Delicious Char Siu Chicken

This hearty Char Siu Chicken has become my go-to dish whenever I crave those classic Chinese BBQ flavors but want something a bit lighter. The tender chicken soaks up the sweet and savory marinade, creating perfectly juicy meat with that signature charred, caramelized exterior that makes traditional char siu so irresistible.

I first created this recipe when my family was craving Chinese BBQ but I wanted something healthier than traditional pork. The result was so incredible that it's now requested at every family gathering, and my brother even asked me to make it for his birthday dinner last year.

Ingredients

• Hoisin sauce: provides the signature sweet and savory base that gives char siu its distinctive flavor
• Soy sauce: adds essential umami depth and helps tenderize the chicken
• Honey: creates that beautiful sticky glaze that caramelizes perfectly when cooked
• Chinese rice wine: brings subtle acidity that balances the sweetness
• Five spice powder: combines star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns and fennel for authentic flavor
• Bone in chicken thighs: offer the perfect balance of flavor and moisture retention
• Fresh ginger and garlic: provide aromatic complexity that elevates the entire dish
• Red food coloring: optional but creates that authentic char siu color if desired

How To Make Char Siu Chicken

Mix the marinade:

Combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice wine, oyster sauce, five spice powder, minced garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Stir thoroughly until completely incorporated. The marinade should have a thick but pourable consistency with a deep reddish brown color. Make sure to break up any clumps of five spice powder which can sometimes stick together.

Marinate the chicken:

Place chicken thighs in a zip top bag or shallow container and pour the marinade over them. Use your hands to massage the marinade into every surface of the chicken, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight creates the most flavorful results. Turn the chicken halfway through marinating if possible.

Prepare for cooking:

Preheat your oven to 375°F or prepare your grill for medium high heat cooking. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top if roasting. Remove chicken from marinade but do not discard the excess liquid as it will be used for basting.

Cook to perfection:

For oven method, arrange chicken on the prepared rack and roast for 25 minutes. Baste with reserved marinade every 8 10 minutes. For grilling, cook chicken for 20 25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes and basting regularly. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the exterior has developed a beautiful caramelized glaze.

Rest and serve:

Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This crucial step lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving with steamed rice or vegetables.

Pin it

My favorite part of this dish is watching the transformation as the marinade caramelizes. The first time I made it, my kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma that transported me straight to the streets of Hong Kong. My daughter now recognizes the smell immediately and comes running to the kitchen asking if were having the special chicken tonight.

Make Ahead Options

This Char Siu Chicken is perfect for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, which actually enhances the flavor. Once cooked, the chicken stays delicious for up to three days in the refrigerator. I often make a double batch and use the leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making day two chicken even more delicious than the first day.

Pin it

Serving Suggestions

The versatility of Char Siu Chicken makes it perfect for countless meal options. My favorite way to serve it is sliced over steamed jasmine rice with stir fried bok choy on the side. For a complete meal with minimal effort, try serving it with simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. You can also shred the chicken and use it as filling for steamed bao buns or add it to fried rice for an incredible flavor boost. For a lower carb option, serve with cauliflower rice and stir fried vegetables.

Flavor Variations

While traditional Char Siu flavors are incredible, you can customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. For a spicier version, add a tablespoon of sambal oelek or sriracha to the marinade. If you prefer a more pronounced sweet and sour profile, increase the honey slightly and add a tablespoon of rice vinegar. For a more complex flavor, try incorporating a star anise pod and a cinnamon stick into the marinade. The spices can be removed before cooking. My personal favorite variation is adding orange zest to the marinade, which brightens the entire dish with citrus notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is Char Siu Chicken?

Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful dish inspired by Chinese BBQ, featuring chicken marinated in a sweet, savory blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and spices, then roasted or grilled to perfection.

→ What kind of chicken should I use?

Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs are ideal as they stay juicy and flavorful during cooking, but boneless thighs can also be used for convenience.

→ Can I make this dish without a grill?

Yes, you can roast the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally to achieve a caramelized finish.

→ What sides pair well with Char Siu Chicken?

Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles complement the flavors of Char Siu Chicken beautifully. You can also serve it in bao buns for a creative twist.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to fully penetrate. If time is short, even 30 minutes can work.

→ Can I use the marinade for other meats?

Yes, the marinade works great with turkey, beef, or pork, making it a versatile option for various proteins.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the juicy texture.