Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken with Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce

There are few things better than perfectly grilled chicken, especially when it's coated in a flavorful barbecue rub and finished with a tangy, sweet mustard BBQ sauce. This Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken recipe takes inspiration from the traditional mustard-based barbecue sauces of South Carolina, combining the bold flavors of Carolina Gold BBQ sauce with juicy, tender chicken and just the right amount of smoky goodness from the grill.

Unlike traditional tomato-based barbecue sauces, Carolina Gold gets its signature golden color and tangy flavor from mustard. Balanced with sweetness, savory spices, and a touch of heat, this style of barbecue sauce creates an incredible glaze on grilled chicken, especially when the sauce caramelizes over the heat of the grill.

Our version features Croix Valley Sweet Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce, a deliciously sweet and tangy mustard-based sauce that's perfect for glazing chicken, pork, ribs, and more. Paired with your favorite Croix Valley BBQ dry rub, this easy grilled chicken recipe delivers a mouthwatering combination of flavors that's sure to become a backyard barbecue favorite.

What Makes Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce Different?

When most people think of barbecue sauce, they picture the thick, reddish-brown, tomato-based sauces commonly found throughout much of the country. But travel to South Carolina, and you'll discover an entirely different barbecue tradition.

Carolina Gold BBQ sauce is a mustard-based barbecue sauce with roots in South Carolina's rich barbecue heritage. Its distinctive flavor comes from the combination of tangy mustard, sweetness, vinegar, and savory seasonings.

The result is a sauce that complements grilled and smoked meats without overpowering their natural flavors. It's especially delicious on chicken, where the tangy mustard cuts through the richness of the skin while the sweetness helps create a beautifully caramelized exterior.

Croix Valley Sweet Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce brings this classic Southern barbecue tradition to your backyard, making it easy to enjoy authentic Carolina-inspired flavors without mixing up a sauce from scratch.

The Secret to Perfect Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken

The key to incredible grilled chicken isn't complicated. It comes down to three things: great seasoning, proper cooking temperature, and knowing when to apply the sauce.

Start with a flavorful dry rub. Seasoning chicken before it hits the grill builds a foundation of flavor that carries through every bite. We recommend using your favorite Croix Valley BBQ dry rub to complement the sweetness and tang of the mustard sauce.

Cook over moderate heat. Chicken drumsticks are an excellent choice for grilling because their dark meat stays juicy and flavorful. Cooking over medium heat allows the chicken to develop a delicious exterior while cooking evenly throughout.

Build layers of flavor with the sauce. Rather than drowning the chicken in sauce at the beginning, brush on layers of Sweet Carolina Gold as the chicken cooks. This allows the sauce to develop a rich, flavorful glaze without burning. Watch carefully and move the chicken away from direct heat if the sugars begin to darken too quickly.

Cook to the proper internal temperature. Chicken must reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. However, drumsticks and other dark meat cuts often become even more tender when cooked to approximately 175°F to 185°F.

Can You Use Other Cuts of Chicken?

Absolutely! While this recipe features chicken drumsticks, Sweet Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce pairs beautifully with just about any cut of chicken.

Bone-in chicken thighs are an excellent alternative, offering rich flavor and juicy meat that's perfect for grilling. Chicken wings are another fantastic option, especially when you're looking for something different from traditional Buffalo or sweet barbecue wings.

Boneless chicken breasts work well, too, although they require a little more attention to prevent overcooking. Regardless of the cut, the combination of barbecue seasoning and Carolina Gold sauce creates a delicious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

What to Serve with Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken

This easy grilled chicken recipe pairs perfectly with classic backyard barbecue sides. Baked beans, creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, potato salad, or roasted potatoes all make excellent accompaniments.

For an extra burst of flavor, serve additional Croix Valley Sweet Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce on the side for dipping. The sauce also makes a fantastic condiment for grilled vegetables, sandwiches, and burgers.

Bring Carolina Gold Flavor to Your Next Cookout

Whether you're firing up the grill for a weeknight family dinner or hosting a weekend backyard barbecue, this Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken recipe is an easy way to bring something different to the table.

With tender, juicy chicken, a flavorful barbecue rub, and the sweet, tangy goodness of Croix Valley Sweet Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce, you'll discover why mustard-based barbecue sauces have been a Southern favorite for generations.

Fire up the grill, grab a bottle of Sweet Carolina Gold, and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious chicken!