If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both simple and irresistibly tasty, you’ll absolutely want to try this Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I go back to again and again because you get sticky, flavorful chicken with just a handful of ingredients and very little fuss. Plus, I’m going to share some tricks that make this recipe foolproof, so you can get delicious results even if you don’t consider yourself a kitchen pro yet.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Flavor Boost: The honey mustard glaze is just the right balance of sweet and tangy, making the chicken irresistibly delicious with minimal prep.
One-Pan Magic: I love that you can make crispy potatoes alongside the chicken on the same tray, cutting down on clean up and time.
Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this dish – it’s perfect for casual dinners or feeding a hungry group without the stress.
Flexible & Adaptable: You can customize the marinade to your taste and swap sides easily, making it a versatile go-to recipe.

A baking tray is shown filled with cooked food divided into two sides by foil; the left side has seven browned chicken drumsticks with herbs sprinkled on them, resting in a light golden sauce with some dark browned spots, and a silver spoon lies at the bottom left corner; the right side holds four golden-brown roasted potato slices with grill marks, along with several bright green broccolini stalks scattered around on a white marbled surface visible beneath the tray photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks, baked chicken drumsticks recipes, easy chicken drumstick ideas, weeknight chicken dinner, flavorful baked chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe come together in a way that’s simple but packs big flavor. I recommend using good-quality mustard and fresh garlic—trust me, it makes a difference. The potatoes are optional, but when I include them, I use waxy potatoes that hold their shape nicely.

Flat lay of fresh whole raw chicken drumsticks with skin, a small pile of smooth golden potatoes, a small white bowl of vibrant golden honey, a small white bowl of bright yellow Dijon mustard, a small white bowl of coarse wholegrain mustard seeds in mustard, a single peeled garlic clove, a small white bowl of clear olive oil, a small white bowl of light beige cornflour powder, fresh green thyme sprigs scattered and a few crisp dark green broccolini stalks, all arranged symmetrically and realistically proportioned in simple white ceramic bowls and dishes, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks, baked chicken drumsticks recipes, easy chicken drumstick ideas, weeknight chicken dinner, flavorful baked chicken

Potatoes: I use small waxy ones which get perfectly crispy when smashed; red or baby Yukon gold are great choices.
Olive Oil or Melted Butter: Either works to roast the potatoes and helps them crisp up beautifully.
Chicken Legs (Drumsticks): About 1 kg or 2 lb – I like drumsticks for their juicy meat and that crispy skin.
Dijon Mustard: This adds that smooth, slightly spicy tang that really lifts the sauce.
Wholegrain Mustard: Adds texture and a bit of bite; you can swap for more Dijon if you prefer a uniform sauce.
Honey: The key sweetener that balances mustard’s sharpness and creates that gorgeous glaze.
Garlic Clove: Fresh and minced for aromatic depth.
Cornflour/Cornstarch: A little secret ingredient that thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to the chicken.
Salt and Pepper: To season and bring everything together.
Fresh Thyme or Parsley: For a fresh herbal finish that brightens the dish.
Steamed Broccolini: My go-to green side here to add color and crunch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is completely flexible, and I love making little tweaks depending on what I have on hand or the season. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make this dish your own.

Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the marinade for a subtle heat that my family really enjoys.
Different Mustards: If you can’t find wholegrain mustard, I’ve used spicy brown mustard or even honey mustard to adjust sweetness and texture.
Herb Add-ins: Rosemary or oregano can replace thyme for a different aroma that pairs beautifully with chicken.
Vegetarian Swap: While the original is chicken-based, you could try this glaze on roasted cauliflower or tofu for a delicious plant-based alternative.

How to Make Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes and Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). If using potatoes, give them a good wash and boil until just tender, about 10-15 minutes depending on size. Once cooked, drain and let them cool slightly. Meanwhile, pat your chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Dry skin is key to getting that lovely crispy finish everyone loves.

Step 2: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together your Dijon mustard, wholegrain mustard, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and cornflour. The cornflour is my favorite trick here: it thickens the sauce, so it caramelizes on the chicken instead of running off and burning. I discovered this tip after a few too many burnt honey glazes!

Step 3: Arrange and Roast

Place the chicken drumsticks on a lined baking sheet or roasting pan. If you’re using potatoes, gently smash them flat (not too thin!) and scatter them among the drumsticks. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the potatoes for crispiness. Then brush the honey mustard sauce all over the chicken generously.

Bake everything for about 40-45 minutes, turning the drumsticks halfway through and basting again if you like. After, switch oven to grill/broil for a few minutes to get caramelized, golden skin—but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!

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Pro Tips for Making Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Dry Those Drumsticks: Patting the chicken dry before glazing ensures the skin crisps up instead of steaming in the sauce.
Don’t Skip the Cornflour: This thickens the glaze, so it beautifully coats the chicken instead of dripping off and burning on the pan.
Use a Timer for Broiling: The final broil step caramelizes the sauce fast—keep an eye and don’t walk away to avoid burning.
Smashed Potatoes Rock: Boil potatoes just until tender—not mushy—otherwise they won’t crisp up nicely when roasted.

How to Serve Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

On a white plate with a light rustic edge, there are two golden-brown glazed chicken drumsticks placed in the center right, covered with a shiny sauce speckled with herbs and pepper. To the left, there are pieces of creamy mashed potatoes with a slightly browned, crispy top, one piece partially broken showing the soft inside. In the background, bright green cooked broccolini adds color and texture, with a few herbs sprinkled over the chicken. In the foreground, a serrated knife and a fork rest on the plate next to the mashed potatoes, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks, baked chicken drumsticks recipes, easy chicken drumstick ideas, weeknight chicken dinner, flavorful baked chicken

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley over the baked chicken right before serving—it adds that pop of color and a subtle fresh herbal note that complements the sweet and tangy glaze perfectly.

Side Dishes

Steamed broccolini is my go-to green side because its slight crunch and mild bitterness balance the honey mustard flavor. You could also serve with a simple mixed green salad or roasted seasonal veggies for a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes plate the drumsticks on a wooden board surrounded by clustered roasted potatoes and a small bowl of extra honey mustard sauce for dipping. It’s casual, rustic, and perfect for family-style sharing or entertaining guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover chicken and potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors mellow wonderfully overnight, making it an excellent next-day lunch or dinner option.

Freezing

This Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe freezes well, which is great for batch cooking. I freeze individual portions after baking, wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat without losing crispness, I recommend warming the chicken in a preheated oven at about 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes. This revives the sticky glaze and crispy skin better than the microwave, which tends to make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work really well with the honey mustard sauce and tend to stay juicy. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size, and just be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) for safe eating.
What if I don’t have wholegrain mustard?

No worries. You can use more Dijon mustard in place of wholegrain. While it won’t have the same texture, the flavor will still be deliciously tangy and sweet from the honey.
How do I know when the chicken drumsticks are done?

The best method is to use a meat thermometer—insert into the thickest part of the drumstick without touching bone. When it reads 74°C (165°F), your chicken is perfectly cooked. If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink inside.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure your mustard and cornflour/cornstarch are gluten-free (most pure cornflour is). This recipe is naturally gluten-free and perfect for those avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is one of those dishes that feels cozy and special all at once. I love how easy it is to throw together on a busy day, yet it delivers those sweet, tangy, crispy flavors that wow. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just craving comfort food yourself, give it a try—you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how fast it becomes a dinner favorite in your rotation!