Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a chicken dish that’s bursting with flavor but still super simple to prepare, you’re going to love this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe. It’s the perfect mix of tangy Dijon mustard and fragrant herbs that create a beautiful, mouthwatering glaze on juicy grilled chicken breasts. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or serving guests at a weekend barbecue, this recipe’s got you covered with that irresistible charred taste and fresh herbal aroma.
One of the things I adore most about this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to whip up, yet it feels fancy enough to impress without any fuss. The marinade takes just minutes to assemble, and the grilling caramelizes the mustard sauce wonderfully. Trust me, once you try this, it quickly becomes a go-to whenever you want something healthy, flavorful, and downright satisfying.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Yet Flavorful: The combination of Dijon mustard and mixed herbs gives the chicken a tangy, aromatic kick without overwhelming it.
- Quick and Easy: With just about 15 minutes total cook and prep time, it’s ideal for busy nights or casual get-togethers.
- Versatile Grilling Method: You can cook it outside on a grill or inside on a grill pan — both ways bring out delicious char and juiciness.
- Balanced Herb Blend: The dried parsley, oregano, and basil work harmoniously, adding freshness while paprika provides a subtle smoky warmth.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe plays an important role in building layers of flavor that complement the chicken beautifully. Keep an eye out for good-quality Dijon mustard and fresh dried herbs to enhance the overall taste.
- Dijon mustard: Its tangy sharpness provides the perfect base for the marinade, helping the herbs stick and intensify the flavor during grilling.
- Dried parsley: Adds herbal brightness and a touch of earthiness, balancing the richness of the mustard.
- Dried oregano: Brings a slightly peppery nuance that pairs perfectly with grilled meats.
- Dried basil: Offers a sweet, floral aroma that rounds out the herb blend.
- Paprika: Gives a mild smokiness and appealing color to the chicken crust.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Water: Keeps the mustard sauce the right consistency for coating the chicken thickly.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Ideal choice for quick grilling and absorbing the marinade’s flavors without overwhelming fat.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the fun parts about this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to switch it up to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. I often like to play around with the herbs or add a little extra heat depending on my mood.
- Add Some Heat: I sometimes toss in a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick that keeps things exciting.
- Fresh Herb Boost: If you have fresh parsley, oregano, or basil, swapping out dried for fresh can brighten the flavor even more – just use about three times the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated.
- Use Bone-In Chicken: For a juicier result, try bone-in chicken thighs instead, but adjust grilling time accordingly (about 15-20 minutes).
- Gluten-Free Twist: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect if you’re avoiding gluten but still want big flavors.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Herb Mustard Sauce
I start by stirring together the Dijon mustard, dried parsley, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, pepper, and water in a small bowl until the mixture is nice and smooth. This sauce is the secret to that delicious, tangy-herbal flavor and it coats the chicken perfectly without being too runny.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Thoroughly
Next, I generously coat each boneless chicken breast with a thick layer of the mustard herb mixture, making sure all sides are covered. I always reserve a little extra sauce to brush on later while grilling—that layer of glaze makes such a difference to the final texture and flavor.
Step 3: Grill Over Medium Heat
Place the chicken on a preheated grill over medium heat, letting it cook for about 10-12 minutes total and turning once halfway through. You’ll want to watch the chicken closely; don’t rush turning it to keep those beautiful grill marks. The timing can vary a bit depending on your grill, but the chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F or the juices run clear.
Step 4: Brush with Sauce and Finish Grilling
During the last few minutes of grilling, I brush the chicken with the reserved herb mustard sauce a couple of times. This step creates a lovely sticky glaze that seals in moisture and adds extra flavor. Just be sure not to turn the heat too high or the sauce might burn.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: Gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook uniformly without drying out.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the best way to avoid overcooking—stop grilling once the internal temp hits 165°F.
- Let Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes off the grill; this keeps the juices locked in and the meat tender.
- Avoid Flare-Ups: If the marinade drips and causes flare-ups, don’t panic—move chicken to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking gently.
How to Serve Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley right before serving — it brightens the dish and adds a lovely pop of green. Sometimes I’ll add a few lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over; the acidity really highlights the mustard’s tang and gives a fresh finish.
Side Dishes
My favorite sides with this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe are simple and complementary. Grilled veggies like asparagus or zucchini work beautifully, as does a light couscous or quinoa salad tossed with lemon and herbs. For heartier meals, creamy mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes are comforting and satisfyingly delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to slice the chicken breast thinly and serve it over a bed of mixed greens with roasted cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of extra mustard sauce. It doubles as an elegant plated dish or a more casual family-style platter perfect for sharing. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can also elevate the presentation effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover grilled herb mustard chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays good for about 3-4 days. If you plan to eat it cold, it’s perfect for salads or sandwiches the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes really well! I pop the fully cooked chicken breasts into freezer bags and keep them for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or serving cold in salads.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. This way, it doesn’t dry out or lose its tender texture like it can in the microwave.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great with this recipe and tend to stay more juicy due to their higher fat content. Just remember to adjust the grilling time, cooking thighs for about 15-20 minutes over medium heat until they reach 165°F internally.
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How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?
This recipe uses a quick herb mustard coating, so you don’t need to marinate for hours. Coating right before grilling works perfectly, but if you have time, letting it rest for 30 minutes can deepen the flavor.
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Is Dijon mustard the only mustard I can use?
Dijon mustard is preferred for its smooth texture and mild heat, but if you prefer, you can experiment with other mustards like whole grain or spicy brown—just expect a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
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Can I bake this chicken instead of grilling?
Yes! While grilling brings a smoky char that’s fantastic, you can bake the coated chicken breasts in a 400°F oven for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Just brush with extra sauce halfway through baking to mimic the glaze effect.
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What if I don’t have dried herbs on hand?
If fresh herbs are available, feel free to triple the quantity since they’re less concentrated. If you’re out of both, a pinch of Italian seasoning blend can also work as a quick substitute.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen because it’s just one of those dishes that never fails to be delicious, no matter how simple the prep. It’s bright, flavorful, and quick—everything I want in a weeknight meal or weekend grilling session. I highly recommend you give it a try soon; once you see how easy it is to make something so flavorful, this recipe’s going to be on regular rotation in your house, just like it is in mine!
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 features tender boneless chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful Dijon mustard and herb sauce, then grilled to perfection for a quick and delicious meal.
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
Main Ingredient
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, stir 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 boneless chicken breast with a thick layer of the mustard herb sauce, reserving some of the sauce to use later during grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat to ensure it is ready for cooking the chicken evenly.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even cooking and grill marks.
- Brush with Sauce: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the reserved mustard herb sauce over the chicken breasts to intensify the flavor and create a delicious glaze.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill once fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through but not overdone.
- For a juicier result, let chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling before slicing.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried for a fresher flavor; use three times the amount if using fresh.
- You can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
- If no grill is available, the chicken can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or baked in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg