Oh, summer nights! Is there anything better than the smell of the grill wafting through the air? For me, it always means one thing: chicken drumsticks! And not just any drumsticks, but these incredible Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks. Trust me, this recipe is my go-to for backyard BBQs, quick weeknight dinners, and even when friends drop by unexpectedly. It’s unbelievably simple, bursting with that perfect sweet and tangy honey mustard flavor, and the chicken comes out so juicy. I can remember the first time I made these; my whole family practically inhaled them, asking for seconds before they were even done! It’s that kind of easy-win recipe that makes everyone happy, and honestly, it just tastes like pure sunshine.
Why You’ll Love These Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
Seriously, what’s not to adore about these drumsticks? They’re a total game-changer!
- Super Simple to Make: You just whisk together a few ingredients and let the grill do the heavy lifting. So easy!
- Amazing Flavor: The sweet honey and tangy Dijon mustard create this perfect sticky glaze that coats every bite. It’s addictive!
- Crowd Pleaser: Kids and adults alike go nuts for these. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun family dinner.
- Perfectly Juicy: The marinade keeps the chicken so moist and tender. Nobody likes dry chicken, right?
Ingredients for Delicious Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need for these flavor bombs. It’s honestly just a handful of pantry staples, and that’s what makes this recipe so awesome. You probably have most of this stuff already!
- 8 chicken drumsticks: About 2 to 2.5 pounds, just the right amount for a nice family dinner or a small get-together.
- 1/4 cup honey: Use your favorite kind! Regular liquid honey works perfectly here.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: This is key for that tangy kick! Don’t skip out on this one.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a little bit to help smooth everything out and make the glaze stick.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because garlic makes everything better, right?
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To bring out all those delicious flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best if you have it!
Equipment You’ll Need for Grilling
You don’t need a whole fancy setup for this recipe! Just a few basic things will get you grilling delicious chicken drumsticks:
- Grill: A charcoal or gas grill works perfectly.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized one to whip up that yummy marinade.
- Tongs: Essential for flipping those drumsticks safely without poking holes.
- Small Bowl: For basting with extra glaze.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
Alright, let’s get these drumsticks on the grill! It’s honestly super straightforward, and before you know it, you’ll be biting into perfection. Just follow along!
Preparing the Honey Mustard Marinade
First things first, let’s whip up that magical marinade. Grab a medium-sized bowl and dump in your honey, Dijon mustard, the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and that little bit of black pepper. Give it a good whisk until it’s all blended together into a nice, smooth glaze. Make sure there are no pockets of honey or mustard hiding – we want it all mixed up and happy!
Marinating the Chicken Drumsticks
Now, put your drumsticks right into that bowl with the marinade. Use your hands (don’t be shy!) or a spoon to make sure every single piece is coated really well. Seriously, get in there and make sure they’re all slathered up! Once they’re all dressed in their honey mustard glory, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge. We want them to chill out and soak up all those yummy flavors for at least 30 minutes. Longer is even better if you have time – maybe an hour or two!
Grilling the Honey Mustard Chicken
Time to heat up the grill! Get it to medium heat. You want it nice and hot but not so scorching that everything burns before it cooks through. Once your grill is ready, carefully arrange the marinated drumsticks on the grates. Now, grill them for about 20 to 25 minutes. The most important thing is to turn them every few minutes so they cook evenly and get that gorgeous, sticky char on all sides. Don’t be afraid to use your tongs to check on them! The goal is for them to be cooked all the way through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you have a meat thermometer, now’s the time to use it!
Finishing Touches and Serving
Once the drumsticks are almost ready, it’s time for the grand finale! In the last 5 minutes of grilling, grab a little extra of that honey mustard glaze you maybe saved (or just made a tad more of) and baste them. This makes them extra sticky and delicious. Once they’re perfectly cooked and beautifully glazed, take them off the grill. Let them rest for just a minute or two, then serve them up hot. They’re incredible on their own or with your favorite sides!
Tips for Perfect Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
Alright, listen up, because a few little tricks can take these already-awesome drumsticks from great to absolutely unforgettable. It’s all about those small details, you know? Like keeping an eye on your grill’s temperature – you want medium heat, not a wildfire! Too hot, and you’ll get burnt outsides with raw insides, which is just a tragedy. Keeping the grill clean also helps a bunch, so things don’t stick and make a mess. I like to give my grates a quick brush before I start. You can find some great tips on grill prep here.
And speaking of sticking, a little bit of oil on your tongs or even a quick coat of cooking spray on the grill grates can be a lifesaver. Nobody wants their beautiful glazed chicken stuck to the metal! If you’re aiming for that slightly crispier skin, don’t be afraid to let them get a little char towards the end – that’s where the flavor’s at! Oh, and if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to your marinade for a little background heat. It really makes the sweet and tangy flavors pop!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Sometimes you might be missing an ingredient or want to switch things up a bit, and that’s totally fine! For the mustard, while Dijon is my favorite for its tanginess, you could totally use a spicy brown mustard if that’s what you have on hand. It’ll give it a slightly different, but still delicious, kick. If you’re out of honey, maple syrup is a pretty good substitute, though it might give the glaze a slightly different flavor profile. And remember those red pepper flakes I mentioned? Add more if you like it spicy, or leave them out if heat isn’t your jam. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions about Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks
Got questions about these sticky, sweet, and tangy drumsticks? I’ve got you covered! Here are some things people often ask.
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill or the weather’s not cooperating, you can totally bake these. Just pop them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (for easy cleanup, trust me!) and bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through. You might not get that smoky char, but they’ll still be super tasty. For more oven-baked chicken ideas, check out this!
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the drumsticks for anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours in the fridge. Any longer than that, and the mustard’s acidity might start to make the chicken a bit mushy. So, 30 minutes is the minimum for flavor, but 1-2 hours is probably the sweet spot for the best taste and texture.
What are good side dishes for these drumsticks?
Oh, these drumsticks are so versatile! They go great with classic BBQ sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or corn on the cob. For something a little lighter, a fresh green salad or some grilled asparagus works beautifully. They’re also fantastic with some fluffy rice or even roasted potatoes. Basically, anything that can stand up to that amazing glaze!
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer! Stick it into the thickest part of the drumstick, making sure not to hit the bone. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can carefully cut into one of the drumsticks – the juices should run clear, and there should be no pink meat inside.
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, okay? They can change a bit depending on exactly what you use and how big your drumstick is. But for one of these delicious honey mustard drumsticks, you’re looking at roughly:
- Calories: Around 250
- Protein: About 20g
- Fat: Roughly 15g
- Carbohydrates: Around 8g
- Sugar: About 5g