Honey Mustard Marinade for Chicken

By Bill Ohaire | Published: April 2026 | Last Updated: April 2026

Flavourful BBQ marinade with fresh herbs

Quick Answer

Honey Mustard Chicken Marinade: Combine 3 tbsp wholegrain mustard, 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp olive oil, and more. Marinate 2 hours to 24 hours. Grill until internal temp reaches 74°C (165°F).

About This Marinade

This honey mustard marinade brings a sweet, tangy, with a mustard kick flavour profile to your chicken. The honey caramelises beautifully on the BBQ. Watch for burning on high heat.

Prep Time

5 minutes

Marinate Time

2 hours - 24 hours

Flavour Profile

sweet, tangy, with a mustard kick

Best Cuts

thighs (bone-in, skin-on), drumsticks, whole butterflied

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
wholegrain mustard	3 tbsp
honey	3 tbsp
olive oil	2 tbsp
apple cider vinegar	2 tbsp
garlic (minced)	2 cloves
dried thyme	1 tsp
salt and pepper	As needed

Chicken absorbs marinades quickly. Even 30 minutes makes a difference, but overnight is ideal for deep flavour.

How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Marinade

Combine: Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl or ziplock bag until well combined.
Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towel. Score the skin with a sharp knife to help the marinade penetrate.
Marinate: Add the chicken to the marinade, making sure every piece is well coated. Refrigerate for 2 hours minimum, up to 24 hours for deeper flavour.
Bring to temp: Remove from the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. This helps it cook more evenly.
BBQ: Shake off excess marinade and grill over medium-high heat (190-220°C / 375-425°F) until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
Rest: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Honey Mustard Chicken

Don't skip the rest — resting allows the juices to redistribute for a juicier result.
Use a meat thermometer — the only reliable way to know your chicken is done is by checking the internal temperature.
Reserve some marinade — set aside a portion before adding raw meat to use as a finishing sauce or baste.
Watch for burning — the sugar in this marinade caramelises quickly. Use medium-high heat and watch closely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Marinating too long in acid — especially with citrus or vinegar-based marinades, over-marinating can break down the surface and make it mushy.
Grilling straight from the fridge — cold meat doesn't cook evenly. Let it come to room temperature first.
Using the same marinade as a sauce — never reuse marinade that has touched raw meat. Always reserve a clean portion first.
Overcrowding the BBQ — give each piece space so it sears rather than steams.

Best Chicken Cuts for Honey Mustard Marinade

The best cuts of chicken for this marinade are: thighs (bone-in, skin-on), drumsticks, whole butterflied.

Bone-in, skin-on thighs are the best all-round BBQ cut. The skin crisps up beautifully and the dark meat stays juicy even if slightly overcooked.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate chicken in honey mustard marinade?

Marinate chicken in honey mustard marinade for 2 hours minimum for noticeable flavour, or up to 24 hours for deeper penetration. Overnight in the fridge is ideal for most cuts.

Can I use honey mustard marinade on other meats?

Yes! Honey Mustard marinade works well on beef and lamb too. Adjust the marinating time based on the protein — prawns only need 15-30 minutes.

Should I marinate chicken in the fridge or at room temperature?

Always marinate in the fridge for food safety. Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature. Take the meat out 20-30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off for more even cooking.

What temperature should I BBQ honey mustard marinated chicken?

Grill honey mustard marinated chicken over medium-high heat (190-220°C / 375-425°F). Cook until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).

Related BBQ Guides

Beer Chicken Marinade Citrus Chicken Marinade Soy & Garlic Chicken Marinade Honey Mustard Beef Marinade Honey Mustard Lamb Marinade All Cooking Times

Sources & References

Serious Eats

Kenji Lopez-Alt's scientific guide to juicy grilled chicken.

Reference

Guga Foods (YouTube)

Creative chicken grilling experiments and flavour tests.

Video

Weber Grill Skills

Step-by-step poultry grilling guides from Weber Australia.

Manufacturer

Food Standards Australia New Zealand

Official safe minimum cooking temperatures for poultry in Australia.

Government