Beer Broiled Five-Spice Chicken Drumsticks with Jalapeño
Tender chicken drumsticks marinated in dark beer with aromatic five-spice powder and fresh jalapeños, then broiled to perfection. The beer tenderizes the meat while adding subtle maltiness, while the five-spice blend brings warm, complex flavors. Perfect for casual dinners or game day gatherings. The jalapeños provide gentle heat without overwhelming the dish, and broiling creates an appealing caramelized exterior while keeping the meat juicy.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dark beerlight beer1:1dietary
milder flavor
- 1 tablespoon jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 teaspoon five-spice powderChinese five-spice or garam masala1:1availability
different spice profile
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 1/4 pound skinless chicken drumsticks
Instructions
- 1
Place beer, jalapeño pepper, garlic, five-spice powder, and salt in zip-lock bag
- 2
Add chicken drumsticks to the bag
- 3
Squeeze out air and seal the bag
- 4
Turn bag to coat chicken with marinade
- 5
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight, turning occasionally
- 6
Spray broiler rack with nonstick spray
- 7
Preheat the broiler
- 8
Transfer chicken to broiler rack, discarding marinade
- 9
Broil 5 inches from heat source, turning occasionally
- 10
Baste chicken with remaining beer while broiling
- 11
Continue broiling until thermometer reads 180°F, about 20 minutes
Tips
Reserve half cup of fresh beer for basting rather than using marinade to avoid contamination.
Pat drumsticks dry before broiling for better browning and caramelization.
Use tongs to turn chicken to prevent piercing and losing juices.
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked drumsticks up to 3 days in airtight container.
Marinate drumsticks up to 24 hours ahead for deeper flavor.
Serve immediately while hot for best texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes
Don't use marinade for basting to avoid cross-contamination.
Keep drumsticks 5 inches from broiler to prevent burning outside before inside cooks.
Substitutions
milder flavor
different spice profile
spicier result
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Yes, bone-in thighs work well with similar cooking time. Boneless thighs will cook faster, so check temperature after 12-15 minutes.
What if I don't have five-spice powder?
Mix equal parts cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns. Or substitute with garam masala for different but delicious flavor.
How long will the marinated chicken keep?
Marinated raw chicken stays fresh up to 2 days refrigerated. Cook within this time for best quality and safety.