If you are searching for a dish that beautifully combines sweet and tangy flavors with a satisfying charred finish, you have to try this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful meal where juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a luscious honey and Dijon mustard blend, then grilled to perfection alongside tender, seasoned broccoli. This dish strikes the perfect balance between healthy greens and rich, protein-packed chicken, making it a delightful weeknight favorite that feels special without requiring complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe lies in its straightforward, fresh ingredients. Each element plays a vital role—whether it’s bringing the right texture, color, or flavor to your plate, these essentials work in perfect harmony.
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs: These stay juicy on the grill and soak up the marinade beautifully.
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard: Adds a smooth, tangy base that balances the sweetness of honey.
- 1/4 cup honey: Introduces natural sweetness and caramelizes on the grill for that delightful crust.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and adds richness.
- Kosher salt and pepper: Perfect for seasoning both chicken and broccoli evenly.
- 2 tablespoons honey + 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Mixed to create a basting sauce that boosts the glaze’s depth.
- 4 cups broccoli florets: Bright and tender, they complement the chicken with their fresh earthiness.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil: Coats the broccoli for grilling and helps develop those smoky char marks.
- Garlic powder: Adds a mild savory note to the broccoli for extra flavor complexity.
- Chives: Freshly chopped for a vibrant garnish that brings a mild oniony pop.
How to Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken thighs into a bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil to create a luscious marinade that sings with tangy and sweet notes. Pour this over the chicken, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—overnight if you have the time—to allow the flavors to fully infuse into the meat, promising a juicy and delicious bite every time.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill and Prepare Chicken
About 20 minutes before grilling, take the chicken out of the refrigerator to bring it to room temperature. This simple step helps the chicken cook more evenly on the grill. Meanwhile, preheat your grill to high heat so that you get those beautiful grill marks and that slightly smoky char that complements the honey mustard flavors perfectly.
Step 3: Prepare the Honey Mustard Basting Sauce
In a small bowl, create an additional honey mustard glaze by whisking together honey and Dijon mustard. This sauce will be brushed onto the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling, adding a glossy finish and an extra boost of sweetness and tang that elevates the dish.
Step 4: Season and Prep the Broccoli
Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, kosher salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder for a simple yet flavorful seasoning. Spread the broccoli out on a grill pan or on a foil tray fashioned into a shallow bowl if you lack a grill pan. This arrangement helps the broccoli cook evenly and get those irresistible charred bites.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken and Broccoli
Place the marinated chicken thighs directly on the hot grill. Grill each side for 5 to 6 minutes, aiming to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) so the chicken is juicy and safe to eat. In the last 2 to 3 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken generously with the honey mustard basting sauce for that shiny, caramelized finish. At the same time, grill the broccoli on the other side of the grill. Toss it every few minutes until it becomes tender and speckled with golden, crispy edges, usually about 10 minutes depending on your preferred doneness.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the chicken and broccoli from the grill. Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes; this step locks in the moisture, ensuring each bite is succulent. Garnish your creation with freshly chopped chives for a pop of color and a gentle onion note that brightens the dish. Then serve immediately and enjoy the fantastic blend of flavors from this classic Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe.
How to Serve Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chives sprinkled on top add a lively color contrast and a subtle onion flavor that complements the sweet and tangy chicken perfectly. If you want to amp things up, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving also works wonders to brighten the dish even more.
Side Dishes
This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all those delicious juices. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to bring freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken sliced on a platter with the grilled broccoli scattered around for a rustic, family-style feel. You can also chop the grilled chicken and broccoli and toss them together with cooked quinoa or couscous for a hearty grain bowl that makes for fantastic leftovers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled chicken and broccoli in airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to enjoy this tasty meal again without redoing the whole cooking process.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for later, wrap the chicken and broccoli tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. They freeze well for up to 2 months, preserving the flavors and making it a convenient ready-to-go meal for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven or on a stovetop skillet to keep the chicken tender and broccoli crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken dry and the broccoli soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine but can dry out easier, so watch your grill time carefully and consider marinating longer to keep them juicy.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
Marinating for 30 minutes will still give great flavor, but overnight marination deepens the taste and tenderizes the meat more thoroughly.
Can I cook this meal indoors?
Yes, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop or broil the chicken and roast the broccoli in the oven for a similar effect.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
You can substitute with yellow mustard, but note that the flavor will be milder and less tangy, changing the final taste slightly.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild and friendly for all palates, but you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or sprinkle chili flakes on the broccoli if you like a little heat.
Final Thoughts
All in all, this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug; it’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and comforting without being heavy. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual get-together, it hits all the right notes—sweet, tangy, smoky, and fresh. I genuinely hope you give it a try and enjoy every last bite as much as I do!
Print
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a flavorful, healthy meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend barbecue. Tender boneless chicken thighs are marinated in a tangy honey mustard mixture, then grilled to juicy perfection and brushed with a sweet and savory basting sauce. Accompanied by charred, seasoned broccoli that is grilled alongside for a nutritious and delicious combination.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Honey Mustard Basting Sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons dijon mustard
Grilled Broccoli
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
Garnish
- Chives, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or a resealable plastic bag. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup dijon mustard, 1/4 cup honey, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- Preheat and prepare the grill: About 20 minutes before grilling, remove the chicken from the refrigerator to bring it to room temperature. Meanwhile, preheat your grill to high heat to ensure a nice sear and even cooking.
- Prepare the honey mustard basting sauce: Combine 2 tablespoons honey with 3 tablespoons dijon mustard in a small bowl, whisking until smooth. This sauce will be brushed over the chicken during grilling for an extra layer of flavor and glaze.
- Season the broccoli: In a bowl, toss the 4 cups of broccoli florets with 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil. Season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste, tossing well to evenly coat the broccoli pieces. Spread the broccoli out on a grill pan or create a makeshift tray using folded aluminum foil if a grill pan isn’t available.
- Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the hot grill. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 5 to 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). In the last 2 to 3 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken generously with the prepared honey mustard basting sauce to create a glossy, flavorful finish.
- Grill the broccoli: While the chicken is cooking, place the prepared broccoli on the grill pan or foil tray on the cooler side of the grill. Close the grill lid and cook, tossing every few minutes, until the broccoli is tender, charred, and golden brown in spots. This should take about 10 minutes depending on your desired crispness.
- Serve: Remove the chicken and broccoli from the grill. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness. Garnish with freshly chopped chives if desired, and serve immediately for a delightful and healthy meal.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to fully develop the honey mustard flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill pan, use heavy-duty aluminum foil folded to create a tray to hold the broccoli on the grill.
- Make sure to let the chicken rest after grilling to keep it tender and juicy.
- The broccoli seasoning can be adjusted with additional spices such as smoked paprika or crushed red pepper for a kick.
- This recipe works well on a gas or charcoal grill, or even on a stovetop grill pan if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
