We’re firing up the grill, baby! Seriously, is there anything better than that smoky summer smell, especially when you know amazing food is on the way? I’m talking about the easiest, most crowd-pleasing dish ever: Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks! This recipe is my absolute go-to for weeknight dinners, backyard BBQs, or whenever I want something totally delicious without spending all day in the kitchen.
This is a family favorite and a complete game-changer. The Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks are super simple to throw together, bursting with flavor, and literally disappear in minutes. I’ve been making them for years, ever since I stumbled upon a variation in a cooking magazine. Now, it’s a staple in my household. Honestly, you’ll be the hero of any gathering when you serve these! Trust me, it’s a simple, flavorful recipe made for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love These Delicious Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
Okay, friends, let me tell you why you’re going to fall head-over-heels for these Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks. They’re seriously the best:
- Ridiculously easy to make – seriously, like, almost no effort!
- That perfect combo of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that make your taste buds sing (honey mustard is a winner!).
- Perfect for any occasion – from a casual weeknight dinner to a fun summer get-together.
- Kid-friendly (my little ones devour them!).
- Totally versatile: easily adjust the heat level and flavor profile to whatever suits your cravings.
Basically, they’re pure deliciousness, plain and simple!
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff! You won’t believe how few ingredients you need for these incredible Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks. I usually have them all on hand. Here’s what you need to grab:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup honey – the good stuff!
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – gives it that awesome tang!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Easy peasy, right? Now go get ’em!
How to Make Perfect Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
Okay, buckle up, because making these Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks is ridiculously easy. Seriously, even if you’re a kitchen newbie, you’ve got this! Just follow these simple steps, and prepare to be amazed (and to get lots of compliments!).
Preparing the Honey Mustard Glaze
First things first, let’s whip up that amazing glaze. In a bowl, I throw in the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then, I whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth. Make sure it’s combined well–you want every drumstick to get a good coating. Don’t be shy with the whisking–really bring that glaze together!
Marinating the Chicken Drumsticks
Next up, give those drumsticks a bath! Place the chicken in a big bowl or a zip-top bag (less mess!). Pour that glorious honey mustard mixture all over the chicken, making sure every single drumstick is evenly coated. This is super important: you want to get flavor in every single bite! Seal it up and pop it in the fridge. Now, the longer you marinate, the better. At the very least, give it 30 minutes, but I usually aim for at least an hour — or even longer, if you have the time! You can even prepare them in the morning if you’re planning a cookout later.
Grilling the Chicken Drumsticks to Perfection
Alright, time to get grilling! Preheat your grill to medium heat. Once it’s hot, put the marinated drumsticks on. Now, this is important: grill them for about 20-25 minutes, but keep an eye on them! Turn the drumsticks occasionally so they cook evenly and don’t get burnt. Now, for the final 5 minutes, grab some of that reserved honey mustard glaze and baste the drumsticks. This is what gives them that gorgeous, glossy finish! They’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). See? Perfect Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks, every single time!
Tips for Success: Ensuring Juicy Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
Listen, nobody likes dry chicken. Yuck! Luckily, with a few simple tricks, you can guarantee perfectly juicy Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks every single time. First off, get a meat thermometer! Seriously, it’s your best friend here. Make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). Don’t guess, people! Also, don’t overcrowd the grill. Give those drumsticks some space so the heat can circulate around them properly.
Another hot tip, and this is important: Don’t cook over too high of a heat. Medium heat is your sweet spot! If the grill is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked. And finally, when you’re basting with that extra glaze during the last few minutes, don’t do it too early, or it could burn. See? Easy peasy, and perfectly juicy every time!
Serving Suggestions for Your Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
Okay, so you’ve got these incredible Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks—now what to serve with them? The options are endless, really! I usually go for sides that are easy and fresh. A simple green salad is always a winner. Or, if you’re in the mood, try some creamy coleslaw. Some people love potato salad, or how about a side of grilled corn on the cob? YUM!
For a lighter option, pair them with some roasted vegetables. Honestly, anything goes! It’s difficult to go wrong with these juicy chicken drumsticks!
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips for Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
Okay, busy bees, listen up! Because guess what? You can totally prep these Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks ahead of time. I love doing this when I’m expecting company. You can make the honey mustard glaze up to a week in advance and store it in the fridge. Then, just toss the chicken drumsticks in the glaze before grilling. Perfect!
Want even more convenience? Cooked drumsticks freeze beautifully! Just let them cool completely, then pop them in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for about 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then you can warm them in a skillet, the oven, or even on the grill. They’re never quite the same after being frozen, but they still taste great!
Variations: Spice Up Your Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
Okay, so you think these Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks are good? Just wait until you try playing around with the flavors! I’m always experimenting. Want a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze. Or, try swapping out the Dijon mustard for a spicier brown mustard.
You can also toss in some other spices. Garlic powder is a must, but feel free to experiment with onion powder, smoked paprika, or a little bit of cayenne pepper. Don’t be afraid to try some different herbs! A little bit of dried thyme or rosemary would be delicious. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
Okay, let’s get to some of the questions I often get asked about these amazing Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks! I always say, there’s no such thing as a silly question, and I’m happy to help. Here’s a few common things folks wonder about:
Can I make these in the oven instead of grilling?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, or if the weather’s not cooperating, you can totally bake these chicken drumsticks. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), and place the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they’re cooked through and the juices run clear. You can still brush them with extra glaze during the last 5 minutes. Delicious!
How long do the leftovers last?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, because these are so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. You can eat them cold (yum!), or reheat them. Just be careful! Reheat them until they’re warm all the way through, because nobody wants a chilly, sad drumstick!
What kind of mustard is best for this recipe?
I always use Dijon mustard because I love the flavor it produces in this Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks recipe! You could, in theory, use yellow mustard if that’s what you have on hand, but you might want to add a pinch of something like cayenne or a little more salt to amp up the flavor. But trust me – Dijon is the way to go!
Nutritional Information for **Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks**
Heads up, folks! The nutritional info below is just an estimate, okay? It can change depending on the exact ingredients you use, the brands, and how you cook them. But it’ll give you a general idea – and trust me, these Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks are worth every single calorie!
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Simple recipe for delicious grilled chicken drumsticks with a honey mustard glaze.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken drumsticks in a bowl and coat with the honey mustard mixture.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Grill the chicken drumsticks for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Baste with extra honey mustard glaze during the last 5 minutes of grilling.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of honey and mustard to your taste.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
