Maple-Mustard Baked Chicken Drumstick



Maple-Mustard Baked Chicken Drumstick


Deliciously sweet, tangy, and smoky, these succulent Maple Mustard Chicken Legs offer a quick and simple dinner option with only a few ingredients. Ideal for preparation in either an oven or an air fryer!
If you seek a chicken recipe that is straightforward, flavorful, and adaptable, these Maple Mustard Chicken Legs could very well become your preferred choice.
The blend of sweet maple syrup, zesty mustard, and smoky paprika forms a robust glaze that adheres perfectly to the tender drumsticks.
Regardless of whether you bake them in the oven or crisp them in an air fryer, they provide a gratifying bite each time.
I enjoy preparing this dish for weeknight meals as it requires minimal effort yet feels special enough to serve to guests.
The glaze caramelizes exquisitely, enveloping the chicken in a sticky, golden finish, and the flavor? Envision a flawless harmony of sweet, tangy, smoky, and savory.
I take pleasure in making a large batch and bringing them to a potluck or game day gathering. They are so delicious that everyone appreciates the flavors, and they are even enjoyable cold the following day at a picnic!
Savor them for dinner alongside 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad and Melted Leeks for a complete meal.

The glaze caramelizes exquisitely, enveloping the chicken in a sticky, golden finish, and the flavor? Envision a flawless harmony of sweet, tangy, smoky, and savory.
I take pleasure in making a large batch and bringing them to a potluck or game day gathering. They are so delicious that everyone appreciates the flavors, and they are even enjoyable cold the following day at a picnic!
Savor them for dinner alongside 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad and Melted Leeks for a complete meal.

Versatile cooking techniques: You can either bake them in the oven or crisp them in an air fryer—it's your choice!
Crowd favorite: These drumsticks are popular among both children and adults.
Simple ingredients: Most of what you need is probably already in your pantry.
Make-ahead option: Marinate in advance to ease your workload on hectic days.

Ingredients
Chicken Legs: commonly referred to as drumsticks. If you are using frozen ones, ensure to thaw them safely in a container in the refrigerator overnight. Fresh or frozen chicken legs can be found in the meat or frozen section of your grocery store.
Oil: Opt for olive oil, canola oil, or your preferred cooking oil.
Maple Syrup: This ingredient adds sweetness to balance the marinade and caramelizes on the chicken legs.
Mustard: I utilized whole grain, but Dijon, yellow, English, and German varieties are also suitable.
Smoked Paprika: Contributes a deep, smoky flavor.
Dried Italian Herbs: Enhances the flavor profile of your chicken legs even further.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the flavors.
Refer to the recipe card for the complete method and ingredient quantities.

Instructions
If you are curious about how to prepare this maple mustard chicken legs recipe, rest assured, it is straightforward!

Simply adhere to this step-by-step photo guide. Then, scroll down to the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and the recipe method.
Pat the drumsticks dry using a paper towel and place the legs in a large bowl. Incorporate the oil, maple syrup, mustard, paprika, herbs, and salt.

Toss the chicken legs in the marinade to ensure they are well coated. You can either cook them immediately or marinate the chicken by covering the bowl and refrigerating for 30 minutes or up to overnight.

To bake in the oven:

Begin by preheating the oven to 400°F. 
Arrange the seasoned chicken legs in a single layer within a large rimmed baking dish.
Insert the dish into the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the chicken legs are thoroughly cooked and the skin has achieved a light golden brown color.
TIP: To verify that the chicken legs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F).

To air fry:

Position the chicken legs in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if the basket is limited in size).
Set the temperature to 380°F (190°C) and cook for 10 minutes, then use tongs to turn the drumsticks and continue cooking for an additional 7-8 minutes or until they are fully cooked.

Serving Suggestions
Classic accompaniments: Serve alongside roasted potatoes and Arkansas green beans.
Salad pairing: Complement with a refreshing side salad dressed in a tangy strawberry vinaigrette.
Rice bowls: Shred the chicken and serve it over rice with your preferred vegetables.
Wraps: Encase in flatbreads with lettuce and a spoonful of garlic yogurt.
Party platters: Present on a platter with dipping sauces for an appealing appetizer.

Variations
Alter the type of mustard used for a completely different taste. I opted for whole grain mustard, but alternatives include yellow, Dijon, or German mustard, among others...
Consider replacing the maple syrup with honey.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, incorporate a splash of hot sauce into the marinade.
If time permits, marinate the chicken legs in a covered bowl in the refrigerator overnight.

