Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
If you’re hunting for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels both elegant and simple, this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need in your weeknight rotation. The tangy Dijon mustard combined with a blend of dried herbs creates a gorgeous crust that locks in juicy, tender chicken every single time. I’ve made this recipe countless times for last-minute guests, and it never disappoints—a perfect mix of zesty and savory that’s super easy to pull off on the grill.
What’s great about this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe is how adaptable it is. You can whip it up in about 15 minutes, which means less fuss but maximum flavor. It’s also a wonderful way to enjoy grilled chicken without relying on heavy sauces or long marinades, making it ideal when you want something fresh and light yet satisfying. Plus, I find the leftovers just as tasty the next day in salads or wraps!
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like Dijon mustard and dried herbs, so no last-minute grocery runs.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in 15 minutes, perfect for busy evenings when time is tight.
- Flavorful Finish: The combination of herbs and mustard creates a tangy, aromatic crust that keeps chicken juicy.
- Versatility: Great for grilling outdoors or cooking on a stovetop grill pan, adaptable year-round.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe come together to balance bold flavor and effortless preparation. Each herb brings its own unique note that complements the mustard’s tang, while simple seasonings ensure the chicken stays juicy and delicious. Choosing the right mustard and fresh spices will up your flavor game significantly.
- Dijon mustard: Provides the tangy base and a bit of creaminess that helps the herbs stick to the chicken.
- Dried parsley: Adds a mild, fresh herbal flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Dried oregano: Brings a warm, slightly peppery hint which pairs perfectly with grilled chicken.
- Dried basil: Offers subtle sweetness and a fragrant aroma that livens up the marinade.
- Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken’s exterior.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to enhance all the flavors and season the chicken properly.
- Water: Helps thin the marinade so it can coat the chicken evenly without being too thick.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean cut keeps things simple and quick to grill—just watch not to overcook.
Tweak to Your Taste
Over time, I’ve played around with the herb blend to make this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe more my style, and I encourage you to do the same! Whether you jazz it up with fresh herbs, add a pinch of heat, or swap out the mustard type, this recipe welcomes creativity.
- Lemon zest and juice addition: I love adding fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of juice to give it a bright, citrusy lift—especially great in summer!
- Spicy kick: For a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mix before grilling.
- Fresh herbs substitution: If you have fresh parsley, oregano, and basil, chop them finely and use in place of dried for a fresher flavor.
- Grainy mustard swap: Try using whole grain mustard for added texture and a more rustic feel.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Herb Mustard Marinade
Start by combining the Dijon mustard, dried parsley, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, pepper, and water in a small bowl. Stir everything together until you get a smooth, spreadable sauce. I like to add the water little by little so the sauce is thick enough to coat the chicken without dripping off. This marinade is what gives your chicken all that flavor, so make sure you mix it really well.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Thoroughly
Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slather each piece with a generous layer of the herb mustard sauce. Reserve a bit of sauce for basting later on. Don’t skimp here—this coating forms a delicious crust as it grills, locking in moisture and seasoning the meat beautifully.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken Perfectly
Heat your grill to medium and place the coated chicken breasts on the grates. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking to get even grill marks and avoid drying out the chicken. During the last 2-3 minutes, brush the chicken with the reserved sauce to build a glossy, flavorful finish. Keep an eye on it—chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
Step 4: Rest Before Serving
Once off the grill, let your chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This little pause allows the juices to redistribute, so you get juicy bites instead of drying out as you slice. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in texture.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Even Thickness: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid guesswork, I always use a thermometer to confirm the chicken is perfectly cooked.
- Medium Heat Grilling: Medium heat lets the mustard crust develop without burning while cooking the chicken through.
- Don’t Over-marinate: Since the mustard is quite acidic, I keep the chicken marinated just while prepping—longer can affect texture.
How to Serve Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish the plated chicken with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few torn basil leaves to enhance the herbal freshness. A lemon wedge on the side is also great—it adds just the right zing when squeezed over the chicken before each bite.
Side Dishes
This grilled chicken goes wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp mixed greens salad or roasted veggies. I often pair it with herby quinoa or garlic mashed potatoes to balance that tangy crust and keep the meal hearty and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love slicing the grilled chicken thinly and layering it over a bed of creamy polenta with a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil. Another favorite is serving it family-style with grilled flatbreads and assorted dips, turning it into a colorful, interactive spread everyone enjoys.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I slice mine before storing so it’s ready to toss into salads or sandwiches during the week, saving me prep time later on.
Freezing
This grilled herb mustard chicken freezes well. I recommend wrapping each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then placing in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. It keeps best for up to 2 months and thaws overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F until just heated through to avoid drying it out. Microwaving works in a pinch but cover the chicken to keep moisture locked in.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to stay even juicier thanks to their higher fat content. Just adjust the grilling time slightly—thighs will usually take a bit longer, around 12-15 minutes, until cooked through.
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Do I need to marinate the chicken overnight?
This recipe doesn’t require overnight marination. The mustard and herbs impart plenty of flavor with just the time it takes to prepare and grill the chicken, making it ideal for quick meals.
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Can I bake the Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, brushing with the mustard sauce halfway through. While grilling gives a smoky char, baking is a great indoor option that still delivers delicious results.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely—this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients. Just check your mustard label to be certain, as some brands may contain additives.
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What’s the best way to know when the chicken is done?
The most reliable method is using an instant-read meat thermometer. Chicken breasts are safely cooked at 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part to check that juices run clear and the meat is opaque.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours of prep to create memorable meals. It’s fresh, flavorful, and comes together fast—everything I love about weeknight cooking. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it your own; once you do, it might just become your go-to recipe for those busy evenings when you want a little wow on your plate without the stress.
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
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken recipe combines tangy Dijon mustard with fragrant dried herbs and spices to create a flavorful and juicy main course. Perfectly grilled to tender perfection, this dish is quick to prepare and ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner or casual weekend barbecue.
Ingredients
Marinade and 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 marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, pepper, and water until smooth and well combined.
- Coat the chicken: Spread a thick layer of the mustard and herb mixture over each chicken breast, reserving some sauce for basting later.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, around 350-400°F, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes total, turning once halfway through to grill evenly on both sides.
- Baste during grilling: During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the reserved sauce over the chicken repeatedly to build up flavor and keep the meat moist.
- Check doneness and serve: Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption. Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh herbs for dried herbs—use about three times the amount of fresh herbs for more vibrant flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan over medium heat, following the same cooking times.
- For extra moisture, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Make sure to preheat the grill to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg