If you’re on the hunt for a simple yet absolutely delicious weeknight dinner, I promise you’ll want to save this Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe right now. The magic of this meal lies in its golden, sticky, tangy glaze that clings perfectly to juicy baked drumsticks, plus a little side of crispy, smashed potatoes that soak up all that flavor. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be a regular in your kitchen rotation!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Four-Ingredient Sauce: The honey mustard glaze is easy to make but packs incredible flavor every time.
Juicy, Tender Chicken: Baking the drumsticks low and slow ensures moist meat with a beautifully caramelized crust.
One-Tray Magic: You can roast potatoes alongside the chicken for an effortless all-in-one meal.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether a family dinner or casual get-together, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

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, easy baked chicken recipes, crispy baked chicken, kid-friendly chicken dinner, flavorful chicken drumsticks

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe come together with such harmony — sweet honey, tangy mustards, and garlic create a sauce that’s irresistible. When shopping, I like to grab fresh chicken drumsticks with the skin on for that extra crispiness, and don’t skimp on the quality mustard; Dijon and wholegrain add different textures that complement each other 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, easy baked chicken recipes, crispy baked chicken, kid-friendly chicken dinner, flavorful chicken drumsticks

Potatoes: Use waxy potatoes for crispy smashed sides—they hold shape well post-roasting.
Olive oil or melted butter: Both work beautifully for roasting potatoes, adding richness and helping crisp the edges.
Chicken drumsticks: Skin-on for more flavorful, crispy skin that turns golden in the oven.
Dijon mustard: Provides tang and depth—a must-have classic mustard flavor here.
Wholegrain mustard: Adds texture and a slightly different mustard punch; you can swap for more Dijon if you prefer smoothness.
Honey: The secret to that sticky, beautifully caramelized finish everyone raves about.
Garlic clove: Minced fresh garlic gives a subtle but essential aromatic lift.
Cornflour/cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, so it clings perfectly to the chicken without being runny.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all those flavors.
Fresh thyme or chopped parsley: Fresh herbs are a bright, fresh finishing touch that I always recommend.
Steamed broccolini: A great green side that complements the richer flavors in the chicken and potatoes.

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 how adaptable this Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is—you can change it up based on what you have in your pantry or your mood that day. I often tweak the mustard types or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor. I encourage you to make it your own!

Spicy Kick: I once added a teaspoon of chili flakes to the sauce before baking, and my family went crazy for the little heat it brought.
Gluten-Free Version: Using cornflour means this recipe is naturally gluten-free—perfect if you need to avoid wheat.
Honey Swap: Try maple syrup instead of honey for a slightly different sweetness and deeper flavor.
Herb Variations: Fresh rosemary or oregano also work wonderfully if you don’t have thyme or parsley handy.

How to Make Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes and Chicken

Start by preheating your oven and preparing the potatoes for roasting. I like to parboil them first so they’re soft enough to gently smash later—this creates those delightfully crispy edges everyone loves. While the potatoes are boiling, pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This is key for crispy skin later on, so don’t skip it! Then season them lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce

Whisk together Dijon mustard, wholegrain mustard, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, and a little pinch of salt and pepper. Then sprinkle in the cornflour—this is what I discovered as a game-changer because it thickens the sauce perfectly, so it sticks to the drumsticks instead of pooling on the tray. Your mixture should be smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Roast and Smash Potatoes

Once your potatoes are just tender from boiling, drain them, then gently smash them flat on your roasting tray that’s been drizzled with olive oil or melted butter. Pop these into the oven to start getting golden and crispy while you focus on the chicken. This little multitasking is my secret to efficient weeknight cooking.

Step 4: Coat the Drumsticks and Bake

Brush or toss the chicken drumsticks in the honey mustard sauce until they’re well coated. Then arrange them on the same tray as your potatoes—if you have space, everything cooks together, making clean-up a breeze. Pop the tray back in the oven and bake for around 50-60 minutes. You’ll want to baste the drumsticks with pan juices halfway through for that irresistible sticky glaze.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Before serving, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley over the chicken to brighten the dish. I like adding a side of steamed broccolini for a pop of color and freshness—it balances the richness so nicely.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Dry Skin is Crispy Skin: Always pat your drumsticks dry before seasoning and saucing to help the skin crisp up.
Don’t Overcrowd the Tray: Give the chicken enough space so heat can circulate nicely, or you risk steaming instead of roasting.
Midway Basting: Basting the chicken halfway through baking boosts flavor and keeps the meat juicy.
Test Doneness Carefully: Use a meat thermometer for peace of mind—drumsticks are done at 165°F (75°C) internally.

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, easy baked chicken recipes, crispy baked chicken, kid-friendly chicken dinner, flavorful chicken drumsticks

Garnishes

I swear by fresh herbs here—thyme is classic, but parsley’s bright and inviting. Sometimes I toss on a little lemon zest before serving; it adds a zing that cuts through the richness perfectly. I find these simple touches make a world of difference when friends or family sit down to eat.

Side Dishes

Besides the crispy smashed potatoes baked right on the tray, I love pairing this chicken with steamed broccolini or a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil. Roasted carrots or a grain like quinoa or rice also work well if you want to round out the meal with more texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving the drumsticks on a large wooden board surrounded by colorful roasted veggies and herb sprigs. It makes the meal feel festive and family-style, encouraging everyone to dig in and share. I’ve even drizzled a little extra honey mustard sauce on top right before serving for extra shine and pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover chicken and potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 3 days. To keep skin crispy, avoid covering the drumsticks with sauce before storing—add that when reheating instead.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these drumsticks successfully by wrapping them individually in foil, then placing them in a zip-lock bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as described below. The flavor holds up well, though the skin crisps best fresh.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, uncovered to revive the skin crispiness, brushing on a little reserved honey mustard sauce if you want that fresh glaze effect. Microwave is okay for speed but might soften the skin.

FAQs

Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While drumsticks are perfect for this baked honey mustard recipe because they stay juicy and have great skin, you can try bone-in thighs or even chicken wings. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through.
Is this Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Since we use cornflour to thicken the sauce instead of wheat flour, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your mustard brand doesn’t contain any additives with gluten.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

You sure can. The honey mustard sauce actually tastes better after sitting for a bit, so feel free to mix it up a few hours or even a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using.
How do I prevent the chicken skin from getting soggy?

Patting the chicken dry and avoiding overcrowding on the tray are your best bets. Also, baste halfway through cooking rather than coating the chicken excessively at the start to keep skin crisp while still flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe has become one of those dishes I make when I want comforting, fuss-free food that still feels special. Honestly, I love how the flavors balance out—the sweetness of the honey with the mustard’s tang and the garlic aroma is just next-level. If you want a recipe that’s easy to pull off, pleasing for all ages, and looks beautiful on the plate, give this a go—you’ll thank me later!