This Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks recipe is a perfect, effortless way to make baked chicken legs in the oven. With a magical 4 ingredient sauce, no marinating required, these chicken drumsticks are golden, sticky and everyone loves them!
Plus an optional side of buttery, crispy smashed potatoes for a drumsticks dinner made on one tray!
Sticky Baked Chicken Drumsticks recipe
This baked Chicken Drumsticks recipe is one of those gems that you’re going to want to keep in your back pocket. Here’s why you’re going to love it and make it over and over again:
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Unbelievably easy – just spoon sauce over the chicken legs and bake;
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Magical 5 ingredient Honey Mustard Sauce
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They roast beautifully so they’re sticky and golden;
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The flavour is universally pleasing. It’s not too sweet, not too salty, it’s finger lickin’ good!
Difference between chicken legs and drumsticks?
Chicken legs and drumsticks are the same thing. Everybody’s favourite part of Roast Chicken!
What you need for Honey Mustard baked chicken legs
Here’s all you need – chicken legs, plus 4 simple ingredients for the magical Honey Mustard Sauce:
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Dijon mustard (or other plain mild mustard)
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Honey
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Garlic
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Cornflour / cornstarch*
There are very few sauces in this world that taste so great with so few ingredients. And it coats the chicken legs so well, making them beautifully sticky!
* Without cornflour, the sauce is super watery because of all the chicken juices.
How to make baked chicken legs
Pop the chicken legs on a tray, spoon over sauce and bake!
In this recipe, I’ve completed the meal with a side of crispy smashed potatoes made on the same tray. In order to do this, I’ve created a “barrier” between the chicken and potatoes using foil. This makes for easier cleaning up and stops the chicken juices leaking over to the potatoes which makes them soggy instead of crispy!
To prepare the potatoes quickly, I just microwave them. Then place on the tray, squish, drizzle with butter or oil. Together, the potatoes and chicken legs 50 to 60 minutes to bake to perfection – crispy potatoes and sticky chicken legs with tender flesh.
How long does it take to cook drumsticks in the oven?
Sticky drumsticks like this take 50 minutes to cook in the oven at 180°C/350F. This makes them caramelised on the outside with tender flesh.
Some recipes will say to bake them at a higher temperature (220°C/425F) for around 30 minutes. While they will cook through in this time, I find that the flesh is a bit too chewy for my taste.
Sticky drumsticks AND crispy potatoes!
And here’s how they come out – sticky and saucy drumsticks on one side, and crispy potatoes on the other side!
One tray winner winner chicken dinner!
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Sticky baked chicken drumsticks;
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Honey Mustard Sauce; AND
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crispy smashed potatoes.
Throw on a side of steamed veggies of choice and dinner is done.
Active effort time: just over 10 minutes.
Marinating time: Zero
Deliciousness rating: Well, let’s put it this way. There’s a reason why there’s only 7 drumsticks in the photo above when the recipe calls for 8…. Honestly, I have the self control of a child. It’s a disgrace. ?
– Nagi x
Watch how to make it
More terrific baked chicken drumstick recipes
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Greek Chicken (make this with drumsticks instead of thighs)
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Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
Smashed Potatoes (optional):
- 4 x 150g/5oz potatoes (Note 1)
- 2 tbsp / 30 g olive oil or melted butter
Chicken:
- 8 chicken legs (about 1 kg / 2 lb) (Note 2)
- 2 tsp olive oil
Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (Note 3)
- 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard (or use more Dijon)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 garlic clove , minced
- 1 tsp cornflour/cornstarch (Note 4)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
For serving (optional):
- Fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley
- Steamed broccolini
Instructions
Smashed Potatoes option:
- Microwave potatoes for 10 minutes on high or until cooked. (Note 5)
- Place on one side of tray. Squish using potato masher (Note 6) to about 1.7cm / 2/3" thickness. Drizzle with oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- If making smashed potatoes, fold up the edges of the foil the drumsticks are on
Sticky Baked Drumsticks:
- Preheat oven to 180C/350F.
- Mix Sauce ingredients together with a good pinch of salt and pepper.
- Line tray with foil, then top with parchment paper.
- Place drumsticks on paper. If making smashed potatoes, fold up the edges of the foil so the sauce won't leak into the potatoes (doesn't need to be high - even 1cm / 2/5" is enough, video useful).
- Spoon Sauce over drumsticks. Drizzle chicken with olive oil.
Baking
- Bake for 30 minutes. Turn drumsticks (not potatoes), spoon juices over drumsticks.
- Bake for a further 20 minutes, turn, spoon over juices. Bake for 10 - 15 minutes until sauce reduces and the drumsticks are golden and sticky.
- Remove from oven. Squidge the drumsticks around in what should now be a syrupy sauce. (Note 7) Serve drumsticks with sauce, with crispy smashed potatoes and steamed broccolini on the side. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves if using.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Originally published 25 April 2018. Post and recipe tidied up and updated for housekeeping matters. No change to recipe ingredients.
Life of Dozer
This recipe was originally published on ANZAC Day in Australia, on 25 April 2018. It’s a day when we commemorate the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (“ANZACs”) who served and sacrificed for our country in the first world war.
