If you’re looking to bring a burst of sweet, savory, and irresistible flavor straight to your kitchen, this Char Siu Chicken Recipe is about to become a new favorite. Inspired by the classic Chinese BBQ pork but quicker and more approachable, this dish wraps juicy chicken thighs in a glossy, sticky marinade with a hint of five spice and honey. The result is boldly colored, incredibly moist, and outrageously flavorful chicken that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal preps, or even impressing guests. Let me show you just how easy it is to recreate this takeout classic at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Char Siu Chicken Recipe keeps things delightfully simple, so every ingredient truly matters. Each sauce, spice, and drizzle shapes the bold character, sticky finish, and mouthwatering aroma that make this dish shine.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are the juiciest cut, soaking up every bit of marinade and staying wonderfully tender through roasting.
- Hoisin sauce: This sweet and tangy base adds deep umami flavor and that signature sheen to the finished chicken.
- Soy sauce: For saltiness and rich, classic Chinese flavor, don’t skip this pantry staple.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that creates caramelization during roasting and balances the savory notes.
- Brown sugar: Adds a slight molasses depth and another layer of sweetness to help with that sticky char.
- Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): This brings authentic fragrance and complexity—if you don’t have Shaoxing, a bit of dry sherry works well.
- Oyster sauce: Rich and savory, it deepens the marinade’s complexity and pairs perfectly with chicken.
- Sesame oil: Just a touch infuses the chicken with its unmistakable nutty aroma.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic rounds out the flavors and adds punch.
- Five spice powder: This Chinese spice blend is what gives Char Siu Chicken Recipe its signature warmth and depth.
- White pepper: Slightly warmer than black pepper, it adds a subtle kick without being overwhelming.
- Red food coloring (optional): For that nostalgic, bright red color—purely for looks, but it makes the dish pop.
How to Make Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, five spice powder, white pepper, and, if you’d like that classic vibrant look, just a drop or two of red food coloring. Stir well until everything’s combined and glossy—you’ll smell the magic already!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to your marinade, turning and tossing them to evenly coat every nook and cranny. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but for the boldest flavor, let it soak overnight. The more time, the juicier and more flavorful your Char Siu Chicken Recipe will become!
Step 3: Arrange and Prep for Roasting
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, then set a wire rack on top for even roasting and a crispy finish. Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and lay them out on the rack in a single layer.
Step 4: Roast and Baste
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through. Use the extra marinade to baste the chicken each time you flip to build up that shiny, savory glaze. This step ensures every bite has that sticky, lacquered Char Siu character.
Step 5: Broil for the Final Char
To achieve those delicious charred edges, switch your oven to broil and give the chicken an extra 2 to 3 minutes under the heat. Keep a close eye—those sugars will caramelize quickly for that signature finish. Once nicely charred, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This way, every slice stays perfectly juicy and flavorful.
How to Serve Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
This Char Siu Chicken Recipe truly comes alive with simple, vibrant garnishes. A sprinkle of sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a handful of fresh cilantro adds color, crunch, and fresh flavor to every plate. For a restaurant-worthy look, toss on some finely sliced red chilies if you like it spicy!
Side Dishes
Pair your Char Siu Chicken Recipe with warm steamed jasmine rice or a bowl of fluffy white rice—let that savory sauce soak in! For noodles, toss some thin egg noodles in a bit of sesame oil, or serve alongside garlicky stir-fried bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn leftovers into a crowd-pleasing rice bowl topped with pickled veggies, or slice the chicken thinly for use in wraps and Asian-inspired sandwiches. Skewer the chicken for a party platter, or serve alongside lettuce leaves for fun, build-your-own Char Siu Chicken Recipe lettuce wraps at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftover Char Siu Chicken Recipe, let the chicken cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors intensify overnight, making leftovers just as irresistible for lunch or a second meal.
Freezing
If you want to plan further ahead, freeze fully cooked and cooled Char Siu Chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To prevent freezer burn, tightly wrap or double-bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.
Reheating
For best texture and flavor, reheat Char Siu Chicken Recipe in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 10–15 minutes). You can also microwave individual slices with a splash of water to keep them moist. If you want to restore a bit of the char, finish for a minute or two under the broiler.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs are juicier and tend to absorb more flavor, chicken breasts can work as well—just be sure not to overcook, as breasts can dry out a bit faster than thighs.
Is the red food coloring necessary?
Not at all—the red coloring is traditional and makes the Char Siu Chicken Recipe pop visually, but it’s purely optional. The marinade’s flavors will be just as delicious without it.
Can I grill the chicken instead of roasting?
Definitely! Grilling over medium heat gives authentic smoky notes and char. Baste and flip often, and watch for flare-ups due to the sugars in the marinade. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy this dish outdoors.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce and choose a gluten-free oyster sauce if available. Everything else in the marinade should be safe for gluten-free diets.
Does the marinade work for other proteins?
Yes—it’s incredibly versatile! Try it with pork tenderloin, tofu, or even shrimp for a delicious twist. Adjust cook times as needed, but the marinade’s signature Char Siu Chicken Recipe flavor will shine through.
Final Thoughts
Trust me: give this Char Siu Chicken Recipe a try and you’ll find it hard to believe just how much flavor you can get with so little effort. It’s a showstopper straight from your own oven, and every bite is sure to become a new tradition at your table. Happy cooking!
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Char Siu Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Char Siu Chicken recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional Chinese BBQ flavors, featuring succulent boneless chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then oven-roasted to tender perfection with a hint of charred goodness.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon five spice powder
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- Red food coloring (optional, for traditional color)
Instructions
- Mix Marinade: Whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, five spice powder, white pepper, and red food coloring (if using).
- Marinate Chicken: Coat chicken thighs with marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C), place a wire rack over a lined baking sheet.
- Roast Chicken: Arrange marinated chicken on the rack, roast for 25–30 minutes, turning and basting halfway through. Broil for a charred finish.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a grilled version, cook chicken over medium heat, basting and flipping often. Marinade also suits pork tenderloin or tofu.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven-Roasted
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 pound
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
