This honey mustard chicken is a juicy, flavor-packed dish marinated in a simple blend of pantry staples. Whether you bake it in the oven or grill it outdoors, the result is a perfectly tender and slightly caramelized chicken with a sweet and tangy glaze. The marinade comes together quickly and infuses the chicken with rich flavor using just a handful of ingredients. It’s a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a backyard gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time

• Uses everyday ingredients you likely already have

• Can be baked or grilled depending on your preference

• The honey mustard marinade keeps the chicken moist and flavorful

• Ideal for meal prep, dinner parties, or family dinners

• Versatile enough for chicken breasts, thighs, or even wings

• Easy to double for larger gatherings

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 ½ to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• ⅓ cup honey

• ¼ cup Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• Optional: ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a touch of heat

Directions

1. Make the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.

2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 1 hour for more flavor.

3. Choose your cooking method:

   • To Grill:

     • Preheat the grill to 400°F.

     • Remove chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off.

     • Grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side with the lid closed, flipping once.

     • Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

     • Remove from grill and let rest for 5–10 minutes under foil before serving.

   • To Bake:

     • Preheat oven to 400°F.

     • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.

     • Place the chicken in a single layer, discarding excess marinade.

     • Bake for 20–30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken, until cooked through (165°F internal temperature).

     • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 35 minutes (includes marinating)

• Cook time: 15–30 minutes depending on method

• Total time: Approximately 50–60 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Add more cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.

• Herb-forward: Add chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the marinade for an herbal twist.

• Citrus kick: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or orange juice to brighten the flavor.

• Smoky twist: Use smoked paprika in the marinade or grill over wood chips for a smoky taste.

• Different mustards: Swap Dijon for spicy brown or whole grain mustard for a different texture and flavor.

• Vegetarian option: Use the same marinade with tofu or roasted vegetables for a meat-free dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooked honey mustard chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze raw chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist during reheating.

FAQs

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and remain juicier, especially when baked.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

While 30–60 minutes is ideal, you can marinate the chicken overnight. Be aware that long marinating times with mustard can slightly change the chicken’s texture.

Can I use chicken drumsticks or wings?

Yes, this marinade works great with drumsticks or wings. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).

Is Dijon mustard necessary?

Dijon mustard adds the right balance of tanginess and creaminess. However, you can substitute spicy brown mustard or whole grain mustard if needed.

Can I cook this in a skillet?

Yes, you can pan-sear the marinated chicken over medium heat for about 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until fully cooked.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, as long as you check that your mustard is certified gluten-free.

How long should I rest the chicken after cooking?

Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute and keep it moist.

Can I double the marinade for extra sauce?

Yes, you can double the marinade. Just be sure to reserve a portion before adding raw chicken if you want to use it as a sauce later.

What side dishes go well with honey mustard chicken?

Pair it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, quinoa, or a crisp green salad. Corn on the cob and grilled asparagus also work well.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and cook it just before serving. Cooked chicken can also be stored and reheated for easy meal prep.

Conclusion

This honey mustard chicken recipe is a go-to dish that delivers on flavor, simplicity, and versatility. Whether baked or grilled, the combination of sweet honey and zesty Dijon mustard transforms ordinary chicken into something special. With easy customization options and quick prep time, it’s a reliable choice for any night of the week.