Storage
Refrigeration: Keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a maximum of 4 days.
Freezing: Cooked chicken legs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator prior to reheating.


Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, preferably grade B
  • 2 tablespoons peanut or canola oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4-41/2 pounds bone-in chicken pieces, (thighs, drumsticks and/or breasts), skin removed, trimmed (see Tip)
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs , preferably whole-wheat

INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a large bowl, whisk together mustard, maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of oil, thyme, pepper, and salt. Add the chicken and turn it to ensure an even coating. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 6 hours.

2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a wire rack on a large baking sheet.

3. On a plate, combine breadcrumbs with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Dredge the skinned side of each chicken piece in the breadcrumbs (for drumsticks, dredge the meatier side) and arrange them breaded-side up on the wire rack, ensuring there is at least 1 inch of space between each piece.

4. Bake until the chicken is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which should take about 35 to 40 minutes. Serve hot, or allow to cool, refrigerate, and serve chilled.

Tips:
When using a mix of thighs, chicken drumsticks, and breasts, it is advisable to cut each breast in half crosswise (prior to marinating) to create smaller pieces that are approximately the size of an average chicken thigh. Additionally, if whole legs are purchased, ensure to separate the chicken drumsticks from the thighs. When all pieces are of similar size, they will cook evenly.
To prepare 1 1/2 cups of fresh breadcrumbs, remove the crusts from about 3 slices of whole-wheat bread. Tear the bread into pieces and process in a food processor until coarse crumbs are formed.
MAKE AHEAD TIP: The chicken can be marinated for up to 6 hours. The baked chicken drumsticks can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
The baked chicken drumstick recipe is ready to serve... delightful! Enjoy the celebration!
butter-baked-wings-and-drumsticks

BAKED CHICKEN DRUMSTICK








BAKED CHICKEN
DRUMSTICK RECIPES

This recipe for baked chicken drumsticks is not only simple but also allows you to quickly prepare it in the oven. A seasoning blend consisting of three ingredients imparts excellent flavor and color. Additionally, the key to achieving a beautifully crispy skin lies in the addition of a small amount of baking powder. If you are skeptical, I encourage you to check the reviews for my Truly Crispy Baked Chicken Wings, which employs the same technique!

Crispy Baked Chicken Legs

In my opinion, when it comes to sheer munchability (a newly coined term), chicken drumsticks surpass chicken breasts any day. I would much prefer to grab a drumstick with my hands and savor the tender meat off the bone rather than delicately eating a chicken breast with a knife and fork!

However, perhaps that is just my personal preference.

Therefore, if you share my sentiments – or even if you do not (!) 😇 – here is an excellent recipe for everyday chicken drumsticks to try. It is seasoned with a straightforward rub reminiscent of BBQ, made from just paprika, onion, and garlic powder (I bet you have all three in your pantry!) and combined with flour to ensure the legs are coated thoroughly.

As for a little tip to achieve that delightful crispy skin? A hint of baking powder. Yes, indeed. Continue reading!

Seasoning for Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

To prepare these drumsticks, here is what you will need. Baking powder serves as the secret ingredient that ensures the skin remains crispy. Meanwhile, flour is utilized to enhance the seasoning mixture, allowing us to coat the chicken legs evenly.

Chicken drumsticks – While this recipe specifically calls for chicken legs, you can also use chicken wings and skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs.

Baking powder (for that crispy skin!) – It is important to note that this should not be confused with baking soda or bi-carb, as they are different! Baking powder is a well-established ingredient used in my baked chicken wings to achieve a crispier chicken skin. There is a significant amount of science behind its effectiveness, but all you need to understand is that it works!

To ensure complete transparency, I must candidly state that the skin in this recipe does not achieve the same level of crispiness as that found in wings. This difference arises because the wings possess plain skin, while these legs are seasoned, which inhibits crisping (albeit in exchange for enhanced flavor!). 

However, without any baking powder, the chicken skin on the drumsticks tends to be somewhat soggy. While non-crispy chicken skin can be acceptable when baking drumsticks with a glaze, such as in my Sticky Honey Soy Baked Chicken or Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Drumsticks, this particular recipe benefits significantly from having skin that is at least slightly crisp!

Spice mix – We will utilize a blend of smoked or plain paprika, along with onion and garlic powder. These three spices form a classic seasoning combination reminiscent of an American barbecue rub, which I frequently employ in various dishes (including my rub for pork chops and baked chicken breasts). If you do not have both onion and garlic powder, you may substitute one for the other.

