I absolutely love this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe because it combines the smoky char from the grill with a sweet, tangy glaze that feels so special but is surprisingly easy to pull off. The juicy chicken thighs soak up the honey mustard marinade beautifully, and the tender broccoli gets just the right amount of char, making this a balanced, healthy meal that s perfect any time of year.
You ll find that this recipe works incredibly well for weeknight dinners or even casual weekend cookouts. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how quickly it comes together, especially since you can marinate the chicken ahead of time. It s a satisfying dish that s both flavorful and wholesome, something my family goes crazy for – and I m confident you will too once you give it a try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet flavorful: The honey and dijon mustard combo gives the chicken a perfect balance of sweet and tangy that everyone loves.
- Quick to prepare: Marinate ahead and grill for less than 15 minutes, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Healthy and satisfying: Combining lean chicken thighs and fiber-rich broccoli makes for a meal that s both nourishing and filling.
- Versatile for many occasions: Whether it s a family dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe hits the spot every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients work in harmony to create a dish that s bursting with flavor and texture. A few kitchen staples like honey, mustard, and olive oil come together with fresh chicken and broccoli to keep things wholesome and delicious.
- Chicken thighs: I prefer boneless for quick grilling and easy eating, but bone-in works too if you have the time.
- Dijon mustard: Adds tang and depth – pick a good quality one for best flavor.
- Honey: Look for raw or pure varieties to keep that natural sweetness shining through.
- Olive oil: Helps the marinade stick to the chicken and keeps the broccoli nicely coated.
- Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and broccoli perfectly.
- Garlic powder: Gives the broccoli a subtle savory boost without overpowering it.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh and crisp work best – I usually buy a head and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Chives: A fresh, mild garnish that adds a pop of color and gentle onion flavor.
Variations
I like to mix things up depending on the season or what s on hand, and you absolutely should too! This grilled honey mustard chicken and broccoli recipe is great for customizing-feel free to adjust the marinade or swap veggies based on what you love or need.
- Add spice: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the marinade for a little heat, which my family really enjoys.
- Different veggies: Try substituting broccoli with asparagus or bell peppers for a colorful change.
- Make it low-carb: Serve with cauliflower rice or a crisp green salad instead of heavier sides.
- Oven-friendly: If you don t have a grill, bake the chicken and roasted broccoli with a light broil to get a similar char effect.
How to Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your boneless chicken thighs in a mixture of dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil-this marinade is magic. I usually whisk these together in a bowl, then either coat the chicken right there or transfer everything to a resealable bag for super easy cleanup. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better-it really amps up the flavor and keeps the chicken juicy while grilling.
Step 2: Prep Your Grill and Broccoli
Preheat your grill to high heat while you get the broccoli ready. Toss the florets with olive oil, kosher salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder-that s where that extra flavor kicks in. Spread the broccoli on a grill pan or make a little tray out of foil if you don t have one. This way, those tender veggies don t fall through the grate and char nicely on the outside.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken and Broccoli
Place the marinated chicken directly on the grill and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. I like to keep a close eye here-the chicken is done when its thickest part hits 165°F for safety and juiciness. While grilling, mix up a quick basting sauce with extra honey and dijon mustard-brushing this on during the last couple minutes adds that sweet glossy finish.
Pop your broccoli on the other side of the grill or on the grill pan and close the lid. Toss every few minutes so it chars evenly and gets that perfect golden color. Around 10 minutes should do it, but just watch for your preferred texture; I like mine with a bit of crunch still.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once everything s grilled to perfection, take the chicken off and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This little wait makes a big difference, letting the juices settle so each bite is tender and flavorful. Plate the chicken with the charred broccoli, garnish with fresh chives, and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Bring chicken to room temperature: I learned that letting the chicken sit out for about 20 minutes before grilling helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Don t skip the marinade time: Even a quick 30-minute soak makes a noticeable difference, but if you have overnight, it s next-level delicious.
- Use a grill pan for veggies: This keeps smaller pieces from falling through and getting lost in the coals, plus it makes stirring easy.
- Watch your grill temperature: Too hot can burn the honey glaze-medium-high heat is your friend for caramelization without charring.
