Honey Mustard Chicken
Looking for a quick, flavor-packed chicken dinner that feels like a treat?
This Honey Mustard Chicken is your new go-to! With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a sweet, tangy marinade that transforms simple chicken into a juicy, mouthwatering meal.
Whether you grill or bake it, this easy recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something both delicious and satisfying—without the hassle.
Get ready to fall in love with every bite!
For Honey Mustard Chicken:
- Chicken – You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference. Both cuts work well for this recipe.
- Honey – Provides sweetness to balance the tangy mustard.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds the perfect amount of tang and depth to the marinade.
- Olive Oil – Helps to coat the chicken and keep it moist.
- Garlic – Finely minced or grated, this adds aromatic flavor to the marinade.
- Cayenne Pepper (optional) – A pinch of heat if you like a bit of spice with your sweet and tangy chicken.
- Salt and Black Pepper – To season the chicken and enhance all the flavors.
For Honey Mustard Marinade:
- Honey – This is the main component of the marinade, giving the chicken its signature sweetness.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds that delightful tangy kick to the marinade.
- Olive Oil – Helps to emulsify the marinade and coat the chicken evenly.
- Garlic – Grated or minced garlic enhances the depth of flavor in the marinade.
- Cayenne Pepper (optional) – Adds a subtle spice to the honey mustard sauce.
Honey Mustard Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard (grainy Dijon preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced or grated
- Optional: ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (for a bit of heat)
- Freshly ground salt and black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken to the bowl and stir until it's well coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Choose your preferred cooking method: grilling or baking.
To Grill:
- Preheat the grill to 400°F.
- Once heated, place the chicken on the grill and close the lid.
- Grill for 6-8 minutes on one side. Then, flip the chicken using tongs. A great tip is to flip the chicken only once to keep it juicy and get those delicious grill marks.
- Grill for an additional 6-8 minutes. Cooking times may vary based on the size of your chicken, so check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate or cutting board and cover with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to lock in juices before serving.
To Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and the internal temperature reads 165°F.
Notes
- To freeze the marinade, simply add it to a resealable, freezer-friendly bag with the chicken and freeze for up to 3 months.
- For more grilling and baking tips, check the full post!
Nutrition
- Can I use store-bought honey mustard sauce?
If you’re in a rush, absolutely! Store-bought honey mustard will work just fine. But making your own is super easy and gives you the chance to adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your liking. Plus, it’s just a few ingredients! So, if you’ve got a bit more time, homemade is the way to go.
- How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?
The secret is marinating! Letting the chicken sit in the honey mustard marinade for 30 minutes to an hour helps it absorb all those delicious flavors while staying juicy. Also, don’t forget to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should be 165°F (75°C). You’ll be rewarded with perfectly tender chicken.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Of course! Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice and actually tend to stay juicier than breasts. The cooking time might vary slightly, but just keep an eye on the internal temperature to make sure it hits 165°F (75°C), and you’re good to go!
- Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead of time. This not only saves you time later, but it also allows the flavors to develop even more. Just store it in the fridge and cook it whenever you’re ready!
- How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Leftovers are easy to store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. When you’re ready to eat, just pop the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, and it’ll be as delicious as the first time you cooked it.
