Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and just screams comfort with a touch of elegance, you’re going to love this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe. The combination of juicy, tender chicken thighs marinated in a luscious honey mustard glaze paired with perfectly charred broccoli makes for a meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome. It’s an effortless way to infuse your weeknight dinners with something special without spending hours in the kitchen, and the balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes will make this recipe an instant favorite at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating a symphony of tastes and textures that elevate the dish from everyday to memorable.
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs: Perfectly tender and juicy, thighs absorb marinades beautifully for maximum flavor.
- 1/3 cup dijon mustard: Adds that classic tang and a slight kick.
- 1/4 cup honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken when grilled.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and adds a silky texture.
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances all the other flavors and seasons perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons honey: For the basting sauce—boosts the sweet glaze effect on the chicken.
- 3 tablespoons dijon mustard: Paired with honey to make the basting sauce tangy and rich.
- 4 cups broccoli florets: Provides vibrant color, crunch, and a healthy dose of greens.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil: Coats the broccoli so it grills up golden and crisp.
- Garlic powder, to taste: Adds a subtle, savory depth to the broccoli.
- Chives, for garnish: Adds fresh color and a mild oniony note that brightens each bite.
How to Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken to infuse it with rich, tangy sweetness. Combine 1/3 cup dijon mustard, 1/4 cup honey, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a bowl. Pour this vibrant marinade over the boneless chicken thighs and let it soak up those delicious flavors for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight in the fridge. This step is essential to ensure the chicken turns out juicy and full of flavor after grilling.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare
Bring your chicken to room temperature about 20 minutes before grilling by removing it from the fridge. Meanwhile, preheat your grill to high heat—the heat is key to getting that irresistible char on the chicken and broccoli.
Step 3: Prepare Basting Sauce
Whisk together 2 tablespoons honey and 3 tablespoons dijon mustard in a small bowl. This sweet and tangy basting sauce will take the chicken’s flavor to the next level when brushed on during the last few minutes of grilling, ensuring a glossy, sticky finish you can’t resist.
Step 4: Season the Broccoli
Toss the broccoli florets with 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. This simple seasoning lets the natural crunch and flavor of the broccoli shine while adding a savory background note. Spread the florets evenly on a grill pan or shape a foil tray to hold them securely on the grill.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Place your marinated chicken thighs on the grill. Cook each side for about 5 to 6 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Don’t forget to brush your honey mustard basting sauce on the chicken in the last 2 to 3 minutes to build that perfect glossy, flavorful exterior that’s a hallmark of this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe.
Step 6: Grill the Broccoli
While the chicken cooks, grill the seasoned broccoli on the side. Keep the grill lid closed for even cooking, and toss the florets every few minutes to ensure they char beautifully on all sides. In about 10 minutes, you’ll have tender, caramelized broccoli with just the right amount of crispness.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once grilled, remove the chicken and broccoli from the heat. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes; this step is crucial for juicy, tender meat. Garnish your dish with freshly chopped chives for a pop of color and a fresh burst of flavor before serving.
How to Serve Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh chives not only bring a lovely green contrast to your plate but also add a subtle oniony aroma that complements the honey mustard glaze beautifully. For extra flair, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few lemon wedges on the side can give your presentation an exciting twist.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fluffy jasmine rice, quinoa, or even creamy mashed potatoes to balance the tangy and sweet profile. For a lighter touch, a crisp garden salad or roasted sweet potatoes make excellent companions, rounding out the meal with fresh or earthy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this recipe family-style on a large platter with colorful sides arranged around the chicken and broccoli for an inviting, communal meal experience. Alternatively, plating each portion individually with a drizzle of remaining basting sauce adds a restaurant-worthy touch to your dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled chicken and broccoli store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a perfect option for meal prep or quick lunches during a busy week.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and broccoli separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool them completely before freezing to maintain quality.
Reheating
For the best taste and texture, reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can brush the chicken with a bit of the honey mustard sauce again during reheating to revive its luscious glaze.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine but tend to cook faster and can dry out if overcooked, so keep an eye on the timing to maintain juiciness for this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh marinated in the same honey mustard mixture. Grill them until nicely charred and enjoy a delicious plant-based twist.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check – the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). It ensures safety and that the chicken stays tender and juicy.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Fresh broccoli is ideal for grilling as it holds up better and chars beautifully; frozen broccoli tends to be too soft and may not grill well but can be roasted instead.
What type of grill works best?
Whether you have a gas, charcoal, or electric grill, all can make this recipe delicious. Just adjust cook times and heat accordingly to avoid burning the honey in the marinade.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone looking to bring bright, comforting flavors to the table with minimal fuss. The balance of sweet and tangy, coupled with the smoky char from the grill, makes it a meal that’s both impressive and approachable. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see how this recipe quickly becomes a go-to in your kitchen too!
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Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli recipe offers a delightful combination of tender, flavorful chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, paired with perfectly charred, seasoned broccoli. It’s a balanced, easy-to-make meal ideal for a quick dinner that bursts with flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients
Chicken 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
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 1/3 cup dijon mustard, 1/4 cup honey, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Pour this marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- 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 perfect sear and even cooking.
- Prepare basting sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons honey and 3 tablespoons dijon mustard. This sauce will be brushed onto the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling to add a glossy, flavorful finish.
- Season the broccoli: Place 4 cups of broccoli florets in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil and season generously with kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss well to ensure the broccoli is evenly coated with seasoning and oil. Arrange the broccoli on a grill pan or on a foil tray if a grill pan is not available.
- Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the preheated 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 cooking, brush the chicken with the honey mustard basting sauce to enhance taste and appearance.
- Grill the broccoli: While the chicken cooks, place the prepared broccoli on the grill pan or foil tray on the opposite side of the grill. Close the grill lid and cook, tossing every few minutes until the broccoli is charred and golden, about 10 minutes, or to your preferred crispness.
- Serve: Remove the chicken and broccoli from the grill. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Garnish with chopped fresh chives if desired, and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will result in even more flavorful meat.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken and broccoli under a broiler or on a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling helps maintain juiciness.
- Adjust garlic powder and seasoning on broccoli to your taste.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
