Looking for an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner that everyone will love? These oven-baked honey mustard chicken drumsticks are the answer! With a perfect balance of tangy mustard and sweet honey, this dish is bursting with flavor. The best part? You only need a few ingredients and the oven does all the work for you. Perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of that irresistible honey mustard glaze, these drumsticks are a family favorite in the making.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe is incredibly easy to make, yet full of flavor. The sweet and tangy honey mustard marinade gives the chicken an amazing taste, while baking the drumsticks in the oven makes them crispy and delicious without all the mess of frying. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and can be paired with a variety of sides. If you love simple, tasty, and hands-off meals, this honey mustard chicken drumstick recipe is for you!
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
You’ll find the full list of ingredients with measurements below.
Directions
Prepping the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture—this will help them get crispy during baking.
Making the Honey Mustard Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). This marinade will be sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor.
Coating the Drumsticks
Place the drumsticks in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the honey mustard marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes—if you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 1 hour in the refrigerator for even more flavor.
Baking the Chicken
Place the marinated drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, turning the drumsticks halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Finishing Touches
Once the drumsticks are cooked through and crispy, remove them from the oven. For extra glaze, you can brush a little more honey mustard sauce over the top before serving.
Serving
Serve the honey mustard chicken drumsticks hot with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Crispier Skin: For extra crispy skin, broil the drumsticks for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
- Marinate Longer: If you have time, marinate the chicken for longer (up to 4 hours) for even more flavor.
- Add Spice: For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer, you can substitute chicken thighs for drumsticks, though the cooking time may vary slightly. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Mustard Variations: If you prefer a milder mustard flavor, try using yellow mustard instead of Dijon.
- Sweetener Options: Swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.
- Herbs: Add a bit of fresh thyme or rosemary to the marinade for an extra herbal note.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These honey mustard chicken drumsticks are great with:
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted carrots, potatoes, or brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
- Rice: Pair with a simple rice dish like garlic butter rice or wild rice to soak up any leftover honey mustard sauce.
- Salads: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the sweetness of the drumsticks.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the drumsticks on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the skin might lose some of its crispiness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of drumsticks?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. They’ll cook faster, so check for doneness at around 20-25 minutes.
Q: Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I grill these drumsticks instead of baking them?
A: Yes, you can grill the drumsticks over medium heat for about 25-30 minutes, turning them occasionally until they’re cooked through and crispy.
Q: How do I make this recipe spicier?
A: Add some hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the marinade to give it a spicy kick.
Conclusion
These oven-baked honey mustard chicken drumsticks are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with crispy skin and juicy meat. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any busy weeknight. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time in the oven, you’ve got a delicious, family-friendly dinner ready to enjoy!
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Oven-Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks for Easy Weeknight Dinner
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 drumsticks (serves 4-5) 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Oven-Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks are a simple, flavorful dinner option that combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of mustard. Baked in the oven for a crispy exterior and juicy interior, these drumsticks are perfect for a quick weeknight meal. They’re easy to prepare and full of savory, sweet flavor.
Ingredients
- 10 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels, then coat them with the honey mustard mixture. Make sure to coat them evenly.
- Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the drumsticks are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra crispy skin, you can broil the drumsticks for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. If you prefer a tangier flavor, increase the amount of mustard.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg