If you’re craving a burst of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors all wrapped up in tender, juicy meat, this Delicious Char Siu Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish captures the essence of traditional Chinese barbecue with an easy-to-make marinade that transforms simple chicken thighs into something spectacular. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, offering a perfect balance of sticky glaze and fragrant spices that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward yet essential, each contributing its own magic to create that signature char siu flavor. From umami-rich soy sauce to the warm, aromatic Chinese five spice, every element plays a part in the sauce’s beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Choose thighs for their juicy, tender texture, ideal for absorbing the flavorful marinade.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings salty, deep umami flavors as the marinade’s foundation.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet, tangy richness that’s crucial for the authentic char siu taste.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Creates the glossy, sticky glaze that caramelizes perfectly during cooking.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Boosts sweetness and helps achieve that luscious caramelization on the chicken’s surface.
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder: A fragrant blend that offers warmth and complexity with notes of star anise, cinnamon, and cloves.
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced: Provides a fresh, pungent kick that wakes up the taste buds.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds bright, zesty warmth and depth to the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Balances sweetness with a subtle tang, lifting the overall flavor profile.
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil: Delivers a nutty aroma that complements the other seasonings beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (optional): For that iconic vivid red char siu appearance, but it’s purely optional and won’t affect flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and rounds out all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to balance the sweetness.
How to Make Delicious Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, brown sugar, Chinese five spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, red food coloring if using, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This fragrant, deeply flavored mixture is what will soak into the chicken, infusing it with that unmistakable char siu charm.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Next, add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade. Toss them around so each piece is thoroughly coated in that sticky, aromatic sauce. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes, although leaving it overnight will boost the flavors exponentially and make the chicken even more tender.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare for Roasting
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil — this helps with easy cleanup — and set a wire rack on top. The rack allows air to circulate around the chicken so it roasts evenly and the bottom doesn’t get soggy.
Step 4: Arrange Chicken on Rack
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack, giving space between each piece for that perfect caramelization. Let any excess marinade drip off, but don’t toss it — this sticky leftover sauce will be your basting magic!
Step 5: Roast and Baste
Roast the chicken for 20 minutes, then baste it generously with the reserved marinade. Flip the chicken pieces, baste again, and continue roasting for another 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is beautifully caramelized and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating and perfect juiciness.
Step 6: Optional Broil for Extra Caramelization
If you love that slightly charred, glossy finish, place the chicken under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes after roasting. Watch it closely to avoid burning, but this step gives you that irresistible sticky crust that defines the delicious char siu style.
Step 7: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to lock in its juices, then slice it up and drizzle with any pan juices that collected underneath. These little drops of flavor elevate the dish just when you thought it couldn’t get any better.
How to Serve Delicious Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can add a fresh burst of flavor and a pop of color to your plate. Sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds sprinkled over the top offer crunch and brightness, cutting through the sweetness beautifully. For a little extra freshness, a handful of chopped cilantro leaves works wonders as well.
Side Dishes
This Delicious Char Siu Chicken Recipe pairs perfectly with classic steamed jasmine rice or fragrant coconut rice to soak up all the delicious juices. Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli add a satisfying crunch and balance out the richness of the chicken. For a heartier meal, fried rice or a simple noodle salad is equally fantastic.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your char siu chicken in lettuce wraps with crisp cucumber slices and a drizzle of hoisin sauce for a light, fresh appetizer. Or slice it thinly and layer it into bao buns with pickled vegetables and spicy mayo for a fun twist that’s perfect for sharing. Using this chicken as a topping on a vibrant Asian-inspired salad also makes an exciting and healthful presentation option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this Delicious Char Siu Chicken Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making cold slices even tastier for sandwiches or salads the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this char siu chicken freezes beautifully. Slice the cooked chicken and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep the chicken moist. Alternatively, warming in the oven or microwave works well, just be careful not to overcook and dry out the meat. A quick broil at the end can revive some of that caramelized exterior magic.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can absolutely use chicken breasts, but keep in mind they’re leaner and can dry out faster during cooking. Adjust your roasting time accordingly and consider marinating a little longer to help keep them juicy.
What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce on hand, a mix of soy sauce, a bit of honey or brown sugar, and a touch of Chinese five spice powder can mimic its sweet and tangy flavor. It won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious.
Is red food coloring necessary?
Not at all! The red food coloring is purely for traditional appearance and doesn’t affect taste. Your chicken will still be mouthwateringly good without it.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
While 30 minutes is the minimum for a quick infusion of flavor, marinating overnight is ideal for maximum depth and tenderness. If you’re short on time, try to marinate for at least an hour if possible.
Can I grill the chicken instead of roasting?
Grilling works wonderfully for this marinade! Just watch the heat to prevent burning and baste frequently to maintain that sticky, glossy finish Char Siu style is famous for.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Char Siu Chicken Recipe is a total game-changer and a fantastic way to bring bold Chinese barbecue flavors into your home kitchen without any fuss. The combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic spices paired with tender chicken makes it a favorite for anyone who tries it. Give it a whirl and watch it become one of your go-to recipes for meals that impress every time.
Print
Delicious Char Siu Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Delicious Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful, juicy dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a blend of soy sauce, hoisin, honey, and Chinese five-spice. Roasted to perfection with a caramelized glaze, this recipe is a perfect fusion of sweet and savory that brings authentic Chinese BBQ flavors to your kitchen in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, brown sugar, Chinese five spice, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, red food coloring (if using), salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl until fully combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack securely on top to allow air circulation during roasting.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack, allowing excess marinade to drip off but reserving this extra marinade for basting during cooking.
- Roast and Baseline: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, baste the pieces with the reserved marinade, flip them over, baste again, and roast for an additional 10–15 minutes until the chicken is caramelized and fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
- Optional Broiling for Caramelization: For an extra caramelized crust, broil the chicken on high for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices. Slice and serve with the pan juices for an authentic Char Siu experience.
Notes
- Marinating overnight improves flavor depth and tenderness.
- Red food coloring is optional and used traditionally to achieve the iconic red Char Siu color.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- Broiling at the end adds a nice caramelized finish but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Leftover Char Siu chicken makes excellent leftovers in stir-fries or fried rice.
