Name: Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts); 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon five-spice powder; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1–2 drops red food coloring (optional, for traditional color)

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Sweet, sticky, and outrageously flavorful, this Char Siu Chicken Recipe is your golden ticket to a fuss-free yet totally restaurant-worthy dinner. Imagine tender, juicy chicken bathed in a heavenly marinade that beautifully balances savory, sweet, and aromatic notes—thanks to classic ingredients like hoisin, honey, five-spice, and soy sauce. You’ll love the glossy finish and irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen, and whether you roast or grill, this Char Siu Chicken Recipe is bound to become your new go-to for both weeknight meals and special gatherings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Char Siu Chicken Recipe comes together with a handful of bold, well-loved pantry staples that create its signature flavor. Every ingredient plays a unique role in delivering that distinctive savory-sweet, lacquered finish and alluring red hue.

Chicken thighs or breasts: Juicy, boneless, and perfect for soaking up all the marinade magic—thighs are extra succulent, but breasts work wonderfully too!
Hoisin sauce: The backbone of the marinade, hoisin lends depth, sweetness, and that unmistakable glossy finish.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps with caramelization for sticky, delicious edges.
Soy sauce: Essential for providing savory umami flavor and seasoning the chicken just right.
Oyster sauce: Brings rich, savory undertones that set this recipe apart from average grilled chicken.
Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): Offers a subtle complexity and helps tenderize the chicken.
Sesame oil: Just a dash adds warm, toasty aroma and a touch of nuttiness.
Five-spice powder: The magic blend that gives char siu its signature aroma—think star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, and Szechuan peppercorns.
Fresh ginger: Grated for zing and depth, fresh ginger brightens up the marinade.
Garlic: Minced to infuse every bite with savory, aromatic goodness.
Red food coloring (optional): Just a drop or two for that classic deep-red color—totally optional, but delivers the signature look.

How to Make Char Siu Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

Begin by combining all the marinade heroes in a large mixing bowl: hoisin, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine (or sherry), sesame oil, five-spice powder, grated ginger, minced garlic, and a drop or two of red food coloring if you want that classic pop of color. Whisk it all together until smooth, and you’ll instantly know you’re on the road to flavor-town.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Drop the chicken thighs (or breasts) into the bowl, and toss until each piece is completely coated with the luscious marinade. Pop a cover on and let the chicken soak up all that goodness in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours—though if you can manage to wait overnight, the payoff is unbelievably delicious.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with foil (for easy cleanup) and set a wire rack on top—this helps air circulate so the chicken roasts evenly. Arrange the chicken on the rack, and slide it onto the middle shelf. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through and basting with the extra marinade each time for ultimate flavor and shine.

Step 4: Glaze and Caramelize

For that irresistible char and sticky finish, switch to the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes. Watch closely—those sugars caramelize quickly! Your Char Siu Chicken Recipe will sizzle with color and aroma, promising every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes so the juices lock in. Then slice it up, admire that juicy interior and glorious glaze, and get ready to serve with your favorite sides!

How to Serve Char Siu Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your Char Siu Chicken Recipe with a sprinkling of sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds for a fresh, vibrant bite and a pop of color. If you’re feeling extra, thinly sliced red chilies bring a welcome kick and gorgeous contrast on the plate.

Side Dishes

This flavorful chicken begs for fluffy white rice or fragrant jasmine rice to soak up every drop of sauce. Feel free to serve alongside lo mein, stir-fried noodles, or a crisp Asian slaw—the marinade’s sweet-savory tang is fantastic with lightly seasoned greens or stir-fried bok choy.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Char Siu Chicken Recipe up a notch by slicing the chicken and tucking it into bao buns with a little pickled cucumber and fresh herbs, or pile it onto a bowl of steamed rice with sautéed veggies for a vibrant rice bowl. It also makes a showstopping filling for wraps or banh mi sandwiches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cool, transfer any leftover Char Siu Chicken Recipe to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors deepen, so the leftovers are honestly just as irresistible!

Freezing

You can freeze this chicken, too! Slice or leave whole, wrap tightly, and store in a freezer bag or container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and you’ll have an instant main course ready for whenever cravings strike.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken slices on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through (about 10–12 minutes). Or, for a quick fix, microwave with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. A quick stovetop sauté also freshens it right up!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Char Siu Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat. Just be mindful of the cooking time—breasts may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye to prevent overcooking and maintain that juicy texture.

Is it necessary to use red food coloring?

Not at all! The red color is purely traditional and doesn’t affect the taste. Feel free to skip it if you prefer a more natural look—your Char Siu Chicken Recipe will still be bursting with flavor!

Can I make this recipe without an oven?

Yes! Try grilling the chicken over medium-high heat for a lovely smoky twist. Just grill each side for about 5–7 minutes and baste with leftover marinade as you go for a vibrant, caramelized result.

What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?

If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry is a terrific alternative. Even a splash of mirin or a touch of apple juice can work in a pinch, just to add a subtle sweetness.

Does this Char Siu Chicken Recipe work with other proteins?

Definitely! This marinade is incredibly versatile—try it with pork tenderloin, tofu, or even salmon for different but equally delicious results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that’s dazzlingly simple yet truly special, you can’t go wrong with this Char Siu Chicken Recipe. Go ahead and give it a try—I promise you’ll be hooked after the first bite and soon sharing your own variations and tips with friends and family!

Char Siu Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

This Char Siu Chicken recipe gives a delightful twist to traditional Chinese BBQ flavors, featuring tender, savory chicken with a hint of sweetness. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

Marinade:

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon five-spice powder
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 drops red food coloring (optional, for traditional color)

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, five-spice powder, ginger, garlic, and red food coloring. Add chicken and coat well. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Cook the Chicken: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange marinated chicken on the rack. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting with marinade. Broil on high for 2–3 minutes for a caramelized finish.
Serve: Let rest before slicing. Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.