If you're anything like me, you're always on the lookout for a new chicken recipe to shake up your dinner routine. Well, your search ends here with this Mustard Rub for Chicken. This isn't your ordinary marinade—it's a flavor-packed blend of tangy Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon that'll revolutionize your grilled chicken game. Keep reading to discover how to take your chicken from ordinary to extraordinary with just a few simple ingredients!
This Mustard Rub for Chicken has vibrant flavors make it a popular choice for summer grilling sessions and outdoor gatherings, but its versatility ensures it's enjoyed year-round. Whether it's a casual weekend barbecue or a special holiday celebration, this flavorful rub adds a delicious twist to grilled chicken or savory pork chops, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
This recipe pairs well with this Pasta with Broccoli Rabe, Roasted Baby Broccoli and if you're looking for more chicken recipes, try my Balsamic Grilled Chicken or Chicken Breast Stuffed with Stuffing.
Jump to:
🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of tangy Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon creates a burst of flavor that tantalizes the taste buds.
- Versatile: Perfect for grilling chicken or pork, this rub adds depth and richness to any protein, making it a go-to recipe for various occasions.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is accessible to cooks of all levels, guaranteeing delicious results every time.
🥘 Ingredients
Each ingredient in this recipe contributes essential flavors and textures: Dijon mustard brings tanginess, fresh herbs and lemon zest add brightness, olive oil ensures juiciness, brown sugar balances acidity, red pepper flakes provide a hint of heat, and salt-free lemon herb seasoning enhances savoriness. Together, they create a well-rounded and delicious rub that transforms ordinary chicken into a flavorful delight.
- Chicken (boneless, skinless breasts or thighs)
- Dijon Mustard
- Fresh Herbs (Sage, rosemary, or your choice)
- Lemon Zest
- Olive Oil
- Brown Sugar
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Salt-free Lemon Herb Seasoning
- Salt & Pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Mix Dijon mustard, chopped herbs, lemon zest, olive oil, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and lemon herb seasoning in a bowl.
Step 2: Brush the rub onto chicken and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Grill the chicken over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side.
Step 4: Let the chicken rest before serving. Enjoy!
👩🏼🍳 Chef's Tip
- Add the mustard rub onto the chicken and let it marinate in the refrigerator overnight. This extra time allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in an even more delicious and tender grilled chicken.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Paleo Version: Substitute Dijon mustard with stone-ground or homemade mustard, replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup, and omit salt-free lemon herb seasoning.
- Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes for more heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce, and include minced jalapeños or serrano peppers.
- Sweet and Tangy Version: Double brown sugar or use honey, add apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, and mix in fruit preserves like apricot or peach.
🍴 Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Grill
- Basting Brush or Spoon
- Resealable Plastic Bag or Shallow Dish
- Meat Thermometer
- Tongs
- Serving Platter
💭 Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use different types of mustard based on your preference. Dijon mustard is recommended for its tangy flavor, but you can also try whole grain mustard or spicy mustard for variation.
The grilling time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and the temperature of your grill. Generally, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs will take about 6-8 minutes per side over medium heat until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) on a meat thermometer.
Yes, you can prepare the mustard rub ahead of time. Simply mix the ingredients together, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before using. Allowing the flavors to meld together for a few hours or overnight can enhance the taste of the rub.
🥣 Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Microwave leftover chicken in a microwave-safe dish with a damp paper towel, or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked chicken with the mustard rub in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
🍷 Wine Pairing
This is a perfect pairing for the Mustard Rub chicken due to its bright acidity, citrus notes, and herbaceous undertones, which complement the tanginess of the mustard and lemon zest while refreshing the palate with each sip.
👩🏼🍳 Top Tips
- Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate in the mustard rub for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before grilling to ensure the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium heat before cooking the chicken to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), which guarantees juicy and tender chicken every time.
🌿 Related Recipes
🥗 Pairing Recommendations
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating & comment below to let me know how it came out. Thanks for visiting!
📋 Recipe
Mustard Rub for Chicken
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Meghan It Up.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Grill
- Basting Brush or Spoon
- Resealable Plastic Bag or Shallow Dish
- Meat Thermometer
- Tongs
Ingredients
- ⅔ Cup Dijon Mustard
- 2 tablespoon Fresh Herbs Sage, rosemary, or your choice
- 1 tablespoon Tsp Lemon Zest
- 4 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 teaspoon Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 teaspoon Salt-free Lemon Herb Seasoning
- Salt & Pepper To taste
- 4 Chicken Breasts boneless, skinless
Instructions
Prepare the Mustard Rub:
- In a mixing bowl, combine Dijon mustard, finely chopped fresh herbs (such as sage or rosemary), lemon zest, olive oil, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, lemon herb seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Taste the rub and adjust seasoning if needed.
Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
- Brush the mustard rub evenly on both sides of the chicken pieces, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
- Cover the chicken and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Grill the Chicken:
- Once the grill is hot, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let any excess marinade drip off.
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook over direct heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
- Use tongs to carefully flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
Rest and Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the grilled chicken hot with your favorite side dishes and enjoy the flavorful goodness of the mustard rub!
Video
Notes
🌡️ Food safety
- Chicken - Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Comments
No Comments