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Crispy Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks

crispy grilled honey mustard chicken drumsticks - featured image

These crispy grilled honey mustard chicken drumsticks feature a sticky, sweet, and tangy glaze with perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat, ideal for BBQs and quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on, bone-in
  • 1/4 cup (85g) honey
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and slightly thick (about 5 minutes).
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin. Place them in a large bowl or baking tray and pour the marinade over. Toss well to coat each drumstick evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 375–400°F (190–204°C). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking (about 10 minutes).
  4. Place the drumsticks on the grill skin side down. Grill for about 5–7 minutes per side, turning carefully with tongs to avoid piercing the skin. Brush extra marinade on the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking to build a sticky glaze. Watch closely for flare-ups caused by dripping marinade.
  5. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The skin should be golden and crispy, and the juices clear. Total grilling time is about 25–30 minutes.
  6. Transfer the drumsticks to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep juices locked in.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating to ensure crispy skin. Use two-zone grilling for searing and finishing. Turn drumsticks every 5–7 minutes to avoid burning the honey glaze. Apply extra glaze towards the end of grilling to prevent sugar burn. Keep a spray bottle of water handy for flare-ups. Rest chicken 5 minutes before serving. For oven baking, cook at 425°F (220°C) for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, honey mustard chicken, chicken drumsticks, BBQ chicken, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, summer grilling