The Best Honey Mustard Chicken

This honey mustard chicken is sweet, tangy, and unbelievably easy to make.

With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll create juicy, flavor-packed chicken that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a summer BBQ.

The savory Dijon mustard, rich honey, and hint of garlic come together to make a marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into something special.

Grill it, bake it, or meal-prep it—however you cook it, this is the honey mustard chicken recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

For Honey Mustard Chicken

Chicken – Works great with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Choose what you prefer—white meat for a leaner option or dark meat for extra juiciness.
Honey – Adds natural sweetness and helps balance the tangy mustard.
Dijon Mustard – I love using grainy Dijon mustard for extra texture and bold flavor.
Olive Oil – Keeps the chicken moist and helps lock in the marinade’s flavor.
Garlic – Finely minced or grated for an aromatic boost.
Cayenne Pepper (Optional) – Adds a subtle kick of heat if you like a little spice.
Salt & Black Pepper – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

Looking for a quick and delicious way to upgrade your chicken? This honey mustard chicken is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

Prep Time: 35

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 50

Servings:

.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast or chicken thighs
3 tbsp honey
3 tbsp Dijon mustard (grainy mustard recommended)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, finely minced or grated
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken and coat it evenly in the marinade.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 1 hour.

Grilling Instructions

Preheat the grill to 400°F.
Place the marinated chicken on the grill and close the lid.
Cook for 6-8 minutes on one side, then flip using tongs.
Grill for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Transfer to a plate, cover with foil, and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Baking Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the chicken on it.
Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Storage & Freezing Tips

To freeze: Place the marinade and chicken in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Nutrition

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Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works with chicken breasts, thighs, or even drumsticks. Just keep an eye on the cooking time—thighs stay juicy longer, while breasts cook faster!
How do I keep the honey mustard sauce from burning?
If grilling, cook over medium heat and don’t let the flames touch the chicken directly. If baking, cover with foil for the first half of cooking to prevent caramelization from turning into burning.
Can I prep the marinade ahead of time?
Yes! You can whisk it together up to 2 days in advance and keep it in the fridge. Or, marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep it from drying out.
What sides go well with honey mustard chicken?
This dish is super versatile! Serve it with roasted veggies, a crisp salad, fluffy rice, or even mashed potatoes for a complete meal.