Golden Five Spice Roasted Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks
Succulent chicken pieces marinated in an aromatic blend of five-spice powder, soy sauce, honey, and rice wine, then roasted until golden and caramelized. The Asian-inspired marinade penetrates deep into the meat while creating a glossy, sticky coating during cooking. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining when you want bold flavors with minimal effort. The combination of sweet honey and savory soy balances beautifully with the warm spices, while the long marinating time ensures tender, flavorful results throughout.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs, skin on
- 8 chicken drumsticks, skin on
- 3 scallions, shredded
- 4 tablespoons peanut oil
- 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons gingerroot, grated
- 4 tablespoons rice wine or sherry winedry sherry1:1alcohol-substitute
similar depth
- 4 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 4 tablespoons five-spice powder
Instructions
- 1
Whisk together rice wine, soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder
- 2
Place chicken pieces in dish and pour marinade over, mixing to coat completely
- 3
Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 1 day
- 4
Heat oven to 350F
- 5
Remove chicken from marinade and place in roasting tin
- 6
Roast for 40 minutes
- 7
Pour remaining marinade over chicken
- 8
Continue cooking for 30 minutes until golden and sticky
- 9
Sprinkle with shredded scallions before serving
Tips
Score the chicken skin lightly before marinating to help flavors penetrate and achieve better browning
Reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to use for basting during cooking
Let chicken rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before roasting for more even cooking
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked chicken up to 3 days in airtight container
Marinate chicken up to 24 hours before cooking
Serve hot with steamed rice and vegetables
Common Mistakes
Don't skip marinating time to avoid bland flavor
Don't overcrowd roasting tin to ensure proper browning
Don't pour marinade over raw chicken then use same marinade for basting without cooking first
Substitutions
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken pieces instead?
Yes, but reduce cooking time to 25-30 minutes total and check internal temperature reaches 165F to avoid overcooking.
What if I don't have five-spice powder?
Mix equal parts cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns, or substitute with Chinese five-spice blend from store.
How long will leftovers keep?
Properly stored cooked chicken keeps 3-4 days refrigerated or up to 3 months frozen in airtight containers.