We recently had friends call us excited about taking their two little ones to a New Year’s parade. Tailgating was a must, and they wanted a simple, kid-friendly dish to serve. Patti answered the call with this Honey Mustard Chicken Drummies recipe — an easy, crowd-pleasing option that’s great for family gatherings and tailgate parties.
When asked what sides to pair with the drummies, Ken joked the best side is a stack of napkins. The sweet-and-savory sauce we used combines a quality BBQ base with Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and a hint of chipotle for optional warmth. The result is sticky, flavorful chicken that kids and adults both love.
Backyard BBQ — A Wood Pellet Grill Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes at 350°F (177°C)
Grill: Wood pellet grill or oven
Recommended pellets: Fruitwoods such as apple for a mild, sweet smoke
Ingredients: Honey Mustard Chicken Drummies
- 10 chicken drumsticks
- Seasoning to taste (salt-free poultry rub recommended)
BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup orange blossom honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chipotle powder (optional, for a smoky heat)
Directions: Honey Mustard Chicken Drummies
1. Generously season the drumsticks with your chosen poultry rub or salt-free seasoning.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and chipotle powder until smooth. Set the sauce aside until you’re ready to baste.
3. Preheat your wood pellet grill to 350°F (177°C). Arrange the drumsticks on the grill grates or on a rack for easy handling. We like to use a shelf or rack for convenience and even cooking.
4. Cook the drumsticks for about 45 minutes, turning once halfway through. Brush the sauce onto the chicken during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking so the glaze becomes sticky but does not burn.
5. Remove the chicken when the internal temperature reaches around 180°F (82°C) for tender, flaky meat. The USDA minimum safe temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C), but many cooks prefer pulling drumsticks a bit higher for texture. Remember the temperature will rise a few degrees while resting.
6. Let the drumsticks rest, covered, for 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and the glaze to set.
Tip: Apply the sauce in the final 10–15 minutes of cooking to avoid burning the sugars in the honey and BBQ sauce. Keep an eye on the glaze and move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill if flare-ups occur.
Cooking in the Oven
If you don’t have a pellet grill, this recipe converts easily to the oven. Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and bake the drumsticks for about 45 minutes, basting with the sauce in the last 10–15 minutes. The technique is the same: time and temperature control the result.
About Our Recipes
We test our recipes outdoors on a variety of grills and smokers, but nearly every recipe can be adapted to another heat source. The key principles are always the same: time and temperature. Whether you use a wood pellet grill, gas, charcoal, or your oven, focus on maintaining the right temperature and monitoring internal meat temps for best results.
Recipes are outlines, not rules. Feel free to adjust seasonings, swap pellet flavors, or dial up the heat with extra chipotle if you like a spicier finish. Mixing pellet types can add complexity to the smoke profile — try fruitwoods like apple or cherry for a subtle sweetness that complements honey mustard.
Final Notes and Thanks
For safe and accurate temperature checks, use a reliable instant-read thermometer and aim for the doneness that matches your preferred texture. Rest the drumsticks before serving to keep them juicy and to let the glaze set.
Live your passion and do what you love — enjoy cooking, experimenting, and sharing great food with friends and family.
Ken & Patti
Acknowledgements
We appreciate the brands and products that often appear in our kitchen and on our grills: quality BBQ sauces, reliable thermometers, wood pellet suppliers, rack and shelf systems for grilling, and makers of specialty seasonings. These items help make outdoor cooking easier and more enjoyable.
