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Flavorful Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

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A simple and juicy grilled chicken drumsticks recipe featuring a sticky honey mustard glaze with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or summer cookouts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds / 900 grams), skin-on
  • 1/4 cup honey (85 grams), preferably raw or wildflower
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced fresh
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher or sea salt preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary

Instructions

  1. Rinse the drumsticks and pat dry with paper towels to help the marinade stick and crisp better on the grill. (5 minutes)
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and glossy. (5 minutes)
  3. Toss the drumsticks in the marinade until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours for maximum flavor absorption. (30 minutes to 2 hours)
  4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat around 375°F (190°C) and clean the grates well. (10 minutes)
  5. Place the drumsticks skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, turning every few minutes to avoid burning the honey glaze. Watch for flare-ups and move the chicken to indirect heat if needed. The skin should be golden and slightly charred in spots. (20-25 minutes)
  6. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If unavailable, cut into the thickest part to check that juices run clear. (2 minutes)
  7. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. (5 minutes)
  8. Arrange on a platter and optionally garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Notes

For extra sticky glaze, brush drumsticks with reserved marinade (not touched by raw chicken) during the last 5 minutes of grilling. Use indirect heat to prevent burning the honey glaze. Let the drumsticks rest after grilling to keep them juicy. Marinate longer (up to 2 hours) for best flavor. If no grill is available, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes on a wire rack or broil carefully.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey mustard chicken, grilled chicken drumsticks, summer barbecue, easy chicken recipe, juicy grilled chicken, backyard cookout, honey mustard glaze

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/flavorful-honey-mustard-grilled-chicken-drumsticks-recipe-easy-and-juicy/