Honey Mustard Chicken (Grilled OR Baked)

I love easy chicken dinners, and this honey mustard chicken recipe is one of my favorites! It’s sweet, a little tangy, and super juicy. Whether you grill it or bake it, it always turns out so good!

Sometimes I can’t decide if I want to fire up the grill or just pop it in the oven. But guess what? This recipe works both ways! And oh wow, that honey mustard sauce? It’s like magic — so yummy and sticky!

If you want a dinner that makes everyone say “yum,” this is it. You can serve it with rice, salad, or even just some bread. Plus, it’s so easy — you’ll feel like a pro chef!

So, wanna learn how to make this honey mustard chicken? Let me show you step by step. You’re gonna love how simple it is!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy — this marinade brings everything together in one bite.
• Juicy and Tender Chicken: Whether grilled or baked, the marinade keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
• Quick and Simple: Minimal prep, easy steps — ready for cooking in 30 minutes (or marinate longer for deeper flavor).
• Versatile Cooking Options: Grill for smoky goodness or bake when you want a hands-off meal.
• Great for Meal Prep: Cook once, enjoy all week — add to salads, wraps, sandwiches, or rice bowls.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes marinating time)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (depending on method)
• Total Time: About 1 hour (including marinating)

Servings:
This recipe serves 4 people. Scale up easily if you need more — just double the marinade.

Difficulty:
Easy. Beginner-friendly, with simple steps and ingredients.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe smoothly:

• Mixing Bowl: For preparing the marinade.
• Whisk or Spoon: To mix the honey mustard marinade well.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: For accurate ingredient portions.
• Meat Mallet (Optional): For pounding chicken evenly (helps it cook evenly).
• Baking Dish or Sheet Pan: If baking.
• Grill or Grill Pan: If grilling.
• Tongs: For flipping the chicken during cooking.
• Instant-Read Thermometer: To ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature (165°F / 74°C).
• Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping parsley or slicing cooked chicken.

Ingredients for Honey Mustard Chicken Marinade

These simple pantry and fridge staples create a bright, tangy, and rich marinade:

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – Smooth and tangy, this is the star of the marinade.
• 3 tablespoons honey – Adds natural sweetness and helps the chicken caramelize beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice – Freshly squeezed for a bright pop of acidity.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds depth and savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a subtle smoky note and color.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper – For a hint of heat.
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a mild kick; adjust to taste.
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – About 1.5 to 2 pounds total.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – Optional, for a fresh and colorful finish.

Variations for Honey Mustard Chicken

• Swap Mustard: Use whole-grain mustard for added texture or spicy brown mustard for more heat.
• Add Herbs: Mix in chopped rosemary, thyme, or oregano for earthy notes.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a creamier marinade.
• Add a Smoky Flavor: A dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a deeper, smokier taste.
• Sweeten Differently: Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey for a different sweetness.
• Add Veggies: Marinate and bake/grill with veggies like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for a one-pan meal.

How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Honey Mustard Marinade

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Paprika
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Crushed red pepper flakes (if using)

Whisk everything together until fully blended. The marinade should look smooth, slightly thick, and golden in color.

Tip: Taste a small spoonful of the marinade before using it. Adjust the sweetness or acidity if needed — add a bit more honey for sweetness or lemon juice for tang.

2. Prepare the Chicken

• Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board.
• If the breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness (about ½ to ¾ inch thick) using a meat mallet or the back of a heavy pan. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels — this helps the marinade stick better.

3. Marinate the Chicken

• Place the chicken in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
• Pour the honey mustard marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated.
• Cover the dish (or seal the bag) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours if you want a deeper flavor.

Note: The longer you marinate, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be. If short on time, 30 minutes still works well.

4. Cooking the Chicken (Two Ways: Grilled OR Baked)

Grilling Directions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C).
2. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking (use a paper towel dipped in oil and tongs).
3. Place the marinated chicken on the grill.
4. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Grill Tip: Baste the chicken with extra marinade during cooking for more flavor, but stop basting in the last few minutes to ensure food safety.

Baking Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish. Pour a little extra marinade over the top for added flavor.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside.
4. Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end to brown the tops slightly.
5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Baking Tip: Line the dish with parchment for easier cleanup.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the cooked chicken for a pop of color and freshness.
• Slice and serve with your favorite sides — more on that in the next section!

Serving and Presentation

How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken

This flavorful chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

• With Rice or Quinoa: Serve alongside fluffy rice, quinoa, or couscous. The juices from the chicken pair well with grains.
• On a Salad: Slice and add to a mixed green salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and avocado. Drizzle with extra honey mustard dressing for a complete meal.
• In a Sandwich or Wrap: Add slices of chicken to a toasted bun or tortilla, with lettuce and tomato for a quick lunch.
• With Roasted Veggies: Pair with roasted asparagus, broccoli, carrots, or sweet potatoes for a wholesome dinner.
• In a Grain Bowl: Build a bowl with brown rice or farro, roasted veggies, and a drizzle of extra honey mustard sauce.

Tip: For extra flavor, serve with a little reserved marinade that was kept separate from raw chicken to use as sauce.

Storing Honey Mustard Chicken

• Refrigerator: Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked and cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, in the oven at 300°F (150°C), or in the microwave at low power to prevent drying out.

Meal Prep Tip: Slice before storing to make it easy to add to salads, bowls, or wraps.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Pound Chicken Evenly: This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy. Uneven pieces can dry out.
• Don’t Skip Marinating: Even 30 minutes in the marinade makes a big difference in tenderness and flavor.
• Check Temperature: Always cook chicken to an internal temp of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe and juicy.
• Let It Rest: Resting for 5 minutes after cooking keeps the juices in the chicken instead of running out when sliced.
• Double the Marinade: Want extra sauce for serving? Double the marinade recipe and reserve half before adding raw chicken. Warm it up and drizzle over cooked chicken.
• Grill Marks: For beautiful grill marks, don’t move the chicken too much once it’s on the grill. Let it sear before flipping.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	275
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	12g
Sugars	10g
Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	2g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	630mg
Cholesterol	95mg

Note: Nutrition may vary based on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Honey Mustard Chicken FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great. They may take a few extra minutes to cook, but stay juicy and flavorful.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best flavor, marinate at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate for 4-8 hours for deeper flavor.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely. Cooked chicken keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Slice and store in portions for easy lunches or dinners.

Can I bake this chicken without marinating?

You can, but marinating adds a lot of flavor and tenderness. If you’re short on time, even 15-20 minutes will help.

What sides go well with honey mustard chicken?

Great sides include:

• Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, green beans)
• Rice, quinoa, or couscous
• Fresh salads

Conclusion

This Honey Mustard Chicken recipe is a simple, flavorful way to enjoy juicy chicken that works for any occasion — whether grilled or baked. It’s a great choice for a fast weeknight dinner, healthy meal prep, or serving guests. By using everyday ingredients, you’ll have a dish that feels special without the extra work.