How to Serve Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish off this dish with fresh chives sprinkled on top – their mild oniony flavor brightens the rich honey mustard glaze beautifully. Sometimes, a squeeze of lemon juice can add a zesty, fresh note that wakes up the whole plate. A little cracked black pepper on the final dish helps too, for a tiny kick.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this grilled honey mustard chicken and broccoli recipe are fluffy jasmine rice or creamy mashed potatoes, both of which soak up the sauce amazingly. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette keeps things fresh. Roasted sweet potatoes also pair nicely if you want some natural sweetness alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I like to slice the chicken and fan it over a bed of grilled broccoli and herb-infused quinoa. It s colorful and looks impressively gourmet without much extra fuss. Another fun idea is serving the chicken and broccoli on warm flatbreads with a drizzle of yogurt sauce for a casual, hands-on meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled honey mustard chicken and broccoli store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I find it s best to keep them separate if possible – that way, the broccoli doesn t get soggy from sitting in the chicken juices. When you re ready, you can reheat them together or apart depending on how you want to serve.
Freezing
I ve frozen this chicken and broccoli before with good success-just wrap the chicken tightly, and store broccoli in a separate freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the best texture. The honey mustard glaze holds up nicely in the freezer, so you won t lose that tasty punch.
Reheating
To reheat, I like warming the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a lid to keep it moist, then tossing the broccoli in just before serving to avoid overcooking. If you re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave works fine – just cover to retain moisture. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the broccoli lively.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts will work fine but can dry out more easily, so watch them closely while grilling. Consider marinating longer or basting frequently to keep them juicy. Adjust grill time accordingly as breasts often cook faster than thighs.
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What if I don t have a grill?
No worries-this recipe can easily be done under a broiler or in a grill pan on your stovetop. Aim for a high heat to get that caramelized exterior. For the broccoli, roasting in the oven at 425°F until slightly charred works great as well.
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Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Absolutely! Making the marinade ahead lets the flavors meld beautifully. You can even marinate the chicken overnight for a more intense taste and tender texture.
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How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?
The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer-the chicken is safe and juicy at 165°F internal temperature. Without one, cut into the thickest part and check that the juices run clear and the meat is white through.
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Can I add other seasonings to the broccoli?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with smoked paprika, chili flakes, or lemon zest to boost flavor. Just add them when you toss the broccoli with olive oil before grilling.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe a try soon because it s quickly become one of my top favorites to make again and again. The balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors hits all the right notes and makes me feel like I m treating myself without any extra hassle. Give yourself the gift of a tasty, easy-to-make dinner that everyone will ask for, and enjoy every bite like I do!
Print
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 people
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli recipe features juicy boneless chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze, grilled to perfection alongside charred, flavorful broccoli. It’s a quick and healthy meal that combines protein and vegetables with a delicious homemade basting sauce for added zest, ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner or 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: Place the chicken in a bowl or resealable plastic bag. In a separate bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup dijon mustard, ¼ cup honey, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Pour this marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to infuse deep flavor.
- Preheat and prepare: About 20 minutes before grilling, remove the chicken from the refrigerator to bring it to room temperature. 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. This sauce will be brushed on the chicken near the end of grilling for a sweet and tangy finish.
- Season the broccoli: Place the broccoli florets in a bowl and drizzle with 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss well to evenly coat. Spread the seasoned broccoli on a grill pan in a single layer. If you don’t have a grill pan, fold 2 to 3 layers of aluminum foil to form a tray with edges and use as a makeshift pan.
- Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs directly on the grill. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. During the last 2 to 3 minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the honey mustard basting sauce to develop a glossy, flavorful coating.
- Grill the broccoli: While the chicken cooks, place the grill pan or foil tray with broccoli on the other side of the grill. Close the lid and grill, tossing the broccoli every few minutes until it is nicely charred and golden brown, about 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 chopped chives if desired, then serve immediately and enjoy your meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor absorption and tenderness.
- If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a grill pan on the stovetop or baking the chicken and broccoli in the oven are excellent alternatives.
- Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
