I absolutely love this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe because it’s like a perfect summer dinner wrapped in a tangy-sweet hug. The combination of juicy chicken thighs marinated in a honey mustard blend and beautifully charred broccoli makes it a dish that’s not just tasty but also super satisfying and wholesome. Whether you’re firing up the grill on a weekend or just want a quick, healthy meal that feels fancy, this recipe hits that sweet spot for me every time.
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how simple ingredients come together to create layers of flavor without fuss. You’ll find that the honey mustard marinade and basting sauce are game changers, adding a lovely glaze and depth that keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Plus, grilling the broccoli alongside the chicken means you get that smoky crunch that pairs perfectly with the sweet tang, making this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe a total crowd-pleaser at any dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Yet Flavorful: The honey mustard marinade creates juicy, tasty chicken without complicated ingredients.
- Healthy & Balanced: Pairing chicken with fresh grilled broccoli makes for a nutritious, satisfying meal.
- Versatile Cooking Method: Great for outdoor grilling, but you can easily adapt it to stovetop or oven cooking.
- Family Favorite: This recipe gets rave reviews and keeps everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work beautifully together to create that signature tangy-sweet taste, and you probably have most of them already in your pantry. When shopping, I recommend choosing fresh, firm chicken thighs and crisp broccoli florets for that perfect grill finish.
- Boneless chicken thighs: I find these stay juicier than breasts and pick up the marinade well.
- Dijon mustard: Adds tanginess and depth to the marinade and basting sauce.
- Honey: Naturally sweetens the chicken and helps create that beautiful glaze when grilling.
- Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps the broccoli get that lovely char.
- Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both chicken and broccoli just right.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh florets are best—they grill quickly and get that nice crisp-tender bite.
- Garlic powder: A little sprinkle takes the broccoli’s flavor up several notches.
- Chives (for garnish): Fresh chives add a mild oniony pop and pretty color to finish the plate.
Variations
I like to tweak this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. Don’t be afraid to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs—it’s surprisingly forgiving!
- Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the marinade gives the chicken a subtle kick I love on cooler nights.
- Swap chicken cuts: I’ve used boneless chicken breasts for a leaner version, just watch the grilling time so they don’t dry out.
- Seasonal veggies: Sometimes I swap broccoli for grilled asparagus or green beans, making the dish feel fresh and seasonal.
- Gluten-free twist: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, which is great if you’re cooking for friends with gluten sensitivities.
How to Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Start by whisking together the dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil, then pour this golden mixture over your chicken thighs in a bowl or resealable bag. Marinating for at least 30 minutes works, but if you can plan ahead, letting it sit overnight in the fridge makes the flavors penetrate deeper, making every bite super flavorful.
Step 2: Preheat Your Grill and Get Ready to Cook
About 20 minutes before grilling, take the chicken out to warm to room temperature—that helps it cook more evenly. Preheat your grill to high heat, which is key to getting those perfect grill marks and caramelizing that honey mustard marinade beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Honey Mustard Basting Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together a little extra honey and dijon mustard for a quick basting sauce. This optional step adds extra shine and flavor to the chicken during the last few minutes on the grill, and trust me—it’s worth the extra effort.
Step 4: Season and Prep Your Broccoli
Drizzle olive oil over your broccoli florets, season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then toss well to ensure they’re coated. For grilling, I recommend using a grill pan or creating a makeshift tray with aluminum foil folded to contain the broccoli so they don’t fall through the grates.
Step 5: Grill Your Chicken and Broccoli Together
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F for perfect doneness. Meanwhile, put your broccoli on the grill pan opposite the chicken and grill, closing the lid to get that smoky flavor, tossing every few minutes until it’s beautifully charred—about 10 minutes total.
Step 6: Baste and Finish the Chicken
During the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, brush your chicken thighs with the honey mustard basting sauce to develop a glossy, flavorful crust. Once done, take them off the grill and let them rest for around 5 minutes to lock in those juicy flavors before serving.