Dozer wears an Anzac rosemary sprig on his collar for (most of) the day and we make a donation to the ANZAC Appeal. A very small gesture. #LestWeForget?
Brian says
Made this tonight with the smashed potatoes and some roasted broccoli. Fantastic chicken. Everyone loved it and commented on it. I used skinless drumsticks and just coated them with a little olive oil before putting them in the pan with the sauce, etc. They browned up nicely even without the skin. Other than that, I changed nothing. It was perfect! Thanks Nagi . for another winner!
Nagi says
Great stuff Brian!
Brian says
Made this tonight with the smashed potatoes and some roasted broccoli. Fantastic chicken. Everyone loved it and commented on it. I used skinless drumsticks and just coated them with a little olive oil before putting them in the pan with the sauce, etc. Other than that, I changed nothing. It was perfect! Thanks Nagi . for another winner!
Ali says
So impressed! This was super easy and delicious! I must admit I was a bit skeptical about the no marinating part but the flavors were amazing. Even my picky 3 year old said she loved it.
Nagi says
Happy to hear it, Ali! Glad your family enjoyed the dish – Nx
Anna says
Hi! Would you be able to make this in the slow cooker?
Marcelyn Mcdade says
Did you ever get an answer about using the slow cooker?
Janelle Abbott says
Have made this a few times now so thought it’s about time I comment. Such an easy recipe that anyone can do. Takes no time at all and the flavours are great. Have made it about 5 times without fail and I will be keeping this one on my repertoire. By the way your smashed roast potatoes are the only way I make roast potatoes now. Could never master the traditional way of cooking them but the smashed roast potatoes never fail. Love all your recipes. 😊
Kelly Hayes says
Made this chicken recipe last night and it was awesome!!! So easy to do and so flavourful! I took the drumsticks out at the 50 minute mark as I could tell they were perfectly done (but organic free-range poultry does tend to cook faster). Thanks Nagi for yet another fantastic recipe. PS: 20 pound turkey is dry brining as I type this in preparation for tomorrow’s Easter dinner. It was a hit at Christmas.
Nathaniel Davis says
I made it! It was quick and simple. The Family loved it!
Thank you,
Nagi says
Awesome Nathaniel!
Rowena says
Another cracker Nagi! This one will be a regular on our dinner menu. Winner, winner! Chicken dinner 🙂
Nagi says
Woot! Great to hear Rowena!
Gregg says
Going to try this recipe this weekend & I’m looking forward to it. I love your drumstick recipes but I also love to grill. Do you have any suggestions for adapting some of these for a smoky grill flavor? If I just used a grill pan to contain the sauces would that work?
Charron Tumpkin says
I made it!!! They LOVE it!!!!!
Thanks so much!!!!!
Ila says
Another delicious chicken recipe from this site! Made for the first time today, turned out so tasty, chicken and potatoes. Thank you so much.
Nagi says
I’m so happy you loved it Ila!
Doris Sikora says
why does Dozer have rosemary in his collar
Nagi says
This post was originally posted on Anzac Day – Rosemary is traditionally worn on Anzac Day, and sometimes on Remembrance Day – N x
Sarah says
Perfect!! The only change I made – was a doubled the recipe, since I was planning on plenty of leftovers for lunches. They were perfect the first night, and the second day, and the third day… 🙂
I also made the smashed potatoes. I used red potatoes. They took about 11 minutes in my microwave. I added a little too much salt to a couple of the them – but the others were perfect and delicious!
I love Dozer’s support of veterans and his crimpy ears!
Nagi says
Sounds fabulous Sarah!
Cynthia says
Oh girl, these were yummy. Family LOVED this! Even my sister who never gets excited over food the way I do. And I loved that I could share the pan with the crispy potatoes. So much easier and less clean up. Would like to see more pan sharing recipes 👍🏻
I didn’t realize the potatoes could be boiled OR nuked but I’ve tried both ways now and microwaved seems to work better for me.
Nagi says
I’m so glad it was a hit Cynthia! I’m such a fan of nuking potatoes, it’s just so easy!
Daniel says
Great recipe, Nagi! I salt&peppered the chicken beforehand, quadrupled the garlic, and added 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes… — delicious!
Nagi says
Yum!
benedetta says
I did it tonight and everybody loved it. THANKS
Vicky says
I love to try.this recipes
Nagi says
I hope you do, I’d love to know what you think!
Colleen says
Well I just love all your recipes,this time I didn’t have anything other then boneless skinless chicken breasts. Well I’m giving it a try… Started potatoes 20 ahead. Baked chicken breasts 20 minutes then basted 5 minutes flipped and baked additional 20 minutes. Basted chicken and broiled 1-2 minutes.I had to leave sauce to thicken once chicken breast were done. Delicious!
Happy New Year to you and your family 🐾
Nagi says
I’m so glad it worked! Thanks for the feedback Colleen!
Marcia says
A quick, easy and such a delicious dish..will be a regular for sure..thankyou..xx
Nagi says
Awesome Marcia, so glad you love it!
Muna says
This was so so delicious! I boiled the potatoes for 20 mins but when I used the masher to smoosh them, they kind of disintegrated. Any advice on how to avoid this in the future?
Nagi says
Hi Muna, it depends on the type of potatoes, some that are more starchy tend to break apart where waxy stick together!