Zesty Oven-Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

My kitchen adventure with these oven-baked honey mustard chicken drumsticks began on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Unexpected flavor combinations can spark pure culinary magic.

Tender meat dripping with a golden-brown glaze promises something special for dinner.

weeknight meals rarely get this exciting without complicated preparation.

Zesty mustard and sweet honey create a perfect marinade that makes everyone smile.

Quick and simple techniques mean you can have restaurant-quality chicken right at home.

Her secret ingredient ensures these drumsticks will disappear faster than you can plate them.

Honey Mustard Drumsticks That Bake to Perfection

• Speedy Weeknight Savior: Whips up a delicious dinner in under an hour with minimal prep work and cleanup.
• Quick Flavor Punch: Combines sweet honey and tangy Dijon mustard for a mouthwatering sauce that transforms simple chicken drumsticks into an irresistible meal.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Offers kid-approved flavors and easy-to-eat drumsticks that appeal to both children and adults, making mealtime a stress-free experience.
• Nutritious and Simple: Provides a protein-packed main dish that's healthier than takeout, requires just a few pantry ingredients, and delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Glaze and Bake for Honey Mustard Drumsticks

• Chicken Drumsticks: Classic cut for easy weeknight meals, naturally juicy, skin on for crispy texture.

• Honey: Sweet base that helps caramelize the chicken, natural golden color.
• Dijon Mustard: Sharp flavor enhancer, adds tangy depth to the sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances sweetness, provides subtle acidic brightness.
• Olive Oil: Helps create smooth sauce consistency, adds richness.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle savory background notes.
• Onion Powder: Adds mild aromatic depth to sauce.

• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer, helps balance overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and subtle spiciness.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish for color and fresh herb accent.

Honey Mustard Drumsticks Weeknight Bake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Station

Fire up your oven to 400°F and grab a baking sheet.

Line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until they form a smooth, glossy mixture.

Step 3: Prep the Chicken

Take your drumsticks and gently pat them dry with paper towels.

This helps the marinade stick better and ensures a crispy exterior.

Step 4: Coat Drumsticks With Marinade

Generously brush each drumstick with the honey mustard mixture, ensuring every nook and cranny gets covered with the flavor-packed sauce.

Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out to allow hot air to circulate and create even browning.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and roast for 35-40 minutes.

You want the chicken to turn a beautiful golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Remove drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Easy Tips for Honey Mustard Drumsticks

• Pat chicken drumsticks completely dry before coating to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and better sauce adherence.
• Let drumsticks sit in honey mustard mixture for 15-30 minutes before baking to enhance flavor penetration and tenderness.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature at 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken without overcooking.
• Replace regular Dijon mustard with gluten-free mustard to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne powder to the honey mustard mixture for those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat in their chicken.

Honey Mustard Drumsticks Storage

• Store leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm drumsticks in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Reheat individual drumsticks on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature and rotating halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Always verify internal temperature reaches 165°F before consuming reheated chicken to prevent potential foodborne illness.

Weeknight Pairings for Honey Mustard Drumsticks

Pairing Powerhouses: Elevate Your Honey Mustard Chicken

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Riesling's slight sweetness and acidity perfectly complement the tangy honey mustard glaze, cutting through the richness of chicken drumsticks.
• Fresh Side Salad Boost: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's bold flavors and add a refreshing crunch alongside the juicy chicken.
• Roasted Vegetable Sidekick: Toss colorful root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes with olive oil and herbs to create a hearty, caramelized accompaniment that echoes the drumsticks' golden-brown exterior.
• Creamy Potato Mash Partner: Whip up smooth mashed potatoes with a touch of garlic and butter to soak up the delicious honey mustard sauce and provide a comforting base for the crispy chicken.

Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks Oven-Baked Options

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace Dijon mustard with gluten-free mustard and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Confirm seasoning powders are also gluten-free.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the honey mustard mixture for extra heat. Adjust spice level according to personal preference.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium salt or omit salt entirely. Replace regular garlic and onion powder with fresh minced garlic and chopped onions to maintain flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Drumsticks: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage into the honey mustard marinade. Chop herbs finely and mix directly into the sauce for enhanced aromatic flavors.

FAQs

• What makes honey mustard such a great marinade for chicken?

Honey mustard combines sweet and tangy flavors that perfectly tenderize chicken while creating a delicious caramelized coating during baking. The natural sugars in honey help create a beautiful golden-brown exterior and lock in moisture.

• Can I use different types of mustard for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute Dijon mustard with whole grain mustard or yellow mustard. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile, but the basic technique remains the same. Dijon offers the most balanced and smooth taste for this recipe.

• How can I ensure my chicken drumsticks are perfectly cooked?

Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This guarantees the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat while preventing overcooking that might dry out the meat.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These honey mustard drumsticks can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. They reheat well and maintain their flavor, making them an excellent option for quick weeknight meals or preparing lunches in advance.

Oven-Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent honey mustard chicken drumsticks bring Mediterranean flavors straight to your dinner table with minimal effort. Golden-brown drumsticks glazed in tangy honey mustard sauce promise a delightful meal that satisfies both family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 10 chicken drumsticks

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) honey
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400°F (200°C) and covering a baking sheet with parchment paper for simplified post-cooking cleanup.
2. Create a zesty marinade by thoroughly whisking honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until ingredients are completely integrated.
3. Meticulously blot chicken drumsticks with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring optimal marinade adherence.
4. Generously coat each drumstick with the prepared honey mustard mixture, carefully rotating to achieve uniform coverage.
5. Strategically position drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining adequate spacing between pieces to promote even heat circulation.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until drumsticks transform into a rich golden brown and internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (75°C).
7. Allow drumsticks to rest momentarily after removing from oven, enabling juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
8. Enhance visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the finished drumsticks before serving.

Notes

• Swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly version, ensuring equal sweetness and consistency.
• Pat chicken thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, helping achieve crispy, golden-brown skin during baking.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee precise doneness, preventing undercooked or dried-out chicken drumsticks.
• Marinate chicken for 2-4 hours before baking to enhance flavor penetration and tenderize the meat, creating more succulent results.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 358
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg