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- 8 chicken drumsticks - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The main star of this dish is the chicken drumsticks. They are juicy and full of flavor. The marinade is where the magic happens. You need Dijon mustard for a zesty kick. The maple syrup adds sweetness. Olive oil helps keep the chicken moist and tender. Garlic gives a rich aroma, while smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness. Dried thyme brings an earthy taste that pairs well with the other ingredients. Make sure to use fresh ingredients. They really boost the flavor. You can also adjust the seasonings if you want. For example, add more garlic if you love it. Or, try a different herb like rosemary. The choice is yours! Lastly, don’t forget the fresh parsley. It adds a nice touch of color and freshness when you serve. This dish is simple but packed with flavor. You will love it! 1. Preheating the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for perfectly cooked drumsticks. 2. Preparing the Marinade In a medium bowl, whisk together the following ingredients: - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Mix until you have a smooth marinade. 3. Marinating the Chicken Place 8 chicken drumsticks in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks. Make sure they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. 1. Arranging Drumsticks on Baking Sheet Remove the chicken from the marinade. Place the drumsticks on a lined baking sheet. Make sure they have space between them. This helps them cook evenly. 2. Basting Techniques Reserve the leftover marinade. During the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the drumsticks with this marinade. It adds flavor and moisture. 3. Cooking Time and Temperature Bake the chicken in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Look for golden and crispy skin. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. 1. Resting the Chicken Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle for a more tender bite. 2. Garnishing Tips Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. This adds a pop of color and freshness. Serve the drumsticks on a rustic platter with a side of roasted vegetables for a lovely presentation. Suggested Spices To elevate the taste of your chicken drumsticks, consider adding spices. You can use: - 1 teaspoon garlic powder for a deeper flavor. - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper if you like heat. - A pinch of brown sugar for extra sweetness. These spices blend well with the maple and Dijon flavors, making each bite amazing. Basting Benefits Basting your chicken is key. It keeps the drumsticks juicy. During the last 10 minutes, use the reserved marinade. This adds flavor and moisture. The glaze also gives a shiny, appetizing look. Ensuring Crispy Skin To get that perfect crispy skin, make sure the drumsticks are not crowded. Space them out on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate, creating a crispy texture. You can also pat the skin dry with paper towels before seasoning. Avoiding Dry Chicken To keep your chicken moist, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the juices settle back in. Side Dish Ideas Pair your drumsticks with easy sides like: - Roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. - Mashed potatoes for comfort food vibes. - A fresh green salad for something light. These sides complement the drumsticks well and balance the meal. Presentation Tips For a lovely presentation, serve the drumsticks on a rustic wooden platter. Add some roasted veggies for color. You can also drizzle extra maple syrup on top for shine. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch too! {{image_2}} Alternative Sweeteners You can swap pure maple syrup for honey or agave nectar. Honey adds a rich flavor, while agave gives a milder sweetness. Both options work well with Dijon mustard. Different Types of Mustard If you want a twist, try spicy brown mustard instead of Dijon. Yellow mustard also works but gives a milder taste. For a unique kick, consider using whole grain mustard. Grilling vs. Baking Grilling chicken drumsticks adds a smoky flavor. Cook them on a grill over medium heat for about 25-30 minutes, turning often. Baking is easier and helps keep the chicken juicy. Both methods yield delicious results. Instant Pot Version You can use an Instant Pot for a quick meal. Place the marinated drumsticks in the pot with one cup of water. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then use the quick release. For crispy skin, finish them in the oven for 5-10 minutes. Best Side Dishes Serve your chicken drumsticks with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors well. You can also pair them with rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. Wine and Beverage Pairings A light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs nicely with the chicken. If you prefer red, go for a light Pinot Noir. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling apple cider. It complements the maple flavor perfectly. To keep your Maple Dijon Baked Chicken Drumsticks fresh, use proper containers. I recommend using airtight containers. This helps keep the drumsticks moist. Let the chicken cool down first. Once cool, place them in the containers. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you want to keep the flavor. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking tray. Cover them with foil to avoid drying out. Heat them for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. If you do, cover them with a damp paper towel. This keeps them juicy. If you want to freeze your cooked drumsticks, it's easy. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, wrap each drumstick in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer bag. Press out all the air before sealing. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. How Long to Marinate Chicken? You should marinate chicken drumsticks for at least 30 minutes. If you want more flavor, let them sit for up to 2 hours. This gives the chicken time to soak up the tasty maple Dijon mix. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead? Yes, you can use chicken thighs! They work well with the same marinade. Thighs are juicier and add different flavors. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may need a bit longer. How to Check Chicken is Fully Cooked? To check if chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Stick it into the thickest part of the drumstick. If it reaches 165°F (74°C), it's safe to eat. The juices should also run clear. What to Do If Chicken is Under-Cooked? If your chicken is under-cooked, return it to the oven right away. Bake it for an extra 5 to 10 minutes. Check the temperature again to make sure it’s fully cooked. Can I Double the Recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe with no problem! Just make sure you have enough space on your baking sheet. You may need to bake them in batches if they are too crowded. How to Adjust Cooking Time for More Drumsticks? If you have more drumsticks, keep the cooking time the same. Just check the temperature in the thickest pieces. They may need a few extra minutes if overcrowded. This blog post covered how to make tasty chicken drumsticks. We discussed the right ingredients, from chicken to marinade, and explained the step-by-step cooking process. I shared tips to enhance flavor, ensure crispy skin, and offered serving suggestions. Variations allowed you to switch up ingredients and methods. We also looked at storage and reheating to keep your drumsticks fresh. Remember, with these details, you can create a delicious meal. Enjoy cooking and sharing your drumsticks with family and friends!

Maple Dijon Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Discover the deliciousness of Maple Dijon Baked Chicken Drumsticks! This easy recipe combines succulent chicken with a sweet and tangy marinade, making it perfect for dinner. With simple ingredients like Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, and tasty spices, you'll have a flavorful meal in no time. Ready to impress your family? Click through for the full recipe and tips to make your chicken irresistible!
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Ingredients
  

8 chicken drumsticks

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.

      Place the chicken drumsticks into a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks, making sure they are well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

        Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out. Reserve the leftover marinade for basting.

          Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

            During the last 10 minutes of baking, baste the drumsticks with the reserved marinade to enhance the flavor and moisture.

              Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

                Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the drumsticks on a rustic wooden platter with a side of roasted vegetables for a colorful, farm-to-table look. Add a drizzle of extra maple syrup on top for a touch of shine.