Description
Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks are juicy, tender, and coated in a delicious sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze. Baked until golden and caramelized, these easy chicken drumsticks make a flavorful family dinner perfect for any weeknight or gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken Drumsticks
- 8 chicken drumsticks
Honey Mustard Glaze
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet or baking dish with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Dry Chicken Drumsticks: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to help the glaze stick better and ensure crispier skin.
- Make Honey Mustard Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Reserve Some Sauce: Set aside about ¼ cup of the honey mustard sauce for brushing the drumsticks later during baking.
- Coat Drumsticks: Toss the chicken drumsticks with the remaining honey mustard sauce until each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful glaze.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Lay the coated drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking.
- Bake and Turn: Bake the drumsticks in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and caramelization.
- Brush with Reserved Sauce: During the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the drumsticks with the reserved honey mustard sauce to enhance flavor and glossiness.
- Check Doneness: Continue baking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and caramelized.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey mustard mixture for up to 8 hours before baking.
- Watch the chicken closely near the end of cooking as the honey can caramelize quickly and may burn if unattended.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Serve with roasted potatoes, rice, green beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
