Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
I’m excited to share this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe with you because it’s hands down one of my go-to dishes when I want something simple yet full of flavor. The combination of tangy Dijon mustard and fragrant herbs really makes the chicken sing on the grill. If you’re like me and crave meals that taste gourmet but don’t take hours, this recipe will totally fit your vibe.
What I love most about this grilled herb mustard chicken recipe is how versatile it is for weeknights or weekend gatherings. It comes together in about 15 minutes and gives you tender, juicy chicken with that perfect char smoky finish. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of combining herbs and mustard on the grill sooner!
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: Uses easy pantry staples that pack big flavor with minimal fuss.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: Dijon’s tang combined with herbs adds depth without overpowering the chicken.
- Quick Prep & Cooking: Ready from start to finish in just 15 minutes—ideal for busy days.
- Juicy, Tender Results: The marinade locks in moisture, so your chicken won’t dry out on the grill.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this grilled herb mustard chicken recipe plays a crucial role to deliver that perfect combo of tangy, herbal, and savory flavors you’ll crave. Plus, it all works well together to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful without needing any complicated add-ins. Let’s talk about what makes each ingredient shine.
- Dijon Mustard: This gives the marinade its signature tang and helps tenderize the meat a little.
- Dried Parsley: Adds fresh herb notes that balance the mustard’s punch nicely.
- Dried Oregano: Brings a warm, slightly peppery flavor deep into the chicken.
- Dried Basil: Sweet and aromatic basil layers more complexity in the mix.
- Paprika: Just a hint of smokiness and a lovely red color for visual appeal.
- Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning to bring all those flavors together and enhance the chicken.
- Water: Helps loosen the marinade so it coats the chicken easily and evenly.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The perfect grilling cut – lean, quick-cooking, and juicy when done right.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love making this grilled herb mustard chicken recipe my own by adjusting the herbs or adding a little extra heat. You should definitely feel free to tweak it in whatever way suits your mood or the seasons—you’ll find it really forgiving and easy to personalize.
- Spicy Kick: I often add a pinch of cayenne pepper if I want to turn up the heat a notch—it pairs surprisingly well with mustard.
- Fresh Herbs: When I have fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary on hand, I swap out some dried for fresh for a brighter flavor punch.
- Marinate Longer: If you have the time, marinating the chicken for an hour or two really boosts the flavor.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Flavor-Packed Marinade
Start by whisking together the Dijon mustard, dried parsley, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, pepper, and water in a bowl until it’s perfectly smooth. This mixture is where all the magic starts. I find stirring it for a good 30 seconds helps the dry spices fully dissolve so every bite tastes consistent.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Generously
Next, slather each chicken breast with a thick layer of the herb mustard marinade — don’t be shy here! Save about a quarter of the sauce for basting later while the chicken grills. Coating well locks in moisture and helps create that beautiful crust.
Step 3: Grill to Juicy Perfection
Place the chicken over medium heat on your grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping once halfway through. I recommend watching the grill closely so it doesn’t overcook — you want those lovely grill marks and juicy centers. During the last few minutes, brush the remaining marinade on top to amp up the flavor and keep it moist.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Pat Chicken Dry Before Marinating: Helps the marinade stick better and results in nicer grill marks.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Aim for 165°F internal temperature to ensure juicy but safe chicken.
- Brush Sauce During Last Minutes: Basting near the end prevents the mustard sugars from burning.
- Let Rest Before Serving: Rest chicken for 5 minutes off the grill to redistribute juices.
How to Serve Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle fresh parsley or basil leaves on top for a pop of color and freshness—it really brightens the plate and echoes the flavors in the marinade beautifully.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with grilled veggies like asparagus or bell peppers and a simple quinoa or wild rice salad. For a cozy touch, I often go with creamy mashed potatoes or a light cucumber salad to balance the mustard’s tang.
Creative Ways to Present
One of my favorite presentation tricks is slicing the chicken into thin strips and layering it over a bed of mixed greens or even inside warm pita bread with a dollop of Greek yogurt. It turns the dish into a stunning appetizer or a laid-back dinner with a Mediterranean vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually pop leftover grilled chicken into an airtight container and refrigerate it right after cooling. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen in the fridge.
Freezing
If I want to save some for later, I freeze the cooked chicken wrapped tightly in foil and placed inside a freezer bag. It stays fresh for about 2 months and is perfect for quick meals when you’re short on time.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm the chicken in a 325°F oven, covered loosely with foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, reheating in the microwave with a damp paper towel works fine if you’re in a hurry—just be careful not to overcook it.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are great here too and stay extra juicy because of their higher fat content. Just be sure to adjust the grilling time slightly – thighs may need a few more minutes to cook through, and turning them more often helps prevent flare-ups.
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Do I need to marinate the chicken overnight?
Nope, you don’t have to. This grilled herb mustard chicken recipe is delicious with just the quick 5-minute marinade time before grilling, but if you have a couple hours, letting it rest longer will intensify the flavors.
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Can I make this recipe indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Yes! You can grill this chicken on a stovetop grill pan or cook it under a broiler. Just watch carefully for burning since the sugars in mustard can char quickly. Turning often and basting near the end helps maintain moisture and flavor.
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Is Dijon mustard the only option for the marinade?
Dijon has that distinct tang that works perfectly here, but you can substitute with whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard for a different texture or kick. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may shift slightly.
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How do I avoid the chicken drying out when grilling?
One of the best ways is to not overcook the chicken and keep the grill at medium heat rather than high. Using a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature helps, plus basting with the marinade during the last few minutes locks in moisture.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe has become a staple in my home because it’s so reliably delicious yet fuss-free. I love how approachable it is for any skill level, and it always brings smiles around the table. If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful chicken dinner that feels a little special, give this one a try — I promise you won’t be disappointed!
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
A simple and flavorful grilled chicken recipe featuring a tangy herb mustard sauce that perfectly complements tender boneless skinless chicken breasts. Ideal for a quick and healthy dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 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, 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 chicken breast with a thick layer of the prepared herb mustard sauce, reserving some of the sauce for basting later during grilling.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat a grill to medium heat. Place the coated 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 chicken breasts with the reserved sauce to add extra flavor and moisture until they are well coated and cooked through.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can be adapted for stovetop grilling with a grill pan or baked in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Fresh herbs can substitute dried herbs; use about three times the amount of fresh herbs.
- For extra smoky flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the herb mustard sauce before grilling.
- Serve with a side salad or grilled vegetables to complete the meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg