If you’re anything like me, you’ll love this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe because it’s one of those meals that feels special but comes together without a fuss. The tangy-sweet combo of honey and dijon mustard creates a glaze that perfectly compliments juicy grilled chicken thighs, while the charred broccoli adds a smoky, vibrant side that balances the plate beautifully. I find myself reaching for this recipe when I want a satisfying dinner that’s both flavorful and somewhat health-conscious.
What makes this dish extra worth trying is how versatile it is—great for a weeknight meal or casual weekend cookout. Plus, you don’t need to be a grilling pro to nail it. When I first tried this, I was surprised how quickly the chicken marinated, grilled, and came out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is one I keep coming back to because it just works so well on multiple levels.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed without complexity: The honey mustard marinade brings a perfect blend of sweet and tangy that’s easy to love.
- Quick and adaptable: You can marinate ahead for convenience and grill indoors or outdoors without sacrificing taste.
- Family-friendly: My whole crew goes crazy for this meal, making it a reliable weeknight hit.
- Nutrient-rich pairing: The broccoli adds color, crunch, and a healthy dose of veggies, rounding out the plate nicely.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here are simple but thoughtfully paired so everything works in harmony. I love using boneless chicken thighs because they stay juicy on the grill, and the fresh broccoli gets a lovely smoky flavor from the grill too.
- Boneless chicken thighs: They stay tender and juicy compared to breasts; great for grilling.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy bite that’s key in the marinade and basting sauce.
- Honey: Brings sweetness and helps create that glossy glaze on the chicken.
- Olive oil: Keeps the marinade smooth and helps with grilling.
- Kosher salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh, crisp broccoli charred to perfection adds texture and nutrients.
- Garlic powder: Gives the broccoli a subtle savory kick.
- Chives: Fresh garnish that brightens up the final dish.
Variations
I love to tweak this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe depending on my mood or pantry availability. Don’t hesitate to make it your own because that’s when it becomes truly yours and your family’s favorite.
- Add some heat: I sometimes mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade when I want a spicy kick.
- Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but just double-check your dijon mustard to be safe.
- Swap the broccoli: If you’re not a broccoli fan, grilled asparagus or green beans work beautifully as a side.
- Different chicken cuts: I’ve used boneless skinless breasts, but thighs give a juicier outcome in my opinion.
How to Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Start by placing your chicken thighs in a bowl or a zip-top bag. Whisk together the dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil until smooth, then pour over the chicken. I like to marinate mine for at least 30 minutes, but if you can plan ahead, overnight in the fridge takes it to the next level. This little step is what makes the chicken juicy and flavorful inside and out.
Step 2: Prepare the Grill and Basting Sauce
Get your grill heated up to high – a hot grill gives you those gorgeous sear marks and locks in juice. While it’s warming, take the chicken out about 20 minutes before cooking to bring it close to room temperature; this helps it cook evenly. Mix up a simple basting sauce by whisking honey and dijon mustard. Brushing this on during the last few minutes of grilling amps up the glaze and flavor wonderfully.
Step 3: Season and Grill the Broccoli
Toss your broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. I find spreading them out in a grill pan keeps them from falling through the grate, but if you don’t have one, a foil tray works like a charm. Grill the broccoli alongside the chicken, giving it a toss every few minutes until you get a nice char and tender bite, usually about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken to Perfection
Place the marinated chicken on the hot grill and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F—this is the key to perfectly cooked chicken that’s safe and juicy. In the last 2-3 minutes, brush on the honey mustard sauce you prepared earlier. Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving to keep those juices locked in.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Marinate Overnight: Taking the extra time to marinate your chicken overnight creates deeper flavor and even juiciness that I can really tell on the grill.
- Check Temperature: I always use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking—165°F is the sweet spot for juicy, safe chicken.
- Use Grill Pan for Broccoli: To keep broccoli from falling through the grates, a grill pan or foil tray makes all the difference.
- Rest before Serving: Giving the chicken 5 minutes of rest after grilling ensures it stays tender and juicy when you cut into it.
How to Serve Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle some freshly chopped chives over the broccoli and chicken right before serving—it adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and makes the dish look so inviting. Sometimes, I also add a lemon wedge on the side for a subtle zing that brightens it up perfectly.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands on its own, but when I want to turn it into a full feast, I love pairing it with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a quinoa salad for some extra texture and nutrients. It’s also fantastic alongside roasted sweet potatoes if you want a sweet-savory combo that complements the honey glaze beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, I’ve arranged the grilled chicken and broccoli over a bed of mixed greens tossed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Drizzling extra honey mustard sauce over everything makes it look gourmet without the effort. Serving this on rustic wooden boards with colorful side dishes always earns compliments and makes the meal feel like a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, store any leftovers in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to portion out the chicken and broccoli separately to help them maintain their textures. Leftover chicken may absorb some of the broccoli’s flavor if stored together, which can be a nice bonus or something to avoid based on your preference.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this grilled chicken successfully by wrapping each piece tightly in foil and placing in freezer bags, up to 3 months. The broccoli doesn’t freeze as well because it can get soggy, so I usually keep that fresh. When freezing, it’s best to freeze the marinated chicken raw for longer shelf life or cooked for immediate reheating.
Reheating
To reheat leftover chicken, I prefer using the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes so the skin stays crisp and the meat stays juicy. Microwaving works in a pinch but can dry out the chicken quickly. For broccoli, a quick toss in a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil helps revive its texture better than microwaving.
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 can be used, but keep in mind they cook faster and tend to dry out if overcooked. To keep them juicy, grill breasts for about 4-5 minutes per side and consider pounding them to even thickness beforehand. Marinating helps add flavor and moisture either way.
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What if I don’t have a grill—can I make this recipe on the stove or in the oven?
No grill? No problem. You can use a grill pan on your stove to get similar sear marks or bake the chicken and broccoli in the oven at 425°F. Bake chicken for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through, and roast broccoli for about 15 minutes, tossing halfway. Broiling on high for the last few minutes adds extra char and flavor.
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How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?
While 30 minutes is enough to impart flavor, I’ve found marinating overnight really deepens the taste and tenderness of the chicken. If you’re short on time, aim for at least an hour. Just be sure not to exceed 24 hours to keep the texture from breaking down too much.
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Can I make the honey mustard sauce ahead of time?
You sure can! The basting sauce mixes up in minutes and keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. I often make extra to drizzle over the finished chicken or as a dipping sauce—because who doesn’t love a little extra sweetness and tang?
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe comes together with minimal effort but delivers show-stopping flavor every time. It’s become one of those staples in my cooking rotation because it hits that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, smoky, and fresh. If you’re looking to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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
Description
This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli recipe features tender chicken thighs marinated in a tangy honey Dijon mustard blend, perfectly grilled alongside seasoned broccoli florets. The dish is quick to prepare, flavorful, and a healthy option for a weeknight dinner.
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: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or resealable plastic bag. Whisk together ⅓ cup dijon mustard, ¼ cup honey, and 1 tablespoon olive oil until smooth. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, to deepen the flavor.
- Preheat and prepare: 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 good sear.
- Prepare basting sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons honey and 3 tablespoons dijon mustard to create a honey mustard basting sauce. This will be brushed on the chicken towards the end of grilling to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Season the broccoli: In a separate bowl, toss the broccoli florets with 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil, a generous pinch of kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, and garlic powder. Spread the broccoli in a single layer on a grill pan or on 2 to 3 layers of folded aluminum foil shaped like a tray if you don’t have a grill pan.
- Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the hot grill. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). During the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with the honey mustard basting sauce to create a flavorful glaze.
- Grill the broccoli: While the chicken cooks, place the prepared broccoli on the grill pan or foil on the opposite side of the grill. Close the grill lid and let the broccoli char and turn golden brown, tossing every few minutes. This process will take about 10 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the chicken and broccoli from the grill. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain its juices. Garnish the broccoli with fresh chives if desired, then plate and enjoy your meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight if possible for maximum depth of flavor.
- If a grill is not available, use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake the chicken and broccoli in the oven as an alternative.
- Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture, flavor, and enjoyment.