Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for an easy yet flavorful way to jazz up your weeknight dinners, this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe is definitely one to bookmark. The tangy Dijon mustard paired with a blend of herbs creates a marinade that’s bursting with bright, savory flavors and keeps the chicken juicy and tender every single time. I love how straightforward it is—just a handful of pantry staples come together for big taste.
This recipe shines when you want something fast that feels special, whether it’s a casual family meal or a last-minute BBQ with friends. I’ve made this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe on busy weeknights and also for weekend get-togethers, and it never disappoints. Plus, the mustard-herb combo makes it feel fancy without extra fuss, which is just what we need sometimes!
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common herbs and mustard you likely have on hand, making it accessible and convenient.
- Deliciously Moist Chicken: The mustard and herbs create a protective coating that keeps the chicken juicy as it grills.
- Quick Prep and Cook Time: Ready in about 15 minutes, perfect for busy days or impromptu dinners.
- Versatile Flavor Profile: The herb mustard combo pairs well with a variety of sides and can be customized easily.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe has a purpose, working together to create that perfect balance of tang, herbaceousness, and subtle spice. When shopping, look for fresh-looking dried herbs for the best flavor kick.
- Dijon mustard: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken while holding the herbs onto the surface during grilling.
- Dried parsley: Brings a mild, fresh green note that brightens the marinade.
- Dried oregano: Offers an earthy and slightly bitter touch that complements the mustard beautifully.
- Dried basil: Adds a hint of sweetness and aromatic warmth.
- Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky flavor and a touch of color.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and seasoning the chicken perfectly.
- Pepper: Adds a little heat and depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Water: Thins out the marinade slightly for easy spreading and better coatability.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Lean and quick-cooking, it absorbs the marinade well and grills quickly.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe is how flexible it is—feel free to switch up the herbs or add a kick of heat to suit your mood. I often tweak it slightly depending on what I have in my pantry or what flavors everyone’s craving.
- Variation: For a lemony twist, I add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the marinade. It brightens everything up and gives the chicken a fresh zing.
- Spice it up: Toss in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you want that smoky mustard flavor with some heat.
- Herb swap: Don’t have dried oregano? Thyme or rosemary work wonderfully and give a slightly different herbaceous note.
- Different cuts: Want to try thighs instead of breasts? Just adjust grilling time accordingly—thighs take a few minutes longer and stay even juicier.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Magic Marinade
Start by whisking together your Dijon mustard, dried herbs, paprika, salt, pepper, and water in a small bowl until you get a smooth, spreadable sauce. This combo is what gives the chicken its irresistible flavor crust. I find that a good whisk helps the herbs and spices blend evenly so you’ll get flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Beautifully
Using a spoon or your hands, generously coat each chicken breast with the mustard mixture. Make sure every inch is covered in that delicious herb mustard goodness. Don’t forget to reserve a little bit of the sauce for brushing later—it adds a fantastic finishing touch while grilling.
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill
Heat your grill to medium (about 350°F). Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes total, flipping once halfway through. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out—you’re aiming for juicy and cooked through, not tough. Use a meat thermometer if you can: 165°F is the safe internal temp.
Step 4: Brush On More Flavor
During the last few minutes of grilling, brush your reserved herb mustard sauce onto the chicken to build a glossy, tangy finish. This step gives your Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe that signature punch of flavor and keeps the surface moist and vibrant.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Marinate Ahead: While this cooks great right after mixing, letting it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes boosts flavor even more.
- Avoid Flare-Ups: Keep a spray bottle of water handy to tame any flames when grilling mustard-coated chicken—it tends to drip!
- Use a Thermometer: Checking internal temp takes the guesswork out of grilling chicken to juicy perfection.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest 5 minutes off the grill to lock in juices and keep it tender.
How to Serve Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this grilled chicken with fresh chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving to brighten things up. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra paprika on top for color and a subtle punch. These simple garnishes make it look restaurant-worthy without any fuss.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides here are grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers or a crisp, refreshing cucumber salad. Roasted baby potatoes or a simple garlic butter rice work beautifully too. The tangy herb mustard pairs perfectly with both light and hearty accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
When I want to impress a guest, I slice the grilled chicken thinly and fan it out over a bed of mixed greens or serve it atop crusty bread with a drizzle of honey mustard sauce for an elevated sandwich. It’s an easy way to make the Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe feel special for celebrations or weekend lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken actually gets even more flavorful as the herbs continue to infuse overnight, making it great for quick lunches or a speedy dinner addition.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well too, especially if you grill a larger batch. Just cool completely, wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
I like reheating leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep the chicken moist, or even better, slice it and add to salads or wraps cold. Avoid reheating too long in the microwave which can dry it out.
FAQs
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Can I use bone-in chicken pieces for this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks, but you’ll need to increase the grilling time to ensure they are cooked through. Keep the heat medium and grill slowly to avoid burning the mustard coating while cooking the meat thoroughly.
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Is it okay to use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Fresh herbs can be used, but since they add more moisture, you might need to adjust the quantities—use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried. Fresh herbs will give a brighter, fresher flavor but the dried herbs build more concentrated flavor in this marinade.
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How do I prevent the mustard from burning on the grill?
Mustard can burn quickly due to its sugars, so grill over medium heat and turn frequently. Also, wait to brush on the reserved sauce until the last few minutes of grilling to minimize burning and get a nice glossy finish.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe has become one of those reliable standbys I turn to again and again, especially when I want something tasty without hours of effort. I love how the herbs and mustard wake up simple chicken breast and make every bite deliciously juicy and flavorful. I really hope you’ll give it a try—you might just find it becomes your go-to grilled chicken recipe too.
PrintGrilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and quick grilled chicken recipe marinated in a zesty herb mustard sauce, perfect for a healthy and easy dinner.
Ingredients
Mustard Herb Marinade
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons water
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, pepper, and water until you achieve a smooth sauce.
- Coat the Chicken: Generously coat each boneless, skinless chicken breast with a thick layer of the mustard herb sauce, reserving some sauce for basting during grilling.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Baste the Chicken: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the reserved mustard herb sauce onto the chicken breasts to enhance flavor and keep them moist.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, consider marinating the chicken for 30 minutes to 1 hour before grilling.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can be adapted for stovetop grilling using a grill pan or skillet.
- Adjust the paprika amount to your preferred spice level.
- If fresh herbs are available, you can substitute dried herbs with three times the amount of fresh herbs for enhanced flavor.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg