The sweetness of honey and the tang of mustard come together in perfect harmony, creating a marinade that’s not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. As the chicken sizzles on the grill, it absorbs all those delicious notes—each bite is a blend of smoky, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors that make this dish irresistible. The grill adds that perfect char, giving the chicken a crispy, golden crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The accompanying green beans, lightly seasoned and tossed onto the grill with a splash of olive oil, soak up some of the savory smokiness from the chicken, making them a deliciously simple yet complementary side. It’s the kind of meal that feels like comfort food but with just enough flair to make it feel special. Plus, it’s a great dish for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering, allowing you to spend more time enjoying good food and company than in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients in Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken with Green Beans
To make this dish truly shine, you’ll need a handful of simple but impactful ingredients. Each one adds its own unique flavor and texture, coming together to create a meal that’s satisfying and full of personality.
* Boneless skinless chicken breasts
Tender and lean, these chicken breasts are the perfect canvas for the honey mustard marinade. They grill up beautifully, absorbing all the marinade’s flavors while staying juicy inside.
* Dijon mustard
A tangy, slightly sharp flavor that adds depth to the marinade. Dijon mustard provides that subtle zing that balances out the sweetness of the honey and the smokiness from the grill.
* Honey
The natural sweetness of honey brings a smooth, caramelized flavor to the marinade. As the chicken grills, the honey creates a beautiful glaze that adds both flavor and a glossy finish.
* Olive oil
Olive oil helps to bring everything together in the marinade, ensuring that it coats the chicken evenly. It also helps with grilling, keeping the chicken moist and promoting that golden, crispy crust.
* Apple cider vinegar
A touch of acidity from the apple cider vinegar helps to brighten the marinade and cut through the richness of the honey and mustard. It’s the ingredient that really balances everything out.
* Garlic powder
A dash of garlic powder adds an earthy, savory note that complements the sweetness and tanginess of the marinade, giving the dish a more rounded flavor.
* Salt
A pinch of salt is key to enhancing all the other flavors in the dish. It helps to bring out the sweetness of the honey and the sharpness of the mustard, making every bite more flavorful.
* Black pepper
Black pepper adds just the right amount of warmth and spice to the dish, rounding out the flavor profile and adding a bit of heat without overpowering the other ingredients.
* Fresh green beans
These vibrant green beans are the perfect side, offering a crisp and slightly sweet contrast to the grilled chicken. Tossed in olive oil and grilled, they soak up some of the smoky flavors, making them a simple yet essential part of the dish.
* Butter
A small pat of butter brings a rich, silky finish to the green beans, enhancing their flavor and giving them a little extra indulgence. It’s the finishing touch that takes these beans from good to great.
How to Make Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken with Green Beans
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets those beautiful grill marks.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the marinade is smooth and well-combined. The goal is to create a balanced marinade with sweetness, tanginess, and a little kick.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or large resealable plastic bag. This makes it easier to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade.
4. Pour the honey mustard marinade over the chicken, making sure each breast is evenly coated. You want the marinade to fully cover the chicken so it can soak in all the flavor.
5. Seal the dish or bag and refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to marinate. For a stronger flavor, let it marinate for up to 2 hours. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will infuse into the chicken.
6. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the green beans by trimming the ends off. This helps remove any tough or woody parts, leaving you with tender, crisp beans.
7. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Make sure there’s enough water to fully submerge the green beans.
8. Once the water is boiling, add the green beans and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, just until they are tender-crisp and bright green. This quick blanching helps to keep the beans vibrant and slightly crunchy.
9. Drain the green beans in a colander and set them aside. Let the excess water drip off so they’re not too soggy when you sauté them.
10. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. The butter adds richness and helps the green beans sauté beautifully, adding extra flavor.
11. Add the green beans to the skillet and sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat them in the butter. This will give the beans a slightly crispy texture and a lovely buttery flavor.
12. While the green beans are cooking, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. You don’t want to reuse the marinade since it’s been in contact with raw chicken.
13. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a nice grill mark. The grill will give the chicken a delicious smoky flavor and crispy edges.
14. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Resting the chicken helps keep it juicy and tender.
15. Serve the grilled honey mustard chicken with the sautéed green beans on the side. Enjoy every bite of this flavorful, satisfying dish!
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken with Green Beans
– Pair with a crisp white wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the smoky, sweet flavors of the chicken and balances the tang of the mustard. The acidity in these wines highlights the brightness of the green beans, making for a refreshing pairing.
– Add a side of roasted potatoes: Golden, crispy roasted potatoes tossed with a little olive oil, rosemary, and garlic make the perfect hearty side. Their crispy exterior and fluffy interior offer a satisfying contrast to the tender chicken and vibrant green beans.
– Top with a light salad: For a fresh, light contrast, serve the chicken and green beans with a simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. The peppery greens and bright citrus will add a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the honey mustard marinade.
How to Store Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken with Green Beans
If you have leftovers (which, let’s be real, is a total win), here’s how to store them so they stay fresh and flavorful for the next day or even the next few days.
– Refrigerate the chicken and green beans separately: Store the grilled chicken and sautéed green beans in separate airtight containers. This helps keep both components at their best texture. The chicken stays juicy without the beans getting too soggy, and the beans retain their crunch.
– Store for up to 3 days: When refrigerated, your leftovers should stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re sealed well to avoid any unwanted odors from seeping in.
– Reheat gently: To reheat, try warming the chicken in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes to avoid drying it out. For the green beans, just heat them in a pan with a little butter to bring back that fresh, buttery flavor. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just be sure to cover them so they don’t dry out!
Conclusion
And there you have it—Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken with Green Beans, a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious! The combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors from the chicken pairs perfectly with the crispy, buttery green beans, creating a meal that feels both comforting and special. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together, this recipe will definitely impress!
You can always print this recipe and save it for later so you can bring it out whenever you’re in the mood for something flavorful and satisfying.
I’d love to hear what you think—did you try making this dish? Any tweaks or personal touches you added? Feel free to share your thoughts, comments, or questions below. If you need help with anything in the recipe or have any doubts, I’m always here to help!
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken with Green Beans
Description
Tender, smoky grilled chicken glazed with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, paired with crisp, perfectly seasoned green beans. This dish balances bold flavors and fresh textures, making each bite a satisfying, flavorful experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the marinade is smooth and well-combined.
-
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or large resealable plastic bag.
-
Pour the honey mustard marinade over the chicken, making sure each breast is evenly coated.
-
Seal the dish or bag and refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to marinate. If you have more time, marinate for up to 2 hours for a stronger flavor.
-
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the green beans by trimming the ends off.
-
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
-
Once the water is boiling, add the green beans and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, just until they are tender-crisp and bright green.
-
Drain the green beans in a colander and set them aside.
-
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Add the green beans to the skillet and sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat them in the butter.
-
While the green beans are cooking, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade.
-
Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a nice grill mark.
-
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
-
Serve the grilled honey mustard chicken with the sautéed green beans on the side.
Note
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the marinade.
- You can substitute the Dijon mustard with whole grain mustard for a more textured marinade.
- If you don't have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan or under the broiler.
- For a lighter version, replace the butter with olive oil when sautéing the green beans.
- To ensure the chicken stays juicy, avoid overcooking; check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
