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Flavorful Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks

grilled honey mustard chicken drumsticks - featured image

Juicy chicken drumsticks grilled with a sticky, tangy honey mustard glaze that balances sweet and savory flavors for an easy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds / 900g), skin on
  • 1/4 cup (85g) honey
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined and smooth.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. Add them to the marinade bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F / 190°C). Clean and oil the grates.
  4. Grill the drumsticks: Place drumsticks on the grill skin side down first. Cook for 12-15 minutes per side, turning every 5 minutes to get even grill marks and avoid burning the glaze. Optionally brush extra marinade on during grilling.
  5. Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove immediately once done.
  6. Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes off the heat before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken skin dry before marinating helps it crisp up on the grill. Turn drumsticks every 5 minutes to prevent burning the honey glaze. Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking. If glaze burns, move drumsticks to a cooler part of the grill or reduce heat. For smoky flavor on a gas grill, add soaked wood chips in a smoker box.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, honey mustard chicken, chicken drumsticks, easy dinner, summer grilling, backyard cookout, juicy chicken, sticky glaze