Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Char Siu Chicken, a mouthwatering twist on classic Chinese BBQ made easy for any home kitchen! This dish delivers bold sweet and savory flavors with hints of aromatic five-spice, sticky honey, and a glossy lacquered finish – all thanks to an irresistibly simple marinade. Char Siu Chicken will fill your kitchen with an aroma that draws everyone to the table, and every juicy bite packs in that signature balance of depth and brightness you crave in Asian-inspired comfort food. Whether baked, broiled, or grilled, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser, always beautiful, and even better with your favorite sides.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the vibrant flavors—every ingredient for Char Siu Chicken serves a purpose, whether it’s adding depth, sweetness, umami, or that iconic color. These pantry staples come together effortlessly to transform humble chicken into a showstopping main dish you’ll want to make again and again.
- Chicken thighs (2 pounds, boneless, skinless): Choose thighs for the juiciest texture and the perfect amount of richness to soak up all the marinade.
- Hoisin sauce (1/4 cup): Brings sweet, salty, and umami undertones that form the signature base of Char Siu flavors.
- Honey (3 tablespoons): Adds a deep natural sweetness and helps achieve that irresistible sticky glaze when baked.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Provides essential saltiness and savory backbone, balancing the sweetness.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Boosts umami for a complex, layered taste with a subtle briny finish.
- Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (2 tablespoons): Introduces depth and a gentle tang that truly brings the marinade to life.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Offers a touch of caramel that rounds out both the flavor and the signature sheen.
- Sesame oil (2 teaspoons): Gives a nutty aroma and silkiness, tying all the ingredients together beautifully.
- Chinese five-spice powder (2 teaspoons): The secret to that unmistakable aromatic warmth and classic Char Siu profile.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Fresh garlic adds bite and deepens the marinade’s savoriness.
- Fresh ginger, grated (1 teaspoon): Lends bright, zesty notes that cut through the richness.
- Red food coloring (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For that iconic rosy color you see in restaurant Char Siu—fun but totally optional!
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish): Freshness and a touch of crunch to finish the dish with style.
How to Make Char Siu Chicken
Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade
First, let’s build the backbone of the whole dish. In a medium bowl, combine hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), brown sugar, sesame oil, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red food coloring if you love that vibrant pop of color. Whisk it all together until smooth and glossy—this is where all that flavor magic begins!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Pop your chicken thighs into a large resealable bag or a shallow dish, then pour the marinade over them, making sure every piece is generously coated. Seal it up and let the Char Siu Chicken soak up those bold flavors in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or, if you have time, overnight. The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavor – and honestly, the anticipation just makes it taste even better.
Step 3: Prep for Roasting
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Set a wire rack on top to allow hot air to circulate and help your Char Siu Chicken develop that gorgeous caramelized crust. This little trick is key to getting that classic roasted texture!
Step 4: Roast and Glaze
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on your prepared rack, reserving the extra marinade. Slide them into the oven and roast for about 20 minutes, then brush with the reserved marinade for an extra boost of glossy, sticky goodness. Continue roasting for another 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and those edges are just starting to char. Want even more caramelized bits? Pop the chicken under the broiler for the final 2 to 3 minutes—just keep an eye on it!
Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Garnish
Give your chicken a few minutes to rest once it’s out of the oven, allowing the juices to redistribute for the juiciest results. Slice into bite-sized strips, then sprinkle generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Every piece should look as delicious as it tastes!
How to Serve Char Siu Chicken
Garnishes
The final touches take your Char Siu Chicken from good to showstopping! Scatter freshly sliced green onions for a sharp pop and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that subtle nutty crunch. If you’re feeling extra festive, add a few cilantro leaves or even a drizzle of chili oil for a little heat.
Side Dishes
You can serve Char Siu Chicken alongside fluffy steamed jasmine rice for the full comfort-food experience, or pair it with hot lo mein noodles tossed with a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil. It also plays beautifully with quick-pickled veggies, sautéed greens like bok choy, or even a simple cucumber salad to cool things down.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to shake things up? Try slicing your Char Siu Chicken thin and tucking it into steamed bao buns with quick pickles, or serve it in rice bowls loaded with fresh herbs, carrots, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo. This chicken is also perfect inside wraps or even as a protein-packed salad topper for a bold Asian twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Char Siu Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they rest, making your next meal even more delicious—just be sure to let the chicken cool before storing, and keep any extra sauce separate if possible.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, Char Siu Chicken freezes well! Place cooled, sliced chicken in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. It will keep up to 2 months without losing much texture or flavor. When freezing, consider portioning it for easy weeknight meals or quick lunch boxes.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat Char Siu Chicken gently in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through, about 10 minutes. You can also microwave it in short bursts, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Give it a quick brush with extra marinade or a dash of water to keep that signature glaze shiny.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs yield a juicier, more flavorful bite, but you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking the breasts—they’ll need slightly less time.
Is the food coloring necessary for traditional Char Siu Chicken?
Nope, it’s all about presentation! The red food coloring gives that classic look you see in Chinese BBQ shops, but it doesn’t impact flavor. Feel free to skip it if you’d rather keep things natural or are sensitive to dyes.
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Yes, grilling adds a fantastic smoky char! Preheat your grill to medium and cook the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, basting with extra marinade. Just be sure it cooks through and gets those signature caramelized edges.
How do I make the dish gluten-free?
Just swap out regular soy sauce, hoisin, and oyster sauces for their gluten-free versions—now widely available at most markets or Asian groceries. Double-check your five-spice powder and condiments for hidden gluten, and you’re good to go!
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Definitely! This recipe is easy to scale up for larger meals or gatherings. Marinate as much chicken as you need in a big bowl or resealable bag, and roast in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pan for that perfect charred finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about serving up a platter of homemade Char Siu Chicken—its glossy red glaze and intoxicating aroma are irresistible. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive feast with friends, this recipe promises flavor and fun in every bite. Give it a try, and watch this dish become your new go-to favorite!
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Char Siu Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Char Siu Chicken recipe brings the classic flavors of Chinese BBQ chicken to your kitchen with a delicious marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the juicy chicken thighs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
-
Marinade:
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
-
Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Mix Marinade: In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, sesame oil, five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, and food coloring.
- Marinate Chicken: Place chicken in a bag, add marinade, seal, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat Oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil, place a wire rack on top.
- Roast Chicken: Arrange chicken on rack, roast for 20 minutes. Brush with marinade, roast for another 10-15 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest, then slice and garnish with onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra char, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
- You can also grill the chicken over medium heat instead of baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Roasting
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 pound
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
