These simple, sticky sweet honey mustard chicken drumsticks make a great weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing summer grill dish. The drumsticks are coated in a tangy, sweet marinade for a few hours, then cooked your way – grilled or baked – until tender and caramelized. Serve with potatoes, fresh salads, or simple sides.
I wasn’t always a honey mustard fan, but after making a crockpot version last fall I’m hooked. Marinating drumsticks in a honey-mustard blend results in juicy, flavor-packed chicken every time.
Why We Love These Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
Minimal prep. The marinade takes only a few minutes to whisk together. Reserve a small amount for glazing, then toss the chicken with the rest and let it marinate until ready to cook.
Big flavor from simple ingredients. A sticky-sweet sauce with a mustard bite uses pantry basics to create a memorable meal without fuss. This recipe is straightforward and delivers a WOW factor for little effort.
Versatile cooking options. You can grill these drumsticks for charred flavor or bake them in the oven—both methods produce delicious results.
Pairs with many sides. Serve these drumsticks with pasta or potato salads, grilled vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredient Notes
See the recipe section below for exact measurements.
- Chicken drumsticks: Drumsticks refer to the lower leg portion. If you choose whole chicken legs (thighs plus drumsticks) the yield and cooking time will increase.
- Mustard choices: The recipe uses both Dijon and stone-ground mustard for depth, but you can use just Dijon if you prefer a smoother mustard flavor.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Whisk together the honey mustard marinade ingredients until smooth.
Step 2: Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade for basting. Store it covered in the refrigerator until you need it.
Step 3: Pat the drumsticks dry, place them in a large zip-top bag, pour in the marinade, seal tightly, and massage to coat evenly.
Step 4: Marinate for 4–6 hours for best flavor, but do not exceed 8 hours.
Step 5 – Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Clean and oil the grates, then place the drumsticks over direct heat with space between each piece. Grill 25–30 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 185°F.
Step 6: In the final few minutes, brush the reserved marinade over the drumsticks to create a sticky glaze. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
Do not marinate longer than 8 hours. The vinegar in the marinade can break down the meat’s texture if left too long.
Bring to room temperature before cooking. Let the chicken sit for a short time out of the fridge so it cooks more evenly on the grill or in the oven.
Cook to 185°F for tender drumsticks. While poultry is safe at 165°F, drumsticks are more tender and less stringy when cooked to about 185°F.
What To Serve with This Recipe
- Pasta salads, like a grilled zucchini pasta salad or lemon orzo with feta.
- Mac and cheese for a comforting side—classic, or a cheddar-Gruyère version for extra richness.
- Fresh salads such as apple-arugula or a cucumber-corn salad for lighter balance.
- Potato sides like Cajun potato salad or creamy mashed potatoes make great companions.
Other Chicken Recipes
Grilling Recipes
Chili Lime Chicken
Slow Cooker
Simple Slow Cooker BBQ Shredded Chicken
Dinner
Chicken with Mango Salsa
Air Fryer
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast
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Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 1 1/2–2 lbs chicken drumsticks (about 8)
Honey Mustard Marinade
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp stone-ground mustard (optional)
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Whisk the marinade ingredients together. Reserve 1/4 cup for basting and chill it until needed.
- Pat drumsticks dry, place in a large zip-top bag, pour in the marinade, seal, and massage to coat.
- Marinate 4–6 hours, up to 8 hours max.
Grilling Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Clean and oil grates.
- Arrange drumsticks over direct heat and cook 25–30 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 185°F. Brush reserved marinade on during the last few minutes to glaze.
- Remove and rest 5 minutes before serving.
Baking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with oil. Place drumsticks in an even layer (use a rack if desired).
- Bake uncovered 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through. In the last few minutes, broil briefly and brush with reserved marinade for a golden glaze. Aim for 185°F internal temperature.
Notes
*Do not marinate longer than 8 hours. The acidity in the vinegar can break down the meat and make it mushy.
Two-zone grilling option: Sear the drumsticks directly over the flame for 6–8 minutes, flipping frequently. Then move to indirect heat, close the lid, and cook another 20–25 minutes.
Bring to room temperature before cooking for more even results.
Cook to 185°F for tender, juicy drumsticks.
Nutrition
, Carbohydrates: 19 g
, Protein: 14 g
, Fat: 11 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.
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