Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a deliciously simple dinner that brings big flavor without a lot of fuss, this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. I love how the tangy Dijon mustard blends with fragrant herbs to create a marinade that’s as aromatic as it is tasty. Whether you’re grilling for family dinner or making something to impress friends, this recipe always steals the show.
This Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe is perfect for those warm evenings when you want something lighter but still satisfying. Plus, the combination of herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley with a hint of paprika packs a punch without being overwhelming. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to in your grilling rotation!
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple yet Flavorful: The Dijon mustard base perfectly carries the herbs and spices, making every bite juicy and packed with flavor.
- Quick to Prepare: You can whip up the marinade in minutes, making it great for busy weeknights or last-minute grilling plans.
- Versatile Cooking Method: Grilling adds a smoky char that compliments the herbs wonderfully, but you can adapt this recipe to stovetop or oven too.
- Balanced Herbs & Spices: The mix of parsley, oregano, basil, and paprika delivers freshness and warmth without overpowering the chicken.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe is built on ingredients that complement one another beautifully, giving you layers of savory, tangy, and herbal notes. When shopping, look for fresh or good-quality dried herbs and a Dijon mustard with a kick for best results.
- Dijon mustard: Acts as the creamy base that locks in moisture and delivers tangy richness.
- Dried parsley: Adds a mild, fresh herbal flavor without overpowering the other herbs.
- Dried oregano: Brings a warm, slightly bitter hint that balances the mustard’s sharpness.
- Dried basil: Offers a sweet, peppery note that melds well with oregano and parsley.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and vibrant red hue to the marinade.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s flavor.
- Water: Thins out the mustard mixture slightly for easy coating without losing thickness.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: A lean protein that absorbs the marinade beautifully and grills evenly.
Make It Your Way
I always like to experiment a little with this grilled herb mustard chicken recipe, especially depending on the herbs I have fresh in the garden or pantry. You can personalize the marinade by swapping dried herbs for fresh ones or adding a touch of honey for a sweeter glaze.
- Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika instead of regular for a deeper smoky flavor that’s amazing on the grill.
- Dietary Modifications: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, but if you want to keep it vegan, try the marinade on grilled tofu or tempeh instead.
- Seasonal Changes: During summer, add fresh lemon zest and juice to brighten the marinade—it feels so fresh and light with grilled veggies on the side.
- Spice Level: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the herbs for a subtle kick.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade
Start by mixing your Dijon mustard with the dried parsley, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Add the water and whisk until smooth and well combined. This creates a thick, flavorful sauce that will give the chicken a beautiful herb crust when grilled.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Generously
Slather each boneless chicken breast with a thick layer of the herb mustard marinade. Don’t rush here—the more evenly coated, the better the flavor soak-in. Set a little marinade aside for basting during grilling. If you have time, even 15 minutes of marinating helps, but this recipe shines even if you grill right away.
Step 3: Get Your Grill Ready and Cook
Preheat your grill to medium heat—about 350°F to 400°F is perfect. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for around 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once halfway to cook evenly. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out; the marinade helps keep it juicy but avoid overcooking by checking with a meat thermometer for 165°F internally.
Step 4: Baste, Turn, and Finish
A few minutes before the chicken finishes, brush the reserved herb mustard sauce over each piece again for an extra layer of flavor and that gorgeous glaze look. Grill a minute or two longer per side if you want a slightly sticky finish. Once cooked through, transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the chicken rest after grilling helps the juices redistribute so each bite stays moist.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the best way to avoid undercooked or dry chicken—aim for 165°F internal temperature.
- Reserve Marinade for Basting: It adds a beautiful glaze and extra flavor depth just before the chicken’s done.
- Medium Heat is Key: Grilling over medium heat prevents burning the mustard’s sugars while cooking chicken evenly.
How to Serve Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I often top the grilled chicken with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for color and a bit of fresh brightness. Sometimes I add thin lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add a squeeze of citrus, which really lifts the herb flavors and adds a refreshing zing.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with a simple summer salad—think mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumber—or delicious roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots. I also love serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up any leftover juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinner parties, I slice the grilled chicken into medallions and arrange them over a bed of herbed quinoa or couscous. Adding edible flowers or microgreens as garnish makes the dish feel extra special and elegant without any extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftover grilled herb mustard chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This recipe reheats surprisingly well, so it’s perfect for quick lunches or dinner the next day without losing flavor.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It freezes well for up to a month, making it a handy make-ahead protein for busy weeks.
Reheating
I prefer reheating leftover grilled herb mustard chicken in a low oven (about 300°F), covered with foil to keep it moist. It only takes around 10-15 minutes and keeps the chicken juicy better than microwave reheating, which tends to dry it out.
FAQs
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Can I use bone-in chicken for this Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe?
Yes! You can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs, but keep in mind they will need longer cooking time on the grill to ensure they’re cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F and adjust grilling time accordingly.
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Is it necessary to reserve marinade for basting?
Reserving some marinade for basting adds extra layers of flavor and helps create a glossy finish on the chicken. Just make sure to keep the reserved portion separate before placing raw chicken in the marinade to avoid cross-contamination.
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Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mix the marinade up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. This can save you prep time on grilling day and also intensifies the herb flavors.
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What can I serve with Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe for a low-carb meal?
For a low-carb option, serve the chicken with grilled zucchini ribbons, cauliflower rice, or a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Herb Mustard Chicken Recipe has become one of my favorite quick go-tos because it’s straightforward, flavorful, and you can easily customize it for different tastes or occasions. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and I’m sure it’ll become a staple in your kitchen that you reach for time and again. Give it a try next time you want something tasty, hassle-free, and just downright good!
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 flavorful and easy grilled herb mustard chicken recipe featuring a blend of Dijon mustard and dried herbs for a tangy and aromatic main course perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
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
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, pepper, and water. Stir the mixture until it forms a smooth sauce.
- Marinate Chicken: Coat each chicken breast with a thick layer of the prepared mustard herb sauce, making sure they are well covered. Reserve some sauce for basting later.
- Preheat Grill: Heat the grill to medium heat, approximately 350-400°F (175-200°C), ready for cooking the chicken evenly.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes total, turning once halfway through to ensure even grilling and prevent burning.
- Baste the Chicken: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the reserved herb mustard sauce onto the chicken to intensify the flavor and keep it moist.
- Rest and Serve: Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices and flavor.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, marinate the chicken breasts for 30 minutes to 1 hour before grilling.
- If you do not have a grill, you can use a grill pan or a broiler to cook the chicken.
- Adjust the salt and pepper to taste depending on your dietary preferences.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor, substituting the dried quantities accordingly.
- Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 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: 90 mg