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Crispy Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

honey mustard grilled chicken drumsticks - featured image

These grilled chicken drumsticks feature a crispy skin with a sticky-sweet honey mustard glaze, perfect for summer BBQs. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients and delivers juicy, flavorful meat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 810 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds or 900 grams), skin on
  • 1/4 cup honey (85 grams)
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (60 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15 ml)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (2 grams)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne or chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Rinse the drumsticks under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season each drumstick lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne if using, until smooth and golden.
  3. Add the drumsticks to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat each piece with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours.
  4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Place the chicken on the grill, skin side down. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, turning every few minutes to get an even char and avoid flare-ups. Brush extra marinade over the drumsticks halfway through grilling.
  6. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; once it reaches 165°F (74°C), the drumsticks are done. The skin should be golden and crispy.
  7. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Notes

Avoid marinating longer than 2 hours to keep skin crispy. Watch for flare-ups due to honey sugars and move drumsticks as needed. Pat chicken dry before marinating for best crispiness. Starting on indirect heat then finishing on direct heat helps prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, honey mustard chicken, BBQ chicken drumsticks, summer recipes, easy grilled chicken, crispy chicken skin