Name: Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-488195H41M30S
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder; 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional for traditional red hue); 1 tablespoon brown sugar

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If you’ve been searching for a way to bring bustling Chinatown flavors into your own kitchen, Char Siu Chicken is about to become your new obsession. Succulent, juicy chicken thighs soak up a sweet, sticky marinade infused with aromatic five-spice, deep hoisin, and glossy honey before roasting to a caramelized, lacquered finish that’s completely irresistible. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Chinese barbecue or just looking to spice up weeknight dinners, this Char Siu Chicken delivers all the signature flavors—minus the trip to your favorite takeout spot!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Char Siu Chicken lies in its easy-to-find yet essential ingredients. Every component brings its own magic, building those signature notes of sweet, savory, and gentle spice that make this dish unforgettable.

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Thighs stay tender and juicy, even after a blast of high heat.
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds deep umami richness and a hint of sweetness for that iconic flavor.
2 tablespoons honey: Coats the chicken in a glossy, caramelized glaze as it roasts.
1 tablespoon soy sauce: Balances sweetness with a salty, savory punch—it’s the backbone of the marinade.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Brings a subtle brininess and extra depth, making every bite pop.
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): Traditional Chinese wine that softens the meat and adds complexity (sherry works in a pinch!).
1 teaspoon sesame oil: A splash after marinating gives an earthy, aromatic warmth.
2 cloves garlic, minced: For punchy, savory aroma in every forkful.
1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder: This magic blend is the secret to authentic Char Siu Chicken’s perfumed spice.
1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional): For that classic, rosy red color you see at Chinese BBQ shops—purely visual, but so fun!
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve a gloriously sticky finish.

How to Make Char Siu Chicken

Step 1: Make the Marinade

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), sesame oil, garlic, five-spice powder, brown sugar, and the optional red food coloring. This powerhouse combo brings all the flavor and color of classic Char Siu Chicken right to your dinner table—don’t be shy about giving it a big sniff, it’s intoxicating!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Nestle your chicken thighs into the marinade, toss well to ensure every piece is completely coated, then cover and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it marinate at least 2 hours to soak up those flavors, but if you’ve got time, overnight works wonders for next-level juiciness in your Char Siu Chicken.

Step 3: Prep for Roasting

Before you roast, preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top—this setup lets the heat circulate all around, helping your Char Siu Chicken caramelize without sticking or stewing in liquid.

Step 4: Roast and Glaze

Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer on the rack, reserving the extra marinade for later. Roast for 20 minutes, then brush the chicken generously with the remaining marinade to encourage extra color and flavor. Roast for another 10–15 minutes until the meat is cooked through and glossy with sweet, sticky goodness.

Step 5: Add That Signature Char

If you love a little extra char like at the best Chinese BBQ shops, slide the chicken under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end. Keep an eye on it—this step gives you gorgeously caramelized edges without burning. Let the Char Siu Chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into juicy strips and serving.

How to Serve Char Siu Chicken

Garnishes

To take your Char Siu Chicken from great to unforgettable, shower it with a handful of freshly sliced scallions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. For color and crunch, scattered chopped cilantro does the trick, and a few pickled cucumbers add a pleasant tart contrast.

Side Dishes

This savory-sweet main dish cries out for a simple bed of steamed white rice or fluffy jasmine rice to soak up those gorgeous juices. For a pop of green, try quickly sautéed bok choy, Chinese broccoli, or a fresh cucumber salad. A side of stir-fried noodles also pairs beautifully with Char Siu Chicken’s deep flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling inspired, turn Char Siu Chicken leftovers into Asian-inspired rice bowls with edamame and quick pickles, wrap sliced chicken in lettuce leaves for a fresh take, or stuff it into bao buns for a street food-style snack. There’s no wrong way to show off this flavorful centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Anything you don’t devour right away will keep beautifully. Once cooled, transfer leftover Char Siu Chicken to an airtight container and stash in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors even deepen over time, making your next-day lunches something special.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, slice the cooled Char Siu Chicken and freeze in a single layer in freezer-safe bags. It stays delicious for up to three months—just label it so you remember the tasty treasure hiding in your freezer.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat thawed Char Siu Chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water, or warm in the oven at 325°F covered with foil. This keeps it tender and helps preserve the lovely caramelized glaze. Microwave is fine in a pinch, but the oven and stovetop revive the texture best!

FAQs

Can I make Char Siu Chicken without food coloring?

Absolutely! The red food coloring is purely for the classic color you see at Chinese BBQ shops, but it doesn’t affect the taste. Skip it, and your Char Siu Chicken will still taste amazing with its natural golden-brown glaze.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer, but keep in mind they cook faster and can be a bit less juicy. Watch the timing and don’t overcook for best results—thighs really shine in this recipe for their tenderness.

Is there a substitute for Shaoxing wine?

If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry is the next best thing! You could also use a splash of rice vinegar mixed with a pinch of sugar for a non-alcoholic option.

Can I grill Char Siu Chicken instead of roasting?

Yes! Grilling gives you even more of that signature char and smoky flavor. Just grill the marinated chicken over medium heat, basting a couple of times with extra marinade, until cooked through and nicely caramelized.

How spicy is this Char Siu Chicken?

Char Siu Chicken is more sweet and savory than spicy. If you love a little heat, feel free to add a dash of chili garlic sauce or serve with spicy chili oil on the side for dipping.

Final Thoughts

This Char Siu Chicken is one of those recipes that looks impressive yet comes together so easily, you’ll want to make it again and again. If you’re craving big, bold flavor and a little weeknight magic, give this dish a try and watch it become a family (and friend!) favorite in no time.

Char Siu Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 40 minutes active (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Char Siu Chicken recipe brings the flavors of traditional Chinese BBQ to your table. Tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then roasted to perfection for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

Marinade:

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional for traditional red hue)
1 tablespoon brown sugar

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, garlic, five-spice powder, red food coloring, and brown sugar. Add chicken thighs, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Roast the Chicken: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange marinated chicken on the rack, reserving extra marinade. Roast for 20 minutes, brush with reserved marinade, roast for another 10–15 minutes until cooked through and caramelized. Broil for extra char if desired.
Serve: Let chicken rest, slice, and serve.