Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful way to jazz up your weeknight dinners, this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe might just become your new go-to. The tangy Dijon mustard combined with a medley of herbs creates a vibrant marinade that locks in juiciness, making every bite tender and delicious. It’s one of those recipes I reach for when I want something that tastes fancy but comes together in a flash.
What I love most about this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe is how versatile it is — perfect for a quick family meal, a backyard BBQ, or even meal prep for the busy week ahead. Plus, the ingredients are everyday pantry staples, so you can whip it up anytime without a last-minute grocery run. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why it wasn’t on your must-try list sooner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy cooks and last-minute meals.
- Bold Flavor: Dijon mustard and herbs create a tangy, savory punch that makes grilled chicken exciting.
- Juicy & Tender: The marinade locks in moisture so your chicken never feels dry or bland.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Great for casual dinners or outdoor grilling with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This lineup of ingredients is a real crowd-pleaser: simple, fresh, and full of flavor. When shopping, look for good-quality Dijon mustard and fresh dried herbs to get the most out of this dish.
- Dijon mustard: The star of the marinade, it adds a smooth tang that balances perfectly with the herbs.
- Dried parsley: Offers a fresh, mild herb flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Dried oregano: Brings a slightly peppery, aromatic note that’s classic in grilled dishes.
- Dried basil: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to your marinade.
- Paprika: Gives just a hint of smoky warmth and a lovely color.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out flavors and seasoning the chicken evenly.
- Pepper: Provides a gentle heat that complements the herbs.
- Water: Helps thin the marinade for easy spreading over the chicken.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas to soak up all those flavors — look for even-sized breasts for consistent cooking.
Variations
I love playing with this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. Don’t be shy to tweak the herbs or add your favorite spices — this recipe really welcomes personalization.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mustard marinade for a fiery twist that wakes up your taste buds.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, swap out the dried parsley, oregano, and basil for fresh versions — just remember to roughly chop them and use about three times as much.
- Bone-in Chicken Thighs: For a juicier, more robust flavor, try using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of breasts. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Low-Sodium Option: Skip or reduce the salt and use low-sodium mustard to keep it heart-healthy.
How to Make Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together Your Marinade
Start by mixing the Dijon mustard, dried parsley, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, pepper, and water in a small bowl until it forms a smooth, spreadable sauce. This little step is where all the flavor magic happens, so make sure it’s combined well — no clumps of mustard, please!
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Generously
Slather each chicken breast with a thick coat of your herb mustard marinade, saving a bit of sauce to brush on later while grilling. The key here is to be generous — you want every bite infused with that bright, tangy flavor. If you have time, letting the chicken sit in the marinade for 15-30 minutes helps intensify the taste, but it’s perfectly fine to grill right away too.
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill and Cook
Heat your grill to medium. Place the coated chicken breasts on the grates and let them cook for about 10 to 12 minutes total, flipping once halfway through. You’re aiming for grill marks and an internal temperature of 165°F — if you’re not sure, a quick poke to check for firmness or a meat thermometer will save the day. Be careful not to overcook; chicken can go dry fast.
Step 4: Brush with Extra Sauce for the Finish
During the last few minutes on the grill, brush the reserved sauce onto the chicken so it caramelizes slightly, giving that beautiful glaze and extra layer of flavor. This step really elevates the dish and makes it look as amazing as it tastes.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Marinate Ahead: Whenever I can, I marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or even overnight to deepen the flavor.
- Uniform Thickness: I gently pound the chicken breasts for even thickness so they grill evenly without drying out.
- Medium Heat is Key: Cooking over medium heat avoids burning the mustard’s sugars, giving you a perfect char without bitterness.
- Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling keeps the juices locked in and makes slicing easier.
How to Serve Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top the grilled chicken with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a nice bright zing that balances the savory mustard flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
For sides, I love pairing this chicken with a crisp green salad, garlic roasted potatoes, or grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. The smoky notes of the grill play so well with simple, fresh sides that don’t compete — just complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like slicing the grilled chicken thinly and layering it over a bed of couscous or quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and feta cheese. Serving it family-style with lemon wedges and fresh herbs makes for a casual yet elegant meal that everyone loves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find this recipe keeps its juicy texture even when chilled — just make sure to cool the chicken completely before covering to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, wrap each chicken breast tightly in foil or plastic wrap then place in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming the chicken gently in a 325°F oven wrapped loosely with foil to keep it moist. If you’re in a hurry, microwave it covered on medium power in short bursts, checking often to avoid drying it out.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully with the mustard herb marinade. Just remember that thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time to reach a safe internal temperature, and they tend to stay juicier thanks to their higher fat content.
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Do I need to oil the grill before cooking the chicken?
Yes, lightly oiling your grill grates helps prevent the chicken from sticking and tearing when you flip. Use a paper towel dipped in oil and use tongs to rub the grates before heating the grill.
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Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Definitely! Making the marinade ahead allows the flavors to meld even better. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before applying it to the chicken.
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How do I know when the grilled chicken is done?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should hit 165°F. Alternatively, the chicken will feel firm to the touch and should no longer be pink inside when sliced.
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Can I make this recipe indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Yes! You can cook the chicken on a grill pan or even bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. Just keep an eye on it so the mustard glaze doesn’t burn.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe has earned a special place in my recipe collection because it’s as easy as it is irresistible. It’s one of those dishes I know will impress guests while feeling totally doable on a hectic weeknight. I really hope you give it a try—it’s the kind of recipe that turns a simple dinner into a satisfying experience you’ll want to make over and over. Happy grilling!
PrintGrilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken recipe features juicy boneless chicken breasts seasoned with a flavorful blend of Dijon mustard and dried herbs. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal, the chicken is coated in a tangy herb mustard sauce and grilled to perfection, making it a delightful dish ideal for any casual dinner or cookout.
Ingredients
Herb Mustard Sauce
- 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 Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, pepper, and water until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Generously coat each chicken breast with a thick layer of the herb mustard sauce, reserving some sauce to use later during grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, ensuring it’s hot enough for cooking the chicken evenly without burning.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides are cooked evenly.
- Brush with Sauce: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the remaining herb mustard sauce over the chicken breasts to add extra flavor and moisture.
- Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the herb mustard sauce for up to 2 hours before grilling.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it is safe to eat.
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg