Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The sweet and tangy honey mustard marinade transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a flavor-packed main dish, while the charred broccoli adds the perfect smoky complement. Ready in just 45 minutes (with most of that being hands-off marinating time), this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of tangy dijon mustard and sweet honey creates a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
• Quick Cleanup: Using the grill means minimal dishes to wash afterward – just one marinating bowl and a small mixing bowl for the basting sauce.
• Healthy and Satisfying: This protein-packed meal with nutrient-rich broccoli leaves you feeling satisfied without weighing you down.
• Versatile: Works brilliantly for a casual family dinner, meal prep for the week, or even as an impressive yet easy dish for guests.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Boneless Chicken Thighs: Naturally juicy and flavorful, chicken thighs are more forgiving on the grill than breast meat, meaning they won’t dry out if you cook them a minute too long.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a sophisticated tangy flavor that forms the backbone of our marinade. Its strong flavor profile stands up beautifully to grilling.
• Honey: Adds sweetness to balance the mustard’s tang and helps create that beautiful caramelization on the grill. Look for local honey for the best flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill and contributes to a moistened finished dish.
• Kosher Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Don’t skimp here!
• Broccoli Florets: Choose firm, bright green heads for the best texture and flavor when grilled. The charred edges develop an incredible nutty flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth of flavor to the broccoli without the risk of burning that comes with fresh garlic on the grill.
• Chives: A fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens up the finished dish and adds visual appeal.

Variations

Protein Swap

Try using chicken breasts (pound them to even thickness first), salmon fillets, or even firm tofu steaks marinated in the same honey mustard mixture.

Vegetable Options

Don’t limit yourself to broccoli! This recipe works beautifully with cauliflower, thick asparagus spears, zucchini planks, or colorful bell pepper strips.

Flavor Twists

• Spicy Version: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or chili flakes to the marinade
• Herb-Forward: Mix in fresh thyme or rosemary to the marinade
• Asian-Inspired: Add a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of grated ginger to the marinade

Indoor Option

No grill? No problem! This recipe adapts well to a grill pan on the stovetop or even under the broiler in your oven.

How to Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine ⅓ cup dijon mustard, ¼ cup honey, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a bowl. Pour over chicken thighs in a container or resealable bag. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, though overnight in the refrigerator will develop even better flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Basting Sauce

Mix 2 tablespoons honey with 3 tablespoons dijon mustard in a small bowl. This additional basting sauce adds an extra layer of flavor and helps create a beautiful glaze on the chicken.

Step 3: Season the Broccoli

Toss broccoli florets with 1-2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder until evenly coated. The oil helps the broccoli char nicely without burning.

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare the Grill

Heat your grill to high. If using a grill pan for the broccoli, place it on the grill to preheat. Alternatively, create a foil tray with 2-3 layers of aluminum foil with the edges folded up.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken and Broccoli

Place chicken on the hot grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. During the last few minutes, brush with the reserved honey mustard mixture. At the same time, grill the broccoli (either on a grill pan or foil) for about 10 minutes, tossing occasionally until charred to your liking.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Arrange on plates with the grilled broccoli and garnish with fresh chives.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Remove Chill Before Grilling: Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before grilling. Room temperature meat cooks more evenly.
• Don’t Rush the Marinade: Even 30 minutes makes a difference, but if you can plan ahead, marinating overnight creates significantly more flavor.
• Watch for Flare-ups: The honey in the marinade can cause flare-ups on the grill. Keep a spray bottle of water handy to tame any flames.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken is to use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken thighs are done at 165°F.
• Cut Broccoli Pieces Consistently: Try to keep your broccoli florets relatively uniform in size so they cook at the same rate. Too small and they’ll burn before the chicken is done.

How to Serve

Main Meal Pairings

This dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider adding:

• A simple side of fluffy quinoa or brown rice to soak up the extra sauce
• Grilled lemon halves for squeezing over everything
• A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing

Presentation Ideas

For an impressive presentation, slice the chicken thighs and fan them out on the plate with the broccoli arranged around it. Drizzle any remaining honey mustard sauce over the top and finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives.

Make It a Feast

For larger gatherings, double the recipe and add some grilled corn on the cob and a crusty loaf of bread on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making this a great meal prep option.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the chicken and broccoli separately.

Reheating

For best results when reheating:

• Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through
• Oven: Place in a covered dish at 325°F for about 15 minutes
• Skillet: Add a splash of water or chicken broth and gently reheat over medium-low heat

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but since they’re leaner than thighs, be careful not to overcook them. For even cooking, pound them to an even thickness (about ¾ inch) before marinating. You’ll likely need to reduce the cooking time by a minute or two per side compared to thighs.

What’s the best way to know when my chicken is done?
The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken, which should register 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part – the meat should be opaque with no pink remaining, and the juices should run clear.

Can I cook this in the oven instead of grilling?
Definitely! Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Roast the broccoli on a separate sheet pan at the same temperature for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through.

How can I make this dish ahead for a party?
The most efficient approach is to marinate the chicken overnight, and prepare the broccoli (tossed with oil and seasonings) in a separate container. On the day of your party, you’ll just need to heat the grill and cook everything. You can even grill the chicken and broccoli up to an hour ahead, then keep them covered at room temperature, or reheat gently before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or endless ingredients. The sweet-tangy marinade transforms everyday chicken into something special, while the smoky charred broccoli completes the meal perfectly. It’s become my go-to recipe whenever I want to impress without stress – whether for a casual family dinner or entertaining friends. Give it a try on your next grilling day – I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!

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