Best Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks Recipe (Easy & Flavorful)
When I made these honey mustard chicken drumsticks, I couldn’t believe how such simple ingredients created such a flavorful dish. The drumsticks were perfectly golden, sticky, and packed with a sweet and tangy flavor that everyone loved.
It was one of the easiest meals to prepare, yet it tasted like something you’d expect from a fancy restaurant. I just popped everything in the oven, and in under an hour, our family enjoyed a delicious, hearty dinner. Trust me, this recipe is a keeper for weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.
Ingredients for Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
- 8 chicken drumsticks (approximately 2 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornflour (cornstarch)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- Optional garnish: fresh thyme leaves or parsley
Note: This recipe serves 4 people.
Variations to Try
Make your honey mustard chicken drumsticks unique with these fun variations:
- Gluten-free: Replace cornflour with arrowroot powder and ensure mustards are gluten-free.
- Dairy-free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so no changes needed!
- Extra spice: Add a pinch of chili flakes or paprika to give the drumsticks a kick.
- Sugar-free: Use a low-carb honey alternative like monk fruit honey.
- Additional herbs: Enhance the flavor with rosemary or thyme sprigs.
You can also enjoy similar dishes like the Asian Style Tuna Cakes with Spicy Mayo Recipe for a wholesome meal idea.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large baking tray: Holds the drumsticks while baking.
- Foil and parchment paper: For easy cleanup and non-stick baking.
- Mixing bowl: To whisk the honey mustard sauce together.
- Basting brush or spoon: For coating the drumsticks evenly.
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks?
This recipe doesn’t require marinating or pre-cooking. It’s all about assembling and baking for a stress-free dish.
Prepare the Chicken and Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a large baking tray with foil to keep things tidy, then top it with parchment paper so the drumsticks don’t stick during baking.
Combine the sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl. This includes Dijon mustard, wholegrain mustard, honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the mixture turns smooth and glossy. Stir in the cornflour to ensure your sauce thickens nicely during cooking.
Arrange the Drumsticks
Place the drumsticks on the prepared baking tray, making sure they’re spaced out for even cooking. Spoon the sauce generously over the chicken, coating each drumstick well. Drizzle with olive oil to encourage browning and caramelization.
Baking and Basting
Bake the drumsticks for 30 minutes. Then, flip them over and spoon some of the sauce from the tray over the top again. This step ensures your chicken becomes sticky and well-coated. Bake for another 20–30 minutes until the drumsticks are golden, and the sauce has reduced into a sticky glaze.
To check doneness, use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Once done, allow the drumsticks to rest for a couple of minutes so the juices distribute evenly before serving.
Credit: cookinwithmima
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe hits all the right notes for a meal you’ll want again and again:
- Easy to make: No marinating required, just mix, coat, and bake.
- 5-ingredient sauce: The honey mustard glaze is quick yet flavor-packed.
- Amazing texture: The drumsticks are sticky on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Customizable: Suitable for dietary adjustments and flavor tweaks.
You can also enjoy another dishes like the Peach Pesto and Burrata Sandwich Recipe for a wholesome meal idea.
How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks?
Plating this delicious dish is as fun as eating it! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Pair with sides: Serve alongside buttery smashed potatoes or fluffy steamed rice.
- Add greens: Include a side of steamed broccoli, asparagus, or a fresh green salad.
- Family-style: Place the drumsticks on a large platter with extra sauce on the side for an inviting setup.
- Finger-food option: Make it a casual gathering by offering the drumsticks as a fun, mess-free appetizer.
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you can expect per serving (2 drumsticks):
- Calories: 288
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 18g
Make Ahead and Storage
Honey mustard chicken drumsticks are easy to prepare ahead and reheat for later. After baking, you can store them for quick meals throughout the week.
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for around 10 minutes to maintain their crispiness. For longer storage, freeze the drumsticks in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips for Making the Recipe
I’ve made this dish several times and have discovered a few tips along the way:
- Double the sauce: If you love extra sauce for dipping or drizzling on side dishes, make a little more.
- Use fresh garlic: It gives the sauce a punchier flavor compared to garlic powder.
- Parchment is key: Don’t skip lining the tray, as honey tends to stick and burn.
- Crispy finish: Broil the drumsticks for 2–3 minutes at the end for a caramelized finish.
Is Honey Mustard Sauce Healthy?
Honey mustard sauce can be a healthy addition to meals, especially when made with simple ingredients like Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic. It’s naturally lower in fat and includes nutrients from raw honey. That said, because of the honey’s high sugar content, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
These honey mustard chicken drumsticks are the perfect combination of flavor, simplicity, and comfort. They pack just the right amount of sweetness and tanginess while being fuss-free to prepare.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish will undoubtedly become a go-to for making weeknight meals extra special!
For more creative ideas, you might enjoy exploring dinner recipes that offer bold flavors and variety.
Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a large baking tray with foil to keep things tidy, then top it with parchment paper so the drumsticks don’t stick during baking.
- Combine the sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl. This includes Dijon mustard, wholegrain mustard, honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the mixture turns smooth and glossy. Stir in the cornflour to ensure your sauce thickens nicely during cooking.
- Place the drumsticks on the prepared baking tray, making sure they’re spaced out for even cooking. Spoon the sauce generously over the chicken, coating each drumstick well. Drizzle with olive oil to encourage browning and caramelization.
- Bake the drumsticks for 30 minutes. Then, flip them over and spoon some of the sauce from the tray over the top again. This step ensures your chicken becomes sticky and well-coated. Bake for another 20–30 minutes until the drumsticks are golden, and the sauce has reduced into a sticky glaze.
- To check doneness, use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Once done, allow the drumsticks to rest for a couple of minutes so the juices distribute evenly before serving.