These Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks are packed with bold, savory flavor thanks to a creamy honey mustard marinade. The drumsticks are marinated for extra depth, then cooked until juicy and finished with a final brush of the reserved sauce for a glossy, flavorful coating.
A Quick Look at the Recipe
✅ Recipe Name: Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
🕒 Ready In: ~40 minutes (plus marinating time)
👪 Serves: 6 servings
🍽 Calories: ~360 per serving (estimated)
🥣 Main Ingredients: Chicken drumsticks, honey, Dijon mustard, stone-ground mustard, rosemary, lemon
📖 Dietary Info: Gluten free; low-carb; dairy-free option
👌 Difficulty: Easy - marinate, grill, and baste
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Using two types of mustard creates a balanced sauce that is tangy, slightly sweet, and rich without being heavy. Cooking the drumsticks on a grill pan adds golden color and helps lock in moisture while keeping the method simple and approachable for weeknight dinners.
If you love flavorful chicken dinners like this, you might also enjoy our Marry Me Chicken Pasta, Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Baked Greek Chicken, or Tandoori Chicken. These easy chicken recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners or simple meal prep.
Jump to:
- A Quick Look at the Recipe
- Why You'll Love Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks:
- Key Ingredients:
- Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks:
- Recipe Notes & Tips:
- How to Store:
- Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks FAQs:
- More Easy Dinner Recipes You'll Love
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- Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
Why You'll Love Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks:
Bold Honey Mustard Flavor: A combination of Dijon and stone-ground mustard creates a tangy, slightly sweet sauce with real depth.
Juicy and Tender: Marinating the drumsticks helps lock in moisture so the chicken stays juicy as it cooks.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh herbs that come together easily.
Great for Grilling or Pan Cooking: The grill pan method adds great color and flavor without needing an outdoor grill.
Family-Friendly Dinner: A crowd-pleasing chicken recipe that works well for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Key Ingredients:
- chicken drumsticks. Dark meat stays juicy and tender during cooking, making drumsticks ideal for grilling or pan cooking.
- honey. Adds natural sweetness that balances the tangy mustard without overpowering the dish.
- dijon mustard. Provides smooth, sharp flavor and forms the base of the honey mustard sauce.
- stone-ground mustard. Adds texture and deeper mustard flavor for a more complex sauce.
- fresh rosemary. Brings an earthy, aromatic note that pairs well with chicken and mustard.
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page for exact quantities.
Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- Different cut of chicken: Use chicken thighs or bone-in chicken breasts, adjusting the cook time as needed.
- No fresh rosemary: Substitute dried rosemary or thyme if fresh herbs aren't available.
- Dairy-free option: Replace the heavy whipping cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Baked version: Bake the honey mustard chicken drumsticks at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, brushing with the reserved sauce halfway through.
- Extra tangy: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or extra Dijon mustard for a sharper honey mustard flavor.
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks:
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the shallot, honey, stone-ground mustard, Dijon mustard, heavy whipping cream, fresh rosemary, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Transfer half of the marinade to a separate bowl, cover, and refrigerate to use later for basting.
- Step 2: Add the remaining marinade to a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Add the chicken drumsticks and turn to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 10 to 15 minutes before grilling and gently wipe off any excess marinade.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over high heat for 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-high and lightly oil the grates or pan. Place the drumsticks on the hot grill or grill pan and cook for 8 minutes.
- Step 4: Flip and cook for another 8 minutes, then flip once more and continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes, turning as needed, until the chicken is cooked through. Brush reserved marinade over the drumsticks during the final 1 to 2 minutes of cooking.
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Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Marinate for flavor: Letting the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour helps the honey mustard sauce fully penetrate the drumsticks for better flavor.
- Remove excess marinade: Wiping off excess marinade before grilling helps prevent flare ups and allows the chicken to brown properly.
- Use medium-high heat: Cooking over medium-high heat helps the drumsticks cook through evenly without burning the sauce.
- Check internal temperature: Chicken drumsticks are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part.
- Rest briefly before serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to keep it juicy.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these with Sautéed Broccolini, Walnut Pear Salad, or pair with Apple Coleslaw for an easy, complete meal.
How to Store:
Refrigerator: Allow the honey mustard chicken drumsticks to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, place cooled drumsticks in a freezer safe container or zip top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
Reheating: Reheat gently in a covered skillet, oven at 350°F, or microwave until warmed through to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks FAQs:
Honey mustard chicken drumsticks should marinate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat, though marinating up to 8 hours will result in even deeper flavor.
Honey mustard chicken drumsticks are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part and the juices run clear.
Honey mustard chicken drumsticks can be baked at 400°F for 40 to 45 minutes, brushing with the reserved sauce halfway through cooking.
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Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup stone-ground mustard
- 3 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the shallot, honey, stone-ground mustard, Dijon mustard, heavy whipping cream, fresh rosemary, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Transfer half of the marinade to a separate bowl, cover, and refrigerate to use later for basting.
- Add the remaining marinade to a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Add the chicken drumsticks and turn to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 10 to 15 minutes before grilling and gently wipe off any excess marinade.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over high heat for 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-high and lightly oil the grates or pan.
- Place the drumsticks on the hot grill or grill pan and cook for 8 minutes. Flip and cook for another 8 minutes, then flip once more and continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes, turning as needed, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Brush the reserved marinade over the drumsticks during the final 1 to 2 minutes of cooking. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from the grill or grill pan and serve immediately with lemon wedges and fresh rosemary, if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- Marinate for flavor: Letting the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour helps the honey mustard sauce fully penetrate the drumsticks for better flavor.
- Remove excess marinade: Wiping off excess marinade before grilling helps prevent flare ups and allows the chicken to brown properly.
- Use medium-high heat: Cooking over medium-high heat helps the drumsticks cook through evenly without burning the sauce.
- Check internal temperature: Chicken drumsticks are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part.
- Rest briefly before serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to keep it juicy.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these with Sautéed Broccolini, Walnut Pear Salad, or pair with Apple Coleslaw for an easy, complete meal.
Ashley says
I love anything honey-mustard and this was sooo yummy!