Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

If there’s one thing that makes weeknight dinners feel special, it’s perfectly grilled chicken with a sweet, tangy, herby glaze that practically melts in your mouth. These Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders are exactly that—juicy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Think of tender chicken kissed by honey-mustard goodness, fresh rosemary aroma wafting through the air, and a subtle zing of lemon that brightens every bite. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat!

This recipe is one of those rare gems that feels indulgent but is actually quick and approachable. It’s perfect for dinner, meal prep, or even a weekend cookout. Plus, the grill (or stovetop grill pan) gives the chicken those beautiful char marks that make it look as amazing as it tastes.

Recipe Origin
Honey mustard is a classic pairing, but adding fresh rosemary, shallots, and lemon juice elevates it into something sophisticated yet still comforting. This recipe was inspired by the desire to create a chicken dish that’s juicy, flavorful, and easy enough for any night of the week—without sacrificing any of the flavor.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:

• Grill or stovetop grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork for mixing marinade
• Tongs
• Small knife and cutting board

Print

Why You’ll Love Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Juicy and Flavor-Packed: The honey mustard marinade locks in moisture while infusing every bite with tangy-sweet, herby goodness.

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep, these tenders are ready for the grill in under 15 minutes.

Family-Friendly: Sweet, tangy, and savory flavors make this a hit with both kids and adults.

Versatile: Serve with a salad, roasted veggies, or even on sandwiches and wraps.

Ingredients in Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Coarse Ground Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy punch that clings to every tender piece of chicken.

Shallot: Finely diced for subtle oniony sweetness that balances the mustard.

Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps create a sticky, golden glaze when grilled.

Olive Oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly and keeps it moist on the grill.

Fresh Rosemary: Aromatic and savory, it infuses the chicken with a subtle herb flavor.

Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, fresh zing that cuts through the richness.

Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.

Chicken Tenderloins: The star of the show—tender, juicy, and perfectly suited for grilling.

Canola Oil: For brushing the grill or grill pan to prevent sticking.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, diced shallot, honey, olive oil, chopped rosemary, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken tenderloins to the bowl and coat thoroughly with the honey mustard mixture. Let them sit for at least 15–20 minutes—or up to 2 hours for extra flavor.

Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush lightly with canola oil to prevent sticking.

Grill the Chicken: Place tenderloins on the grill and cook 3–4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the exterior is nicely charred and caramelized.

Rest the Chicken: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping the tenders tender and juicy.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with a drizzle of leftover marinade, a squeeze of fresh lemon, or alongside your favorite sides.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~280

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Family Dinner: Pair with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

Salad Topper: Slice the tenders and serve over a crisp green salad for a light, satisfying lunch.

Sandwiches and Wraps: Use the chicken in wraps with lettuce, tomato, and extra honey mustard for a quick handheld meal.

Appetizer-Style: Cut into smaller pieces and serve with toothpicks as a fun party snack.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Marinate Ahead: Prepare the marinade and marinate chicken in advance (up to 2 hours) for faster cooking.
• Storage: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Tips: Gently reheat in a skillet or oven to preserve juiciness.

Variations to Try

• Add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Swap rosemary for thyme or oregano for a different herb flavor.
• Substitute chicken breasts cut into strips if tenderloins aren’t available.
• Serve with a yogurt-based dip or honey mustard sauce on the side for extra flavor.

Additional Tips

• Pat chicken dry before marinating to help the marinade stick better.
• Avoid overcrowding the grill; cook in batches if needed for even cooking.
• Watch closely during grilling—honey can caramelize quickly and burn if too hot.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this recipe in the oven?
A1: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken reaches 165°F.

Q2: Can I prepare this without shallots?
A2: Yes, you can omit or substitute with a small amount of finely minced onion.

Q3: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
A3: Absolutely! Slice them into strips to ensure even cooking.

Q4: How long can I marinate the chicken?
A4: Up to 2 hours in the fridge; longer may make the mustard flavor too intense.

Q5: Can I freeze cooked tenders?
A5: Yes, in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven.

Q6: Can I use regular mustard instead of Dijon?
A6: Dijon adds more depth and tang, but yellow mustard can be used in a pinch.

Q7: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A7: Definitely! The honey balances the mustard, making it mildly sweet and flavorful.

Q8: Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
A8: Yes, just make sure to marinate in a larger bowl and cook in batches if needed.

Q9: How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
A9: Brush the grill or pan with oil and make sure it’s preheated before adding the chicken.

Q10: Can I add extra herbs or spices?
A10: Absolutely! Paprika, garlic powder, or even a pinch of cayenne can elevate the flavor.

Conclusion
These Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders are juicy, flavorful, and impressively easy. Sweet honey, tangy mustard, aromatic rosemary, and a hint of lemon make every bite a delight. Whether for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or summer cookouts, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite. One bite and you’ll see—sometimes simple ingredients create the most unforgettable meals.

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