Flour – This ingredient is used to enhance the seasoning, allowing for an even coating on the chicken legs.

How to prepare Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks
The key to achieving crispy baked drumsticks lies in stretching the skin over the drumsticks as much as possible (since the flesh will not crisp!) and then applying the seasoned flour evenly across the skin.

Seasoning – Combine the spices and flour in a bowl. A shallow bowl is recommended for easier coating of the chicken legs with the seasoning.

Coat drumsticks in oil – The oil aids in adhering the seasoning to the chicken while also promoting a nice browning of the skin during baking. I find it most effective to use my hands to rub the oil all over, ensuring that each drumstick is thoroughly coated.

Stretch skin – The more skin that remains over the flesh, the crispier your drumsticks will be! Therefore, pull and stretch the skin to cover the flesh as completely as possible. Although some skin will inevitably shrink back during baking, neglecting this step entirely will result in a drumstick that is mostly devoid of skin. 

Coat the legs with seasoning – Dip, turn, and use your fingers to sprinkle on top as necessary. Then, shake off any excess; otherwise, you will end up with a rather thick layer of a pasty coating on the chicken legs.

Arrange on a tray – Position the legs on a rack placed on a foil-lined tray. Why use foil? It simplifies your cleanup process. Why a rack? To achieve crispy undersides! If you do not have a rack, line the tray with paper instead and turn the drumsticks halfway through cooking, anticipating an additional 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure the top becomes crispy.

Apply oil spray – Next, spray the legs with oil. Be generous! This will enhance their crispiness and give them a golden appearance, resembling a frying effect!

Bake for 30 minutes at 200°C/390°F (180°C fan), rotating the tray once to ensure even cooking. Then, increase the oven temperature to 220°C/430°F (200°C fan) and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until they are crisp and golden. You may find that an extra 5 minutes is necessary to achieve crispy skin, depending on how evenly your oven distributes heat.

Once they are done, serve them immediately while they are still hot!

What to accompany with Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks
These drumsticks are quite versatile and pair well with a variety of other dishes. Consider serving these drumsticks alongside Fried Rice and a simple Garden Salad, as shown above. Alternatively, prepare a large batch of Macaroni Salad or Potato Salad – these are excellent side dishes that can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. For a different option, try my marinated Vegetable Pasta Salad (a fantastic starch and vegetable side), a Quinoa Kale Salad (with marinated kale!), or a hearty Sweet Potato Salad.

Recipe Notes:
1. Alternative chicken cuts – You may also opt for chicken wings (which require the same cooking time and temperature) or skin-on, bone-in thighs (bake for 35 minutes at 200°C/390°F (180°C fan) followed by 15 minutes at a higher temperature, as per the recipe).
2. Spice substitutions:
  • Garlic powder: substitute with additional onion powder
  • Onion powder: substitute with additional garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika: substitute with regular/sweet paprika

3. Purpose of baking powder – It is important not to confuse baking powder with baking soda / bi-carb, which is significantly stronger than baking powder and will not yield a pleasant taste!! Baking powder serves as a secret technique to enhance the crispiness of chicken skin, a method that has been tried and tested with chicken wings (a very popular recipe on my website!). While it does not render these drumsticks extremely crispy due to their seasoning as opposed to being plain skin (like the wings), omitting it will result in noticeably less crispiness. The flavor of the baking powder is undetectable.

4. Tray preparation – Why use foil lining? It simplifies the cleanup process. Why use a rack? To achieve crispy undersides! If you do not have a rack, you can line with paper instead and turn the drumsticks halfway through cooking, but be prepared to extend the baking time by an additional 5 to 10 minutes to ensure the top becomes crispy.
5. Nutritional information per serving (i.e., 5 servings, 2.4 drumsticks per person)


INGREDIENTS
  • Enough choice pieces of chicken drumsticks for 8 people
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • Butter
  • Salt
  • Pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Butter baking dish, arrange individual pieces of chicken drumstick in dish. Salt and pepper as desired. Distribute the soups evenly over the chicken drumstick. Dot lightly with butter. Bake at 350 degrees for about an hour, or until chicken is tender and brown as desired.
Nice served with rice and the soup makes delicious gravy. The chicken drumstick recipe is ready to serve....enjoy it !
butter-baked-wings-and-drumsticks

Paprika Chicken Drumsticks



 Paprika Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients
  • 10 chicken drumstics
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tsp paprika
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • rind of 1 lemon
  • salt
Instructions

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees celsius approx 400 Fahrenheit
Line a roasting pan with baking paper (you don’t have to but it does make clean up easier)
Place the drums in the roasting pan, keep them single layer with just a little space between each
In a small bowl whisk together the marinade, oil, paprika, garlic, lemon rind and salt (you can use a whisk or fork, you just want it well combined
Pour the marinade over the drums, I use a brush to spread it evenly
Bake in the hot oven for 45 mins, if you like a crispier  skin, at the 40 min mark baste the drums with the pan juices and pop your oven on grill for the final 5 mins of cooking. Serve. Cool. Enjoy the  Paprika Chicken Drumsticks recipes !!!

