Grilled Char Siu Chicken with a sweet glaze and vibrant colors on a plate.

Char Siu Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Char Siu Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Chinese barbecue right to your home kitchen. It’s sweet, savory, and perfect for any meal. Making this dish is not only simple but also offers a wonderful way to impress your family and friends. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) make for great sandwiches or salads!

How to Make Char Siu Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil.
  3. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag.
  4. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight).
  5. Cover and refrigerate the remaining marinade separately.
  6. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  7. Arrange the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  9. While the chicken cooks, transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.
  10. Brush the cooked chicken with the thickened marinade.
  11. Broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  12. Once the chicken is caramelized and slightly charred, remove it from the oven.
  13. Let the char siu chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
  14. Enjoy your homemade char siu chicken!

How to Serve Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken can be served in various ways. You can slice it and serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal. It’s also great in wraps or as a topping for salads. Drizzle some extra marinade on top for added flavor.

How to Store Char Siu Chicken

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label it with the date so you remember when you made it.

Tips to Make Char Siu Chicken

  • For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken is fully cooked (165°F or 75°C).
  • You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey to suit your taste.

Variation

If you prefer, you can use pork or beef instead of chicken. The cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on them. You can also experiment with different vegetables in the marinade for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out more easily than thighs. Consider marinating them for a shorter time.

2. Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Be sure to press and marinate them the same way.

3. Can I use store-bought marinade?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought char siu marinade can work well. Just follow the package instructions for marinating and cooking.