Honey Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with Mashed Potatoes

Juicy chicken drumsticks coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey glaze, served alongside creamy homemade mashed potatoes. This comforting family dinner is easy to prepare and packed with delicious flavor.

🍗 Ingredients

For the Chicken Drumsticks

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

For the Honey Glaze

• ⅓ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup warm milk
• ¼ cup heavy cream, optional
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves roasted or minced garlic, optional

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Line a large baking sheet or baking dish with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it.

2. Season the Drumsticks

Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels.

Place them in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.

Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Make the Honey Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, melted butter, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.

Set aside about ¼ cup of the glaze for serving.

4. Bake the Chicken

Bake the drumsticks for 20 minutes.

Remove the pan and brush the chicken generously with the honey glaze.

Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, brushing with additional glaze once or twice.

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

For extra caramelization, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully because honey can burn quickly.

5. Make the Mashed Potatoes

While the chicken cooks, place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold salted water.

Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender.

Drain well.

Return the potatoes to the warm pot.

Add butter, warm milk, cream if using, salt, and black pepper.

Mash until smooth and creamy.

Stir in roasted or minced garlic if desired.

6. Serve

Place a generous scoop of mashed potatoes on each plate.

Add 2 chicken drumsticks and drizzle with a little extra honey glaze.

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

⭐ Tips for Perfect Honey Glazed Drumsticks

• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the skin brown nicely.
• Brush on the honey glaze partway through cooking rather than at the beginning to prevent it from burning.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
• For crispier skin, place the drumsticks under the broiler for the final 1–2 minutes.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking pan.
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🍽️ What to Serve With It

Complete the meal with:

• Steamed broccoli
• Green beans
• Roasted carrots
• Corn on the cob
• Coleslaw
• Dinner rolls
• Simple green salad

⏱️ Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: About 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American comfort food
Method: Oven-baked