If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, I’ve got just the thing for you: this Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is actually super simple to pull off. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever struggled with dry chicken or boring dinners. Plus, the honey mustard glaze is seriously addictive—sweet, tangy, and perfectly sticky. Let me walk you through everything so you nail it every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Flavor: The honey mustard sauce takes just minutes to whisk together but delivers amazing taste every time.
Juicy, Tender Chicken: Baking the drumsticks in the sauce locks in moisture and creates that crave-worthy glaze.
One-Pan Dinner Option: I love adding crispy smashed potatoes on the side for an easy, no-fuss meal.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

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 with honey mustard, easy honey mustard chicken, flavorful baked chicken recipes, juicy baked chicken thighs

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a rich and tangy honey mustard glaze that hugs every bite of chicken. A quick note: using good quality Dijon and wholegrain mustard really makes a difference, as does fresh thyme or parsley for that final pop of flavor. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll want on hand.

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 with honey mustard, easy honey mustard chicken, flavorful baked chicken recipes, juicy baked chicken thighs

Potatoes: Choose waxy potatoes so they get nice and crispy when smashed and baked.
Olive oil or melted butter: Butter adds a little richness, olive oil keeps it lighter—both work great.
Chicken legs (drumsticks): Skin-on and bone-in for maximum flavor and juiciness.
Dijon mustard: Provides that classic tangy backbone for the sauce.
Wholegrain mustard: Adds nice texture and a subtle burst of flavor; you can swap more Dijon if you prefer smooth.
Honey: Sweetens and helps create that sticky, irresistible glaze.
Garlic clove: Fresh and minced for a bit of savory punch.
Cornflour/cornstarch: This little trick thickens the sauce to cling perfectly to your chicken.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Fresh thyme or parsley: I like to sprinkle fresh herbs on top for brightness and color.
Steamed broccolini: A simple, fresh green side that complements the richness beautifully.

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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

I love that this Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is so flexible. Over time, I’ve played around with different mustards and even swapped honey for maple syrup when I needed a dairy-free or slightly different flavor profile. Feel free to make it yours!

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the mustard-honey mix for a little heat—I tried this one night and it was a game changer!
Gluten-Free: Cornflour/cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so this recipe works perfectly for gluten-free diets.
Herb Twist: Swap thyme for rosemary or oregano depending on your mood or what’s fresh in your garden.
Glazed Vegetables: Toss some baby carrots or green beans in the same sauce and bake alongside the chicken for a one-pan supper.

How to Make Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes for Crispy Sides

Start by boiling your potatoes whole until they’re tender—about 15 minutes should do. This is my secret for getting that perfect crispy outside and fluffy inside when we smash them later. Once cooked, drain and let them cool just a bit so they’re easier to handle.

Step 2: Mix Your Magical Honey Mustard Sauce

While the potatoes boil, grab a bowl and whisk together the Dijon mustard, wholegrain mustard, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, cornflour, salt, and pepper until smooth. The cornflour might surprise you, but it really helps thicken the sauce so it sticks to the chicken wonderfully as it bakes.

Step 3: Season and Arrange Your Chicken

Place your drumsticks in a baking dish and brush or toss them with a bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. This little step helps the skin crisp up in the oven. I like to arrange them with space between pieces, so they cook evenly and get that gorgeous golden outside.

Step 4: Coat and Bake

Pour the honey mustard sauce over the drumsticks, turning them to coat each piece well. If you’re adding the potatoes, give them a gentle smash with the bottom of a glass or small pan, toss with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, and nestle them around the chicken. Bake everything at 190°C (375°F) for about 50–60 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened into a sticky glaze.

Halfway through, I like to spoon some of the sauce over the drumsticks to keep them extra juicy and flavorful. Just keep an eye so the potatoes don’t burn—if they start getting too dark, cover loosely with foil.

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Pro Tips for Making Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Evenly Coat the Chicken: I discovered that tossing the drumsticks in the sauce before baking rather than just pouring it on helps every bite get that perfect glaze.
Don’t Skip the Cornflour: It’s a game-changer for thickening the sauce and stopping it from being too runny.
Use Skin-On Drumsticks: Skin crisps up and locks moisture in, making your chicken juicy and delicious.
Watch the Oven Temperature: Baking at 190°C (375°F) gives the best balance between crispy skin and tender meat without drying out.

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 with honey mustard, easy honey mustard chicken, flavorful baked chicken recipes, juicy baked chicken thighs

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley right on top after baking. It adds a lovely fresh aroma and a pop of green that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. Sometimes, a little lemon zest feels just right to brighten things up, especially during warmer months.

Side Dishes

Steamed broccolini is my go-to because its slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the honey mustard glaze beautifully. Roasted green beans or a crisp mixed salad with a tangy vinaigrette also work perfectly if you want to keep things light but flavorful.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the drumsticks on a big serving platter garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme and lemon wedges on the side. Kids love it when I serve them skewered like chicken kebabs on sticks, so that might be a fun twist to try for parties or casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, pop any leftover chicken into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually separate the chicken from the potatoes to keep things fresh and prevent sogginess.

Freezing

This Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe freezes nicely, which I’ve found super handy when meal prepping. Just cool everything completely before freezing in individual or family-size portions. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the chicken crispy and flavorful, I reheat it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15–20 minutes covered with foil, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the skin back up. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the skin rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully with this honey mustard glaze. Just adjust the baking time as thighs might cook slightly faster or slower depending on size—use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 75°C (165°F) internally.
Do I need to marinate the chicken beforehand?

You don’t have to marinate for this recipe since the chicken bakes in the honey mustard sauce, which gives great flavor and moisture. However, if you have time, marinating for 30 minutes to a few hours can deepen the flavors even more.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Simply swap out the butter for olive oil when preparing the potatoes and use the olive oil in the sauce. The recipe as-is is dairy-free friendly except for that small butter swap.
What’s the best way to get crispy skin on baked chicken drumsticks?

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and application of oil. Using skin-on drumsticks and a hot enough oven (around 190°C/375°F) usually does the trick. Basting halfway through baking also helps keep the skin moist yet crispy.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I absolutely love how the sticky, sweet-and-savory glaze transforms simple chicken drumsticks into something special, and the way you can easily add crispy smashed potatoes alongside just makes weeknight dinners so much easier. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do—it’s become a staple in my kitchen and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser when friends come over. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out for you!