Step 7: Plate and Garnish
Serve the grilled chicken alongside the charred broccoli and sprinkle some fresh chopped chives over the top for a mild oniony flair and lovely pop of green. That simple garnish really elevates the dish both visually and in flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Room Temperature Chicken: Letting the chicken sit out before grilling ensures it cooks evenly without drying out.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: I learned this the hard way—checking for 165°F prevents overcooking and keeps chicken juicy.
- Double the Basting Sauce: Keep extra sauce on hand to add another layer of honey mustard sweetness while grilling.
- Don’t Skip Resting: Rest your chicken after grilling to let the juices redistribute for the best texture.
How to Serve Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chives are my go-to because they add a subtle oniony crunch without overpowering the flavors. Sometimes I also sprinkle a little freshly ground black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice over the top for extra brightness.
Side Dishes
I love pairing this dish with a fluffy rice pilaf or some creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the honey mustard glaze. A warm crusty bread or simple quinoa also works great, especially if you want something lighter.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I’ve served this recipe on a big wooden platter with extra honey mustard sauce on the side, alongside grilled lemon wedges for guests to squeeze. It’s rustic and inviting and perfect for sharing family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftover chicken and broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days, making it an easy, tasty lunch option for the next day.
Freezing
While I don’t usually freeze cooked broccoli because it tends to get mushy, the marinated chicken grills beautifully from frozen in a pinch. Just thaw it overnight before cooking, or grill directly but watch cooking times carefully.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to retain the chicken’s crisp edges and prevent the broccoli from getting soggy. Microwave works too in a pinch, but I recommend covering to keep moisture in and reheating gently.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, just be careful not to overcook them since they’re leaner and can dry out quickly. I recommend grilling for about 4 to 5 minutes per side and using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
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What if I don’t have a grill—can I still make this recipe?
Yes! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop or bake both the chicken and broccoli in the oven. If baking, roast at 400°F; chicken usually takes about 20-25 minutes and broccoli 15-20 minutes. Just watch closely to avoid overcooking.
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How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
Marinating for at least 30 minutes is enough, but overnight in the fridge is ideal if you have the time. Longer marinating means the chicken absorbs more of that tangy, sweet honey mustard flavor.
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Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Fresh broccoli is best for grilling because it crisps up nicely and chars evenly. Frozen broccoli tends to release water and can get soggy on the grill, so I recommend fresh florets whenever possible.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe has become one of my go-to meals for easy weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts. I love how it balances sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors and comes together quickly without sacrificing taste. You’ll enjoy the juicy chicken and perfectly charred broccoli as much as my family does, trust me—they can’t get enough of it. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!
PrintGrilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli recipe combines tender, marinated chicken thighs with perfectly charred broccoli, both cooked on the grill to impart a smoky flavor. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of Dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil, then basted with a honey mustard sauce during grilling for added sweetness and tang. The broccoli is seasoned with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then grilled until golden and slightly crispy. This dish is a delicious and healthy option perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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
Broccoli
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl or resealable plastic bag, whisk together 1/3 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup honey, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the chicken thighs and coat them evenly with the marinade. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your grill to high heat. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before grilling to allow it to come to room temperature.
- Prepare the basting sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons honey and 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard. This optional basting sauce will add extra sweetness and tang when brushed onto the chicken during grilling.
- Season the broccoli: Place the broccoli florets in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss well to ensure each floret is evenly coated. Arrange the broccoli in a single layer on a grill pan or on a folded aluminum foil tray if a grill pan is unavailable.
- Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last 2 to 3 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the honey mustard basting sauce to enhance flavor and glaze the surface.
- Grill the broccoli: Simultaneously, place the prepared broccoli on the other side of the grill over indirect heat. Close the grill lid and cook, tossing every few minutes, until the broccoli is charred and golden to your liking, approximately 10 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the chicken and broccoli from the grill. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish the broccoli with fresh chives if desired, then plate and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight if possible to deepen the flavor.
- If you don’t have access to a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop or baking in the oven can be used as alternatives.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the optimal texture and taste of both chicken and broccoli.