Baked Honey Mustard Chicken

This honey mustard chicken recipe transforms humble drumsticks into a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort. The balanced sweet, tangy, and savory flavors create a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious that practically cooks itself.

The first time I made this honey mustard chicken, my kitchen filled with an irresistible aroma that brought everyone to the table before I even called for dinner. Now it's requested at least twice a month in our home, especially during busy weeks.

Ingredients

• Soy sauce: Adds savory umami depth that balances the sweetness perfectly. Use low sodium to control saltiness
• Chili flakes: Provide a gentle heat that complements the honey without overwhelming it. Adjust to your spice preference
• Honey: Creates that gorgeous sticky glaze and natural sweetness. Local raw honey works beautifully if available
• Grainy mustard: Offers texture and tanginess that elevates the sauce. The whole mustard seeds pop with flavor in every bite
• Olive oil: Helps the sauce cling to the chicken and promotes even browning
• Salt and pepper: Enhance all the other flavors. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to taste
• Chicken drumsticks: Stay juicy and flavorful through baking. Look for plump ones with good color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Begin by heating your oven to 375℉. This moderate temperature allows the chicken to cook through while giving the sauce time to reduce and caramelize without burning.

Prepare The Sauce:

Whisk together soy sauce, chili flakes, honey, mustard, olive oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the mixture emulsifies into a smooth, cohesive sauce. The olive oil should fully incorporate with no separation.

Coat The Chicken:

Arrange your drumsticks in a 9x13 inch baking dish, spacing them evenly. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, then turn each piece to ensure complete coverage. Make sure every drumstick is generously coated for maximum flavor development.

Bake To Perfection:

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately one hour. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the skin has taken on a beautiful caramelized color. The sauce will have thickened slightly and become sticky.

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I always double the sauce portion of this recipe because my family literally fights over who gets to sop up the last bits with bread. The combination of honey and mustard creates a nostalgic flavor that reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house, but with a modern twist from the soy sauce and chili.

Make Ahead Options

This honey mustard chicken actually improves with time, making it perfect for meal prep. You can combine the chicken and sauce up to 24 hours before cooking, allowing the meat to marinate in the refrigerator. This intensifies the flavor and tenderizes the chicken even further. Just remember to let the dish sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before putting it in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

The true magic of this dish lies in its versatility. Pair it with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the incredible sauce. For a more complete meal, add a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The bright, clean flavors of the vegetables complement the rich, sticky chicken beautifully.

Storage And Reheating

Leftover honey mustard chicken keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, though the texture will be slightly less crisp. The flavors often deepen overnight, making this dish exceptional for lunch the next day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of drumsticks?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for drumsticks in this honey mustard dish. Keep in mind that chicken breasts typically cook faster than drumsticks and may dry out more easily. You'll want to reduce the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes (depending on thickness) and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

→ What sides pair well with honey mustard chicken?

This honey mustard chicken pairs wonderfully with sides that can soak up the delicious sauce. Consider serving it with fluffy rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a fresh green salad. Crusty bread also works well for mopping up the extra sauce.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the honey mustard sauce and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for even more flavor development. Store in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You can also fully cook the dish and reheat it later, though the chicken may not be quite as juicy as when freshly made.

→ How spicy is this chicken dish?

With just ½ teaspoon of chili flakes, this honey mustard chicken has a mild heat level that most people will find pleasant rather than overpowering. The spice is balanced by the sweetness of honey and the tanginess of mustard. If you prefer more heat, you can increase the chili flakes, or reduce them for a milder version.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should be cooked for about an hour at 375°F, but the most reliable way to check doneness is using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the drumstick. The meat should no longer be pink, and the juices should run clear when pierced.

→ Can I use different types of mustard?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for grainy mustard, you can experiment with Dijon mustard for a stronger flavor, yellow mustard for a milder taste, or honey mustard for additional sweetness. Each type will give the dish a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the honey-mustard character.