Grilled Chicken Breasts

Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly charred, these Grilled Chicken Breasts are marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, honey, paprika, and herbs. Served with a fresh honey-mustard sauce and tender grilled zucchini, this dish is light, satisfying, and full of bright summer flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This grilled chicken recipe is simple yet packed with flavor thanks to a citrus-herb marinade that keeps the meat juicy and tender. The quick honey-mustard sauce adds a tangy-sweet finish, while grilled zucchini rounds out the plate for a balanced meal. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, or meal prep, and it comes together quickly once marinated.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Marinade + Chicken:
⅓ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon paprika powder
2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
5 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts (4 breasts)

For the Sauce:
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt, to taste
1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 ¼ tablespoons honey

To Serve With:
2 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds and grilled
Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary), chopped

Directions

1. Prepare marinade: In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, paprika, Italian herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Reserve 3 tablespoons of marinade for later.

2. Pound and marinate chicken: Place chicken on a board, cover with plastic wrap, and pound to ½-inch thickness. Coat chicken with marinade and refrigerate for 4 hours, flipping halfway through.

3. Grill chicken: Lightly oil a grill pan. Preheat over medium-high heat. Grill chicken 4–5 minutes per side without moving, leaving space between pieces. For thicker breasts, cover with a lid after flipping. Let chicken rest after cooking.

4. Make sauce: In a bowl or mini blender, whisk or blend extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, Dijon mustard, and honey until emulsified.

5. Serve: Plate grilled chicken with grilled zucchini and drizzle with honey-mustard sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes (plus 4 hours marinating)
Calories: 581 kcal per serving

Variations

• Swap zucchini for grilled asparagus, bell peppers, or eggplant.

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for subtle heat.

• Use fresh rosemary and thyme for a more aromatic flavor.

• Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different sweetness profile.

• Grill on an outdoor BBQ for deeper smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid drying it out. The honey-mustard sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 1 week.

FAQs

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, overnight marinating will intensify the flavor, but avoid going over 24 hours to prevent the texture from becoming mushy.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Do I need a grill pan for this recipe?

No, you can use an outdoor grill or a regular skillet.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this without the sauce?

Yes, the chicken is flavorful enough on its own, but the sauce adds a nice tangy finish.

Can I cook the zucchini in the same pan as the chicken?

Yes, just make sure the chicken is cooked first to avoid overcrowding the pan.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Don’t overcook and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep—store the chicken and sauce separately for best freshness.

What sides go well with this dish?

Rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad make great accompaniments.

Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes, depending on thickness.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Breasts with honey-mustard sauce and zucchini is a bright, flavorful, and versatile dish that works just as well for a casual dinner as it does for entertaining. The marinade keeps the chicken tender and juicy, while the sauce and grilled vegetables add freshness and balance to every bite.

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