Print

Flavorful Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

honey mustard grilled chicken drumsticks - featured image

A quick and easy honey mustard grilled chicken drumsticks recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, featuring a sweet, tangy, and smoky marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds / 900 grams), preferably organic or free-range
  • 1/4 cup honey (85 g), raw or wildflower honey recommended
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (80 g), can substitute with yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15 ml)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl until smooth (about 3-5 minutes).
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Place them in the bowl or a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over. Toss to coat evenly. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 375°F / 190°C). Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the drumsticks for 20-25 minutes total, turning every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and caramelization. Baste occasionally with remaining marinade for a glossy finish.
  5. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, pierce the thickest part to ensure juices run clear.
  6. Remove the drumsticks from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Notes

If the honey mustard glaze starts to burn before the chicken is cooked through, move the drumsticks to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat. Turn drumsticks frequently to avoid burning and ensure even cooking. Marinate longer for deeper flavor. Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. For oven baking, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey mustard chicken, grilled chicken drumsticks, easy weeknight dinner, quick chicken recipe, smoky chicken, honey mustard marinade