 Paprika Chicken Drumsticks Video :






Honeyed Chicken Drumstick



Honeyed Chicken Drumstick 

Baked Chicken Drumstick Recipe Ingredients
  • 8 chicken drumsticks and/or thighs (about 2 pounds total)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Dash ground red pepper
Baked Chicken Drumstick Recipe Instructions: 

1. Arrange chicken pieces in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan making sure pieces do not touch. Bake in a 400 degree F oven for 30 minutes. 
2. Meanwhile, combine green onion, honey, garlic powder, and ground red pepper. Brush chicken pieces with honey mixture. Return to oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes more or until golden brown and chicken is no longer pink. Makes 4 servings...enjoy the Honeyed Chicken Drumstick !! !


Honeyed Chicken Drumstick Video :




Mustard Crisp Chicken Drumstick



Mustard Crisp Chicken Drumstick 

Baked Chicken Drumstick Recipe Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Dijon-style mustard
  • 1 tablespoon snipped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/2 teaspoon bottled minced garlic or 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups soft bread crumbs or 1-1/4 cups fine dry bread crumbs
  • 2-1/2 pounds meaty chicken pieces, skin removed
  • 2 tablespoons margarine or butter, melted
Baked Chicken Drumstick Recipe Instructions: 

1. In a bowl combine mustard, thyme, water, garlic, pepper, paprika, and cinnamon. In another bowl or plastic bag place bread crumbs. Coat chicken with mustard mixture, then roll or shake in the bread crumbs. Arrange chicken in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan so pieces do not touch. 
2. Cover pan with plastic wrap; refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. 
3. When ready to serve, drizzle chicken with melted margarine or butter. Bake chicken, uncovered, in a 375 degree F oven for 40 to 50 minutes or until crisp and tender and no pink remains. Do not turn. Makes 6 servings. Cool. Enjoy the Mustard Crisp Chicken Drumstick recipes. !!
Mustard Crisp Chicken Drumstick Video :




Oven-Fried Parmesan Chicken Drumstick



Oven-Fried Parmesan Chicken Drumstick 

Baked Chicken Drumstick Recipe Ingredients
  • 1 beaten egg
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 to 2-1/2 pounds meaty chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, and drumsticks)
  • 2 tablespoons margarine or butter, melted
Baked Chicken Drumstick Recipe Instructions : 

1. Combine egg and milk in a small bowl. Combine Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, oregano, paprika, and pepper in a shallow dish.
 2. Skin chicken if desired. Dip chicken pieces into egg mixture; coat with crumb mixture. Arrange chicken pieces in a greased 15x10x2-inch baking pan so pieces don't touch. Drizzle chicken pieces with the melted margarine or butter. 
3. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 45 to 55 minutes or until chicken is tender and no longer pink. Do not turn chicken pieces during baking. Immediately transfer chicken to a covered container; serve within 1 hour. Or cover and chill chicken; transport in an insulated container with ice packs. Makes 6 servings. Cool. Enjoy the Oven-Fried Parmesan Chicken Drumstick !! 

Oven-Fried Parmesan Chicken Drumstick Video :



Cooker chicken drumstick recipes



Cooker chicken drumstick recipes 

Cuban Style Chicken Legs ...a nice chicken drumstick recipe to try ! 

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 8 small whole peeled potatoes
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 leaf fresh sage
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 pounds chicken leg quarters
INSTRUCTIONS 

In a medium bowl, combine onion, garlic, bell pepper, and potatoes. Stir in tomato sauce and wine; season with cumin, sage leaf, and salt and pepper. Place chicken legs in slow cooker, and pour mixture over chicken. Cover, and cook on Low heat until juices run clear, about 6 to 8 hours. The chicken drumstick recipes is ready to serve now ! Enjoy it ! baked-chicken-wings-or-drumsticks

Cooker chicken drumstick recipes Video :