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:
Unbelievably easy – just spoon sauce over the chicken legs and bake;
Magical 5 ingredient Honey Mustard Sauce
They roast beautifully so they’re sticky and golden;
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:
Dijon mustard (or other plain mild mustard)
Honey
Garlic
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!
Sticky baked chicken drumsticks;
Honey Mustard Sauce; AND
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
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?
The chicken looks delicious. BUT please do not dress Dozer in that suit. He is much too dignified to be made to look ridiculous in a suit. He has his own fur coat
Suit??!!
Hi Nagi. On yesterdays photo there was a picture of Dozer looking at a dog’s suit on a hanger. I cant find the picture again. Sorry if I got it wrong
Hi Linda!!! ooh…. his embarrassing kimono I brought back from Japan! 😂 You mean… THIS one…?? https://salesdock.info/garlic-bread/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Hi Nagi. Yes that is the one. Poor Dozer, how embarrasing
The picture of Dozer with the black jacket and printed pants is on the same post as an Easter picture of him with rabbit ears and an Easter egg.
This meal looks delicious, I’m sure the homeless gentleman was thrilled. I’ll bet you shared that missing drumstick with Dozer! He appears to be very serious about doing his patriotic duty. He’s such a handsome bloke!!
He didn’t try any actually! I haven’t seen him for a while, we keep missing each other at the park 🙂 N xx
Yummo. I make something similar but put a little mayonnaise in the sauce too. I will try yours for one less ingredient.
MAUREEEEEEEEN!!! I’ve missed seeing you “around”! Sending over hugs to you, John and Charlie 🙂 N xx
Dozer: I have my sprig of rosemary resting on the compute from yesterday . . .thank you Nagi! My most special day of the year and not just for Gallipoli or Villers-Bretonneux but all since. At the going down of the sun and in the morning . . . . lest we forget . . . Oh – make the chicken almost identically in a double portion: they are so good cold 🙂 !
Oh Eha. I love hearing that. And thank you for sharing the Aussie story of Anzac Day with others. 🙂 N xx
I love getting your recipes in my inbox, they are not only wonderful, I enjoy your frank and honest and humorous discourse about them, about you, and about Dozer.
So this one appeared today and fortunately I had four chicken thighs defrosting for dinner tonight. Made the chicken, did not make the potatoes (trying to stay low carb, you know) and the chicken was outstanding! For the rest of the low carb dinner I made one sweet potato for two, and a combo of roasted cauliflower and broccoli, in the oven at the same time as the chicken. All were outstanding, , but the chicken was the highlight, it would go with anything.
BTW, like Teresa who also made this recipe, I also live in NC. You have a bunch of us fans up here!
LOVE that you tried this so quickly Carol!!! I’m so glad you enjoyed this. And cauliflower and broccoli is a GREAT low carb side option! Thanks for sharing that idea – N xx
Ok, took Chicken thighs out of the freezer for tea and was going to do your Balsamic glazed chicken but this was in my inbox this morning so will be doing honey mustard chicken.
Thanks for all the wonderful recipes that you share.
Oooh! Hope you loved it Vicky!! N xx
It was fabulous Nagi, and then used another of your recipes Saturday night LOL
🙌🏻 N xx
A steamer is fantastic for steaming potatoes. Have the ingredients on hand to make this tonight, thanks Nagi.
(Except the brocolini) will sub with bok choy and pak choy we have. Hugs for beautiful Dozer. 🙂
Oooh hope you loved it Deborah! N xx PS Microwave steamer – I don’t know why I don’t use it more often!! N xx
2nd post having problem, reply gets wiped out. Not working.
Hmm, let me look into it. Hate tech probs! N xx
Hi, Nagi, from North Carolina in the US. I made this chicken and potatoes tonight using 2 bone-in/skin-on chicken thighs and two Red Bliss potatoes, I scaled down the sauce amounts just a little and the dish turned out delicious! I’ll make this again, for sure, and I have leftovers for tomorrow – goody!
Thanks for such an easy and tasty dinner idea. It helped that I had everything I needed on hand, just subbed green peas for the broccolini.
Woah! You made it so quickly – WOW!!!! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed this Teresa. N xx
I too plan to make this with thighs as I prefer them to drumsticks. Looks delicious! I have made and enjoyed your Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes many times. If these new crispy potatoes are even half as good, they will be scrumptious!
Thank you, Nagi!
Oooh this is terrific with thighs! Same cook time 🙂 Hope you love it Ayn! N xx
I love this…..I plan to try chicken thighs as that is what I have in freezer…am certain it will be great!!!! CAN’T WAIT !!!! Love Dozer…..he is so precious….thanks so much for all your short cuts…love the idea of the foil!!! Have not thought of that…..Happy ANZAC day!!!!!
Hope you try and LOVE this Anne! It is so good with thighs! 🙂 N xx
Dozer looks like he’s channeling Winston Churchill (Yes, I know, he was of the WWII era but those involved in the WWI conflict would certainly relate). Lovely tribute. What is the significance of the sprig of rosemary?
