When you think of comfort food, crispy baked chicken legs glazed with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce often come to mind. This easy Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Legs recipe is a family favorite and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, preparing a weeknight dinner, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish has everything you need: flavor, simplicity, and versatility. Read on to learn how to make this delectable dish, plus tips and variations to customize it to your liking.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 8 chicken legs (drumsticks)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Optional Ingredients for Casserole Variation:
- 4 large potatoes, cubed
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 large carrots, cut into rounds
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the oven rack in the middle position to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Honey Mustard Marinade
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This blend of tangy and sweet flavors will coat the chicken beautifully and give it a sticky, caramelized finish once baked.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken Legs
Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel. Drying the chicken helps achieve a crispier skin. Place the chicken legs in a large ziplock bag or a bowl and pour the honey mustard marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, though a few hours or overnight will yield the best results.
Step 4: Arrange the Chicken
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the marinated chicken legs on the baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly. If you prefer the casserole variation, place the cubed potatoes, sliced onions, and carrots on the baking sheet first, creating a bed for the chicken legs. Pour chicken broth over the vegetables.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Bake the chicken legs in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can baste the chicken with extra honey mustard sauce halfway through cooking for a more intense flavor. If you’re making the casserole version, ensure the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 6: Broil for Crispier Skin
For an extra-crispy finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning. The honey in the marinade will caramelize, giving the chicken a beautiful golden-brown color.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the honey mustard chicken legs with your favorite side dishes, like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Tips and Variations
Why Put Mustard on Chicken Before Cooking?
Mustard acts as a binder, helping the marinade adhere to the chicken while also adding moisture and flavor. The acidity in mustard tenderizes the meat, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken legs.
Is Mustard a Good Binder for Baked Chicken?
Absolutely! Mustard is a great binder because it clings to the chicken skin and locks in the marinade’s flavors, ensuring every bite is tangy and moist. The mustard also helps the honey caramelize, adding a sweet and savory layer of flavor.
Why Are My Baked Chicken Legs Tough?
Tough chicken legs are often the result of overcooking. To avoid this, use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Additionally, marinating the chicken in honey mustard beforehand can help tenderize the meat.
Is Honey Dijon Good with Chicken?
Yes! Honey Dijon is a perfect match for chicken. The sweetness of the honey pairs wonderfully with the sharp, tangy mustard, creating a balanced flavor profile. The addition of garlic and paprika adds depth to the sauce, making it a delicious complement to the savory chicken.
Variations:
- Spicy Honey Mustard: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the honey mustard marinade for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a more aromatic dish.
- Casserole Variation: Transform this dish into a one-pan meal by adding vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions. Bake everything together, and you’ll have a complete dinner in one dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Sugars: 12g
This nutritional breakdown assumes a standard serving size of one chicken leg and does not account for any additional side dishes.
There you have it! An easy, crowd-pleasing recipe for Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Legs that is sure to become a favorite in your household. This dish is simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to suit any meal. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or experiment with the casserole variation, these chicken legs are guaranteed to be a hit.
Don’t forget to share your cooking experiences and tips in the comments below. We would love to hear how this recipe turned out for you! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out some of our other easy chicken drumstick recipes on easycrispyrecipes.com. Happy cooking.