple sides like green beans, grilled zucchini, portobello mushrooms, cheesy potatoes, or broccoli cheddar rice. It’s also delicious with a creamy jalapeño-ranch-style dip or served over a fresh salad.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Reheating: Reheat in a 325°F oven covered with foil for 10–15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
- Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
Tips & Tricks
- Reserve some marinade: Set aside 1/4 cup to drizzle on after grilling for the best honey mustard flavor.
- Marinate longer for tenderness: Aim for 6–8 hours when possible; 4 hours is the quick option for flavor only.
- Make ahead: Dice the cooked chicken and use it in wraps, tacos, salads, nachos, or grain bowls for easy weeknight meals.
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken FAQ
Yes, when you use a gluten-free soy sauce and verify all other ingredients are gluten free.
Yes. Adjust cooking time to ensure breasts reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Yes. Substitute honey with a sugar-free syrup or sweetener of your choice to reduce sugar.
More meal prep chicken recipes
- Grilled Chicken Legs
- Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Easy Blackened Chicken
- Instant Pot Asian Chicken Thighs
- Easy Keto Chicken Tenders (baked or air fryer)
Get the Recipe: Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless/skinless
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, avocado oil, mayonnaise, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and salt. Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade and refrigerate.
- Add the chicken to the remaining marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 4–8 hours (6–8 hours preferred for best tenderness).
- Preheat the grill to medium-high. Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for about 10 minutes on the first side. Flip and grill another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the grill, let rest 5 minutes, then brush or drizzle with the reserved sauce and serve.
Notes
- Reserving the sauce is optional but highly recommended for extra flavor.
- Marinating enhances tenderness and flavor but is optional if you’re short on time.
- Leftovers keep up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- This chicken is excellent diced for wraps, tacos, burritos, salads, or nachos.
- Nutrition estimates assume roughly 50% of the marinade is absorbed or remains with the chicken.
Serving: 1/6 of recipe (assuming 50% of marinade/sauce is used or absorbed)
Calories: 257 kcal • Carbs: 7.8 g • Protein: 29.9 g • Fat: 10.7 g