Looking for a chicken recipe that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to please a crowd? These Easy Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are exactly what you need.
Juicy. Sweet. Smoky. Just the right amount of heat.
And the best part? You can make them in under an hour using simple pantry staples.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
- Quick prep. Less than 10 minutes of hands-on time.
- Simple ingredients. Nothing fancy or hard to find.
- Big flavor. Thanks to the bold glaze and seasoning.
- Family-friendly. Even picky eaters will be impressed.
- Perfect for any meal. Weeknight dinner, party platter, or meal prep.
Easy Glazed Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make the perfect glazed chicken drumsticks:
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks (about 8 to 10 pieces)
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups (500 ml) Guava BBQ sauce
(we recommend Robinson’s Guava Lava or your favorite sweet BBQ sauce)
What Makes These Drumsticks Special?
It’s all in the glaze.
Guava-based BBQ sauce brings a sweet and tangy flavor that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Paired with mustard and Cajun spices, you get layers of smoky, spicy, and sticky goodness in every bite.
The result? Glazed chicken that’s juicy on the inside and golden on the outside.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to make it? Follow these simple steps.
1. Prep the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Clean and pat dry your chicken drumsticks.
- Place them in a large bowl.
2. Season It Up
Add the following directly into the bowl:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Yellow mustard
- Cajun seasoning
Now, get your hands in there. Mix everything well so each piece is fully coated.
3. First Bake
- Arrange the drumsticks on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes uncovered.
This step locks in the seasoning and starts the cooking process.
4. Add the Glaze
- Remove the tray from the oven.
- Brush half of the guava BBQ sauce over the chicken.
- Return to oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
Watch as the glaze begins to bubble and caramelize. That’s the flavor magic happening.
5. Final Touch
- Take the drumsticks out one last time.
- Toss with the remaining half of the BBQ sauce.
You can serve them just like this or pop them back in the oven for 5 more minutes if you want a thicker glaze.
Serving Ideas
These glazed drumsticks go well with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice
- Coleslaw
- Roasted vegetables
- Mac and cheese
Or serve them solo as finger food at your next gathering.
Tips for the Best Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
Want to take your chicken to the next level? Keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t skip the mustard. It helps the seasoning stick and adds tang.
- Use parchment paper. Easier cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Let the chicken rest. Resting 5 minutes after baking keeps the juices in.
- Use a meat thermometer. Internal temp should reach 165°F for safety.
Customize It Your Way
Want to make it your own? Here are a few easy ways:
- No guava sauce? Use honey BBQ, pineapple glaze, or mango chutney.
- Like it spicy? Add hot sauce or crushed chili flakes.
- Prefer boneless? Use chicken thighs, but adjust cooking time.
- Low-carb? Use sugar-free BBQ sauce for a keto-friendly version.
Make-Ahead and Storage
These drumsticks are perfect for meal prep.
- To store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Use the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave until warm.
- To freeze: Freeze cooked and cooled drumsticks for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill these instead of baking?
Yes! Grill over medium heat, basting with glaze during the last 5-10 minutes.
Can I use wings or thighs?
Absolutely. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Do I have to use guava BBQ sauce?
No, but it gives a unique flavor. Any sweet and tangy BBQ sauce will work.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Cajun spice adds heat, but it’s not overwhelming. Adjust to taste.
What’s the best way to get the glaze sticky?
Basting halfway and again at the end helps create that sticky, glossy finish.
If you’re craving something flavorful, easy, and sure to satisfy, these Easy Glazed Chicken Drumsticks should be your next go-to recipe.
They’re simple enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and always packed with bold flavor.
Give them a try tonight—you won’t be disappointed.
