Looking for a simple yet flavorful weeknight dinner that the whole family will love? These oven-baked honey mustard chicken drumsticks are the perfect solution!
The combination of tangy mustard and sweet honey creates a mouthwatering glaze that coats each drumstick beautifully.
With minimal prep and no frying mess, this recipe makes for a quick, delicious meal everyone will enjoy. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor—this dish is sure to become a favorite!
Oven-Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks for Easy Weeknight Dinner
Oven-baked honey mustard chicken drumsticks offer a sweet and tangy flavor combination that’s easy to make and delicious. Start by mixing honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. Coat the drumsticks with the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve with your favorite sides for a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove moisture—this helps them crisp up in the oven.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This marinade balances sweetness and tanginess for maximum flavor.
- Marinate the Drumsticks: Place the drumsticks in a large bowl or a resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the fridge for deeper flavor).
- Bake the Drumsticks: Arrange the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Bake for 30–35 minutes, turning them halfway through for even cooking. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before removing them from the oven.
- Add the Finishing Touch: For extra glaze, brush the drumsticks with leftover honey mustard sauce before serving.
Notes
Why You Will Love Oven-Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
If you’re looking for a dish that is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and guaranteed to be a family favorite, Oven-Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks should be at the top of your list. These juicy, tender drumsticks are coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, baked to perfection, and offer a delightful balance of flavors that will leave everyone craving more.Here’s why you’ll absolutely love them:
1. Simple and Quick to Prepare
One of the best things about oven-baked honey mustard chicken drumsticks is their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients—chicken drumsticks, honey, mustard, garlic, and a few seasonings—you can create a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort. The preparation is straightforward: mix the marinade, coat the chicken, and bake. No complicated techniques or excessive prep time required!2. Deliciously Balanced Flavors
The combination of honey and mustard creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. The honey caramelizes beautifully during baking, giving the chicken a slightly sticky, glossy coating that enhances its overall appeal. Meanwhile, the mustard adds a zesty depth, cutting through the sweetness and complementing the savory flavors of the drumsticks. A hint of garlic and optional spices like paprika or cayenne pepper can elevate the dish even further, making each bite irresistibly flavorful.3. Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside
Oven baking ensures that the drumsticks develop a slightly crispy exterior while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. Unlike frying, which can make chicken greasy, baking allows the natural flavors to shine without excessive oil. The honey mustard glaze locks in moisture, ensuring the meat stays succulent. Plus, roasting at the right temperature helps create those beautifully golden, caramelized edges that add extra texture and flavor.4. Healthy and Nutritious
Compared to deep-fried alternatives, oven-baked drumsticks are a healthier choice. They require less oil, making them lower in fat while still being high in protein. Mustard contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, while honey provides natural sweetness without the need for refined sugar. If you opt for grainy or Dijon mustard, you’ll also benefit from additional vitamins and minerals.5. Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
This dish is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. The familiar flavors of honey and mustard make it appealing to even the pickiest eaters, while the finger-licking goodness of drumsticks adds a fun, hands-on element to mealtime. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or a party, it’s a dish that everyone will enjoy.6. Versatile and Easy to Pair
Oven-baked honey mustard chicken drumsticks pair well with a variety of side dishes. Serve them with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can even shred the leftover chicken and use it in sandwiches, wraps, or salads the next day, making it a great meal prep option.
Oven-Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks: Tips & Serving Tricks
Oven-baked honey mustard chicken drumsticks are a delicious and easy-to-make dish, perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. The combination of sweet honey and tangy mustard creates a flavorful glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Here are some essential tips for preparation, cooking, and serving.Preparation Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken
- Opt for fresh, bone-in, skin-on drumsticks for the best flavor and juiciness. If using frozen, thaw them completely before marinating.
- Marination is Key
- Marinate the drumsticks for at least 1–2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply. A good marinade includes:
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon or whole-grain mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for umami)
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Marinate the drumsticks for at least 1–2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply. A good marinade includes:
- Use a Resealable Bag
- Marinate the drumsticks in a zip-top bag or airtight container for easy cleanup and even coating.
- Let the Chicken Rest Before Baking
- Bring the chicken to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking for even cooking.
Baking Tips
- Preheat the Oven Properly
- Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) for a crispy, caramelized exterior while keeping the meat juicy inside.
- Use a Wire Rack on a Baking Sheet
- Place drumsticks on a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet to allow air circulation, ensuring even cooking and crispy skin.
- Baste for Extra Flavor
- Halfway through baking, brush the drumsticks with extra honey mustard sauce for a richer glaze.
- Cook Until Golden and Juicy
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Broil for a Crispy Finish
- For extra crispiness, broil the drumsticks for 2–3 minutes at the end of cooking.
Serving Tricks
- Garnish for Visual Appeal
- Sprinkle chopped parsley, sesame seeds, or thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
- Pairing Suggestions
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad for a well-balanced meal.
- For a low-carb option, pair with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Dipping Sauce Idea
- Serve with extra honey mustard sauce on the side for added flavor. A mix of Greek yogurt, mustard, and honey makes a creamy dip.
- Meal Prep Friendly
- These drumsticks store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Tips
- Extra Crispy Skin: Broil the drumsticks for the last 2–3 minutes of baking, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Marinate Longer: If possible, let the chicken marinate for up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.
- Add Heat: Mix in cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Oven-Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks are the perfect combination of easy, flavorful, and healthy. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced home chef, this dish is simple to prepare and will always deliver a satisfying, delicious meal. Give it a try—you’ll love every bite!Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes! Adjust the cooking time to about 20–25 minutes and check doneness with a thermometer.
Can I grill instead of bake?
Absolutely! Grill over medium heat for 25–30 minutes, turning occasionally.
How do I make it spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
