Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a fuss-free weeknight dinner that still feels special, you’ve got to try this Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and savory, and baked to juicy perfection every single time. I absolutely love how the honey mustard glaze caramelizes on the chicken skin, giving it a beautiful color and irresistible flavor. Plus, with some crispy smashed potatoes on the side, this recipe really hits all the comfort food notes. Keep reading—I’m sharing all my tips to help you nail it the first time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here is in keeping it simple and fresh. The combination of Dijon and wholegrain mustard gives the glaze a beautiful depth, while honey adds just enough sweetness to balance it all out. I always recommend picking good-quality mustard because it really makes a difference in flavor.

• Potatoes: I prefer waxy potatoes for smashing, they hold their shape well and crisp nicely.
• Olive oil or melted butter: Helps crisp up the potatoes and adds richness to the chicken.
• Chicken drumsticks: These bake wonderfully juicy and are easy to eat with your hands.
• Dijon mustard: The backbone of the sauce; smooth and tangy.
• Wholegrain mustard: Adds texture and a milder mustard flavor; you can swap with more Dijon if needed.
• Honey: For that luscious sweetness and caramelization effect.
• Garlic clove: Minced fresh garlic adds a punch of aroma and flavor.
• Cornflour (cornstarch): This helps thicken the sauce into a glossy glaze.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all the main flavors.
• Fresh thyme or parsley: Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add a herbaceous note.
• Steamed broccolini: A lovely green side that pairs perfectly for a well-rounded meal.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. Whether you want it a little spicier, lighter, or meatier, it all works beautifully.

• Spicy Kick: I like adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the sauce when I’m craving something a bit bolder—totally transforms the flavor.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Switching cornflour to arrowroot powder works just as well if you need a gluten-free option.
• Different Herbs: Sometimes I swap fresh thyme for rosemary, which adds a piney, fragrant touch that complements the chicken nicely.
• Vegetable Change-Up: If potatoes aren’t your thing, baby carrots or parsnips can roast alongside and soak up that gorgeous honey mustard sauce.

How to Make Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes and Chicken

Start by giving your potatoes a good wash, then gently boil them until they’re fork-tender but not falling apart—about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, pat your chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels; this helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven. Then, brush them with a light coating of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Honey Mustard Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, wholegrain mustard, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then sprinkle in the cornflour and whisk until everything’s combined. This little trick helps your sauce become a luscious glaze that clings to the chicken.

Step 3: Smash and Roast the Potatoes

Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a baking tray. Use the bottom of a glass or a sturdy spatula to gently press down each potato until it splits but stays loosely intact. Drizzle them generously with olive oil (or melted butter if you prefer) and season with salt and pepper. These smashed potatoes turn delightfully crispy on the edges while staying soft inside.

Step 4: Arrange Chicken and Bake

Place the drumsticks on the baking tray alongside the potatoes, then brush each piece with that gorgeous honey mustard glaze. Pop the tray into a preheated oven at 200°C (about 400°F) and bake for around 40-45 minutes, basting halfway through. You’ll know the chicken is done when the skin is golden and the juices run clear—juicy and tender every time!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley over the top for that pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve alongside steamed broccolini or your favorite green vegetable for a perfect dinner plate.

How to Serve Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Garnishes

I like fresh herbs like thyme or flat-leaf parsley for garnishing—something green makes the whole dish pop visually and adds a fresh flavor contrast to the baked chicken. Sometimes, I finish with a tiny squeeze of lemon juice for a light zest that wakes up the palate.

Side Dishes

Steamed broccolini or green beans are my go-to sides—they add punchy color and a crisp texture that balances the tender, juicy chicken and crispy potatoes perfectly. A simple garden salad or coleslaw also pairs wonderfully when you want something lighter.

Creative Ways to Present

When serving guests, I like plating the drumsticks on a wooden board surrounded by the smashed potatoes, fresh herb sprigs, and small bowls of mustard dip on the side. It feels rustic yet stylish—plus, everyone loves digging in with their hands!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meal, any leftover chicken and potatoes go straight into an airtight container in the fridge. I usually eat them within 2-3 days, and they reheat beautifully without drying out if you take care.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this honey mustard chicken before with great success—just cool completely, wrap the drumsticks individually, and store with the potatoes in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so they stay juicy and tender.

Reheating

To bring leftover chicken and potatoes back to life, I reheat them in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 10-15 minutes. This method crisps the skin back up and warms the potatoes nicely. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe remains one of my all-time favorites because it’s simple, quick, and downright delicious every single time. It makes dinner feel like a treat without tons of effort, and the whole family claps all the way through the meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes a staple in your kitchen too — trust me, once you bake these chicken drumsticks, you’ll have a go-to recipe that never fails to impress!

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