As to the smashed potatoes…it feels good sometimes to wield our simple kitchen implements to relieve daily frustrations, yes? Hey, and then we get to EAT the crispy remains.
Hi Vivian! Rosemary is our emblem for Anzac Day and it is said that our troops used to wear them because it helped with memory 🙂
As for the smashing?? Oh yes. Such a satisfying and productive outlet! 😂 N xx
Oh, and just a wee question. How do Aussies view Kiwis? Kinda like Americans view Canadians? Just curious.
Great mates except when it comes to rugby and arguments over who invented Pavlova! 😂
I’m a Canadian who lived in Oz for 30 years and only recently returned to Canada. Australians like Kiwis and they are part of the country, lots of Kiwis live there.. They are allowed to come and go, work, etc in Australia. My “Australian” BFF is a Kiwi. You may perhaps get a different perspective from a “real” Australian 😉.
PS how do Americans view Canadians 😉?
I whole heartedly agree! 🙂 N xx (Wait – except when it comes to rugby, they are our arch enemies!)
Hi Wendy,
Wow, quite the different situation…Kiwis can WORK in OZ?, COME and GO as they please?? Try that here and you’d most likely be turned away at the border…very protectionist and very much moreso these days! I think Americans view us as overly polite, apologetic and kinda wimpy but …..a great cache of resources.
I think my (our) country, Canada, is a fine, fine place to live. I was born here almost 70 years ago and I wouldn’t change a thing. The world is wide and I have seen much of it…but I am always so thankful to return home.
Oh, we still need passports to come and go but there are more flexible rules around working and migration than with other countries!!! N xx
Vivian – rosemary traditionally is the herb of remembrance and few true blue Australians would be without it on the day. The homage may have begun at ANZAC Cove in Turkey and the horrific battlefields in E France during WWI but forever now we pay respect to all Diggers of whichever war including Afghanistan . . . I wish you could be part of a traditional Dawn Service in the dark or see little grandchildren and great-grandchildren march in one of the thousands around the country so proudly wearing all the family medals . . .
❤️
And I shall…thank you Eha. We lost so many. It is a small gesture but now I shall honour and remember. Yes, I would be humbled and proud to be part of such a gathering. As a Canadian, we share such a wealth of common history. So many signed up and went “over there” and were lost. My family too.
Could I use boneless chicken breasts for this?
Hi Candace, not for this one unfortunately. I would need to adjust the recipe and do some testing to see how to get the sauce to thicken in the time it takes for breast to cook. I will share a baked breast with the same sauce soon! N xx
Hi Nagi, this recipe looks and seems like it will be delicious, I was wondering if you think that I could substitute thighs for the drumsticks in this recipe since I have thighs in the fridge now and this recipe sounds like it would be perfect for dinner tonight. Love,love your recipes, comments and pictures, I’m so happy that I discovered your site several months ago!
Yes!! I’m sorry I forgot to include it in the recipe notes when I published it, I have since updated. With skin on bone in thighs, use the recipe as is! N xx
You always manage to bring a smile with your recipe descriptions, Nagi….(i.e. missing pieces???) And the confession that follows – (so we know that Dozer wasn’t the culprit!).
Don’t have any chicken drumsticks on hand, but will be purchasing some the next time I’m in town – so I can make this scrup-dilly- icious easy meal.
We (in Canada) remember the sacrifices of our veterans on November 11th each year. So many didn’t return, and so many that did return returned scarred for life. Physically and emotionally…..WE MUST REMEMBER WAR – NO MORE!
I’m just a disgrace Patricia. In all honesty, I snapped a few pics and though “that’ll do” and grabbed a drumstick while I was checking the photos. Was thoroughly dissatisfied with them so I took more photos …. except I was one drumstick short. Oops! 🙂 I remember that Canada’s Remembrance Day is 11th November – my Canadian friends remind me 🙂 N xx
You always make me smile with your comments r/t making your recipes Nagi.
And delighted to hear that you have some Canadian friends – we may have cold weather up here, but, always warm hearts.
Give a treat to Dozer for us Canucks, o.k.
P.S……I have the chicken drumsticks in the refrigerator as I write this……will make up the recipe tomorrow……yummmmmmm!
Can I boil the potatoes if I don’t have a microwave?
Nevermind! Just reread your notes!
This looks delicious!
If I don’t have a microwave, is there another way to get the potatoes soft before putting it all on the pan?
Hi Kat! They can definitely just be boiled 🙂 I was just being lazy! N xx
The little foil BBQ trays at Colesworths would be perfect for keeping the spuds safe.
Oh yes!!! 🙂 N x
LOL! The food I photograph always tends to be less a little bite or two (or six)! Sometimes you get hungry. Those wings so look so deliciously sticky, just how I like my wings. And what an easy way to cook them. I’m all about microwaved potatoes when I need a fast cook. Boiling water IS tiring LOL! I will be making these drumsticks.
I know, right?? It’s the hardest job ever!!!