Summer evenings in our household are synonymous with the sizzle of the grill and the delightful aroma of food cooking outdoors. And if there’s one recipe that consistently makes its way onto our grilling rotation, it’s these incredible Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers. From the moment the chicken hits the hot grates, releasing that tantalizing honey mustard scent, to the first juicy, flavorful bite, these skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Even my pickiest eaters, who sometimes turn their noses up at chicken, devour these with gusto. The magic lies in the simple yet brilliant honey mustard marinade – it tenderizes the chicken beautifully, infuses it with a sweet and tangy flavor, and creates a gorgeous caramelized crust as it grills. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or just craving some seriously delicious grilled chicken, these honey mustard skewers are about to become your new go-to recipe. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they are a staple in our summer grilling repertoire.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a flavor explosion. Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering honey mustard chicken skewers:

2 large chicken breasts: The star of the show! Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy preparation and grilling. Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer, more flavorful skewer, though they may require slightly longer cooking time. Make sure to choose chicken breasts that are relatively uniform in size to ensure even cooking on the grill.
½ cup yellow mustard: The tangy backbone of our marinade. Yellow mustard provides a classic, slightly sharp flavor that balances beautifully with the sweetness of honey. Don’t underestimate the power of this everyday condiment – it’s key to the signature honey mustard taste. For a slightly different flavor profile, you could experiment with Dijon mustard for a bit more complexity or even a grainy mustard for added texture.
3 tablespoons liquid honey: The sweet counterpoint to the mustard, honey adds a luscious sweetness and helps create that beautiful caramelized glaze on the chicken. Liquid honey is essential for easy mixing into the marinade. You can use your favorite type of honey – clover honey is a classic choice, but wildflower or even buckwheat honey could add interesting nuances to the flavor. For a vegan option, you could try substituting maple syrup or agave nectar, though the flavor profile will be slightly altered.
1 clove garlic, minced: A single clove of garlic adds a subtle pungent note that elevates the overall flavor of the marinade. Freshly minced garlic is always preferred for the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use pre-minced garlic from a jar (though the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant). If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add another half clove or even a whole clove for a bolder garlic flavor.
Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors. Use kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is also recommended for its superior aroma and taste compared to pre-ground pepper. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper – they are crucial for bringing out the best in the chicken and the marinade. Taste the marinade before adding the chicken and adjust seasoning as needed.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly grilled honey mustard chicken skewers:

Prepare the Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, this step is crucial! Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes, or even up to an hour. This prevents them from splintering and burning on the grill. Submerging them completely in water is best. You can use a baking dish or a large bowl filled with water. Consider weighing them down with a plate to ensure they stay submerged. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step, but ensure they are clean and ready to use. Metal skewers can also get very hot, so be careful when handling them after grilling.
Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch cubes. Smaller pieces will cook faster and more evenly on the skewers. Trim off any excess fat or gristle from the chicken. This ensures a more tender and enjoyable eating experience. Place the cubed chicken in a medium-to-large mixing bowl. A stainless steel or glass bowl works best as they are non-reactive and easy to clean.
Make the Honey Mustard Marinade: In a separate bowl, or directly in the measuring cup you used for the mustard (for minimal dishes!), combine the yellow mustard, liquid honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until the marinade is smooth and well combined. Whisking can help ensure the honey and mustard are fully incorporated. Taste the marinade at this point and adjust the salt, pepper, or honey to your liking. Remember, the flavors will mellow slightly as the chicken marinates and grills.
Marinate the Chicken: Pour the honey mustard marinade over the cubed chicken in the bowl. Stir to ensure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the marinade. Use your hands or a spatula to gently toss the chicken and marinade together. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 hours or longer. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. For overnight marinating, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap to prevent any odors from the refrigerator from affecting the chicken and to ensure it stays fresh. Do not marinate for longer than 24 hours, as the mustard can start to break down the chicken protein and make it mushy if marinated for too long.
Prepare the Grill: Once the chicken is done marinating, preheat your BBQ or grill to high heat. Aim for a temperature of around 400-450°F (200-230°C). Clean the grill grates thoroughly using a grill brush to remove any leftover debris from previous grilling sessions. This prevents sticking and ensures clean grill marks. Oil the grill grates using tongs and a paper towel dipped in cooking oil (like vegetable or canola oil). This creates a non-stick surface and helps prevent the chicken skewers from sticking to the grill.
Thread the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the prepared skewers. Leave a little space between each piece of chicken to allow for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Aim for about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer, depending on the size of your skewers and chicken pieces. Pour any remaining marinade over the skewered chicken. This adds an extra layer of flavor and helps keep the chicken moist during grilling. Be sure to discard any marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken after this point to avoid any food safety concerns.
Grill the Chicken Skewers: Reduce the grill heat to medium-high. This is important to prevent the honey in the marinade from burning before the chicken is cooked through. Place the chicken skewers on the preheated and oiled grill grates. Cook for approximately 15 minutes total, turning the skewers every few minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. If using a gas BBQ, cook with the lid down to help create a convection oven effect and cook the chicken more evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a chicken piece, avoiding the skewer. The chicken should be opaque and juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.
Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Servings: 4
Calories per serving (estimated): Approximately 350-400 calories

This is a rough estimate. The actual calorie count will depend on factors such as the size of the chicken breasts, the amount of honey used, and portion sizes. For a more accurate nutritional breakdown, you can use online nutrition calculators and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This recipe is a good source of protein and contains moderate amounts of carbohydrates and fats. It can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation and paired with healthy sides.

