Honey-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with Sweet Potato Mash

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken drumsticks coated in a sticky honey glaze paired with creamy mashed sweet potatoes make a comforting meal perfect for kids. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs chicken drumsticks, honey, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 3 minced garlic cloves until combined.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 8 chicken drumsticks with paper towels, then season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and brush evenly with the honey-soy glaze.
  3. Step 3: Roast chicken in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Brush again with remaining glaze and roast for an additional 10-15 minutes until sticky, caramelized, and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, place 2 peeled and cubed large sweet potatoes into a pot and cover with cold water. Add 1/2 tsp salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook for 15 minutes until fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: Drain sweet potatoes and return to pot. Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/4 cup milk, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
  6. Step 6: Serve the honey-glazed chicken drumsticks alongside the sweet potato mash immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with Sweet Potato Mash take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Honey-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with Sweet Potato Mash?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken drumsticks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with Sweet Potato Mash?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Honey-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with Sweet Potato Mash for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Honey-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with Sweet Potato Mash?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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