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Crispy Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks

crispy honey mustard baked chicken drumsticks - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken drumsticks glazed with a tangy honey mustard sauce, perfect for quick and easy dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on and bone-in
  • 3 tablespoons honey (preferably raw or wildflower)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Let it fully heat while you prep the chicken.
  2. Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Season all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth and spreadable.
  4. Toss the seasoned drumsticks in the glaze, making sure each piece is fully covered but not swimming in sauce. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of glaze for brushing later.
  5. Place drumsticks evenly spaced on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes. At 20 minutes, brush the reserved glaze over the drumsticks for an extra layer of flavor and shine.
  7. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer (165°F/74°C) or pierce the thickest part to ensure juices run clear.
  8. Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness, watching closely to avoid burning.
  9. Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is essential for crispy skin. Using a wire rack helps air circulate for even crisping. If drumsticks brown too fast, tent loosely with foil. Broiling at the end adds extra crispiness but watch carefully to prevent burning. For gluten-free, ensure mustard contains no additives. Maple syrup can substitute honey but changes flavor slightly. Leftovers reheat best in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey mustard chicken, baked chicken drumsticks, crispy chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, honey mustard glaze