Preparation Time

This recipe is wonderfully quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Here’s a breakdown of the time involved:

Prep Time: 10 minutes (This includes cutting the chicken, mincing garlic, and mixing the marinade.)
Cook Time: 15 minutes (Grilling time on the BBQ.)
Marinade Time: 1 hour (minimum, for optimal flavor and tenderness, 2+ hours is recommended)
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (minimum, including minimum marinade time)

Remember that the marinade time is mostly hands-off. You can prepare the marinade and chicken in just about 10 minutes and then let it sit in the refrigerator while you do other things. This makes it a great make-ahead recipe.

How to Serve

These Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide variety of side dishes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

Classic BBQ Sides:
- Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch and complements the sweetness of the chicken.
- Potato Salad: A classic potato salad, whether creamy or German-style, is always a welcome addition to a BBQ spread.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob, slathered with butter and salt, is a quintessential summer side.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans are a hearty and satisfying side dish.
- Macaroni Salad: A creamy macaroni salad adds a comforting and familiar element to the meal.
Fresh and Light Options:
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a healthy and refreshing contrast to the grilled chicken.
- Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze, are a light and flavorful side.
- Watermelon Salad: A refreshing watermelon salad with feta cheese and mint is perfect for a hot summer day.
- Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A simple cucumber and tomato salad with a lemon-herb dressing is light and hydrating.
- Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad with roasted vegetables or fresh herbs offers a healthy and satisfying grain-based side.
Grain and Bread Accompaniments:
- Rice Pilaf: A fluffy rice pilaf adds a touch of elegance to the meal.
- Couscous: Fluffy couscous, seasoned with herbs and spices, is a quick and easy side.
- Grilled Bread: Slices of crusty bread, grilled and brushed with olive oil, are perfect for soaking up any extra marinade or juices.
- Dinner Rolls or Cornbread: Soft dinner rolls or crumbly cornbread are always a crowd-pleaser.
Dipping Sauces (Optional): While the skewers are delicious on their own, you can offer additional dipping sauces for extra flavor variations:
- Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: A simple mix of mayonnaise, mustard, and honey for an extra creamy and sweet kick.
- BBQ Sauce: Your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky and tangy flavor contrast.
- Ranch Dressing: A classic ranch dressing for a creamy and cool dipping option.
- Spicy Mayo: Mayonnaise mixed with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a touch of heat.

Additional Tips for Perfect Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers

Want to take your honey mustard chicken skewers to the next level? Here are five helpful tips:

Don’t Over-Marinate: While marinating is crucial for flavor and tenderness, avoid marinating the chicken for too long, especially with mustard-based marinades. The acidity in mustard can break down the chicken protein if marinated for more than 24 hours, resulting in a mushy texture. Aim for 2-8 hours for optimal results.
Pat the Chicken Dry Before Grilling: Before threading the chicken onto skewers, gently pat the marinated chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess marinade and allows the chicken to sear properly on the grill, creating those beautiful grill marks and a slightly crispy exterior. Excess marinade can steam the chicken instead of searing it.
Control the Heat: Honey and sugar in marinades can burn easily on the grill. To prevent burning, start grilling the skewers over medium-high heat and then reduce to medium if they are browning too quickly. Keep a close eye on the skewers and turn them frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent scorching. If flare-ups occur, move the skewers to a cooler part of the grill temporarily.
Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly and safely is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be considered cooked through. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a chicken piece, away from the skewer, to get an accurate reading. Don’t rely solely on visual cues, as chicken can appear cooked on the outside but still be raw inside.
Add Vegetables to Your Skewers (Optional): For a complete meal on a skewer, consider adding vegetables! Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and pineapple chunks all grill beautifully and complement the honey mustard chicken flavor. If adding vegetables, cut them into pieces of similar size to the chicken to ensure even cooking. You may need to adjust the grilling time slightly depending on the vegetables you choose.

FAQ Section

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A: Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts. They are generally more flavorful and stay moister during grilling due to their higher fat content. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for skewers. Keep in mind that chicken thighs may take slightly longer to cook than chicken breasts, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q: I don’t have yellow mustard. Can I use Dijon or another type of mustard?

A: Yes, you can substitute Dijon mustard for yellow mustard. Dijon mustard will give the marinade a slightly more sophisticated and complex flavor. Grainy mustard can also be used for added texture and a slightly different flavor profile. Experiment with different mustards to find your favorite variation!

Q: Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

A: Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight, but be mindful of the marinating time. While longer marinating times enhance flavor, marinating for too long (over 24 hours) with mustard-based marinades can make the chicken texture mushy. For best results, aim for 2-8 hours of marinating time, but overnight marinating (around 12 hours) is generally acceptable.

Q: Can I bake these chicken skewers in the oven instead of grilling?

A: Yes, you can bake these chicken skewers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, turning the skewers halfway through cooking. Baking will not give you the same smoky flavor as grilling, but it’s a convenient alternative when grilling isn’t possible.

Q: How do I store leftover grilled honey mustard chicken skewers?

A: Store leftover grilled honey mustard chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop until heated through. They are also delicious cold in salads or wraps. Ensure the chicken is cooled completely before storing it in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.