This Honey Mustard and Red Onion Barbecued Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky. The bold flavors of honey mustard, mellowed by caramelized red onions, pair beautifully with grilled chicken for a crowd-pleasing dish. The curry and allspice notes add subtle complexity, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just looking for a fast and flavorful weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers. It’s versatile enough to use either chicken breasts or thighs, and the sauce can be made ahead for even quicker prep. Serve with grilled vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete and wholesome meal.
Full Recipe:
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1/2 red onion, chopped
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1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1 cup chicken stock
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1/2 cup prepared honey mustard (recommended: Honey Cup brand)
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1/2 teaspoon allspice
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1/2 teaspoon curry powder
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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Vegetable oil, for drizzling
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Preheat a grill pan or griddle over medium-high heat.
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In a small saucepan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
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Add chopped red onion and sauté for 3–5 minutes until soft.
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Add apple cider vinegar and reduce by half (about 1–2 minutes).
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Stir in brown sugar and cook for 1 minute.
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Whisk in chicken stock, honey mustard, allspice, and curry powder.
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Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer on low.
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Drizzle the chicken with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper.
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Grill chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, basting with the sauce as you turn it.
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After turning once more, baste again and cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until cooked through.
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Transfer chicken to a serving platter and drizzle with remaining sauce.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: ~320 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
A Delicious Take on Sweet and Savory Barbecued Chicken
When it comes to elevating simple ingredients into something extraordinary, Rachael Ray never disappoints. Her Honey Mustard and Red Onion Barbecued Chicken recipe is the perfect example of how just a few pantry staples—combined thoughtfully—can transform into a showstopping meal. This dish balances tangy, sweet, and spicy elements, all layered into juicy, grilled chicken that sings with flavor.
The brilliance of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t require exotic ingredients or lengthy marination. Instead, it brings together bold condiments and aromatics to create a homemade barbecue-style sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken, searing onto the surface with each pass over the grill.
The Flavor Profile: A Marriage of Bold and Balanced
What makes this dish truly memorable is the harmony of its flavors. Honey mustard, with its sweet tang and sharp bite, forms the base of the sauce. Combined with the subtle bitterness and natural sweetness of sautéed red onions, this pairing is a match made in culinary heaven.
The addition of apple cider vinegar and brown sugar deepens the sweet-tart balance, creating a glaze that not only tastes incredible but also caramelizes beautifully on the grill. The vinegar cuts through the richness of the chicken, while the brown sugar helps the sauce stick and thicken.
Spices like allspice and curry powder round out the mix, adding depth and warmth without overpowering the dish. These spices give the sauce an aromatic boost—subtle enough not to dominate, but distinct enough to intrigue every palate.
Versatility at Its Best: Use Any Cut You Love
This recipe uses a combination of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs, allowing you to enjoy different textures in one meal. The breasts stay tender thanks to the constant basting with sauce, while the thighs offer a slightly fattier, more flavorful bite that pairs exceptionally well with the sweet and spicy glaze.
Not a fan of either cut? Feel free to swap in chicken drumsticks, wings, or even bone-in options. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked all the way through.
Cooking Method: The Power of a Grill or Griddle
While this dish is technically barbecued, it’s crafted specifically for indoor cooking using a grill pan or griddle. That means no need to fire up the backyard grill or wait for summer weather—this is a meal you can enjoy all year round.
The grill pan adds char and depth to the chicken, mimicking traditional barbecue flavor. However, you can just as easily cook this on a cast iron skillet or even in the oven if needed. The real magic is in the sauce, and as long as it gets a chance to bubble, caramelize, and glaze, you’ll be golden.
If you’re cooking in a nonstick skillet, just be cautious not to crowd the pan. Give the chicken plenty of room to sear and pick up color. This not only improves flavor but ensures the sauce clings to the meat instead of steaming off.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with This Dish
Honey Mustard and Red Onion Barbecued Chicken plays beautifully with a wide range of sides. Because it leans toward the sweet and tangy spectrum, pairing it with more neutral, savory, or crisp accompaniments works best.
For a casual, comforting meal, serve it with roasted potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes. The sauce soaks into the spuds beautifully, turning them into a flavor-packed base.
Want to keep things light? Go with a fresh green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette, or serve alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or corn on the cob. The grilled flavors echo the smokiness of the chicken and bring cohesion to the plate.
For a bold and adventurous twist, try serving this with coconut rice or a pineapple salsa. The tropical notes complement the curry and allspice while enhancing the sweetness of the honey mustard glaze.
Tips to Elevate the Recipe Even More
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few suggestions to take it to the next level:
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Marinate the Chicken: While it’s not required, letting the chicken sit in a bit of the sauce before cooking can enhance the flavor. Even just 30 minutes will help the spices absorb.
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Add Heat: If you like spice, throw in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes into the sauce for a little extra kick.
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Use Whole Grain or Dijon Mustard: If you don’t have honey mustard on hand, try mixing your favorite mustard with honey to control the sweetness level. Whole grain mustard adds great texture, while Dijon offers a sharper bite.
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Double the Sauce: The glaze is so good that you might want to make extra and serve it on the side. It’s perfect for drizzling over rice or veggies.
Why This Dish Stands Out Among Barbecue Recipes
There’s a lot to love about traditional barbecue recipes—but they can be time-consuming and messy. This version offers a shortcut to those smoky, caramelized flavors without hours of marinating or special equipment.
It also stands out because of its bold use of ingredients that are often overlooked in grilling: red onion, curry, and allspice. These flavors lean into more global influences, giving this dish a modern twist that feels both nostalgic and new.
Whether you’re looking to switch up your grilling routine or just want something flavorful that comes together in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a winner.
Make It Ahead for Even Easier Meals
Another reason this dish is a weeknight hero? It can easily be prepped in advance. The sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to a week. You can cook it ahead and simply reheat, or make the entire dish and serve it cold over salad or in wraps for a quick lunch.
It also freezes well. Just store the cooked chicken (with sauce) in an airtight container, and defrost when needed. Perfect for meal preppers or anyone who loves having a flavorful protein option ready to go.
A Family-Friendly Favorite That Pleases All Ages
This chicken dish is also a great crowd-pleaser. The sweetness of the honey mustard glaze appeals to kids, while the complexity of the spices makes it interesting enough for adults. Because you control the ingredients, it’s easy to keep it gluten-free, dairy-free, and lower in sugar if needed.
It’s also a great recipe to introduce kids to bold flavors like curry and allspice in a way that feels familiar and comforting. Pair with their favorite sides, and you’ve got a balanced, nourishing dinner the whole table will enjoy.
Conclusion: A Saucy, Grilled Classic Worth Repeating
Honey Mustard and Red Onion Barbecued Chicken is the kind of dish that feels fancy without the fuss. It’s sweet, tangy, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy—all wrapped up in a golden glaze that clings lovingly to every piece of juicy chicken.
From weeknight dinners to casual get-togethers, this recipe shines. It’s easy to prepare, easy to customize, and endlessly satisfying. Plus, it showcases how a few simple ingredients, when treated with care and creativity, can create something that feels truly special.
So fire up your grill pan, whisk together that dreamy sauce, and get ready to savor every bite. This is one chicken recipe you’ll come back to again and again.