why make this recipe
Char Siu Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Chinese barbecue right to your home. The sweet and savory marinade creates a sticky glaze that makes the chicken incredibly tasty. This recipe is great for family dinners or when you want to impress your guests with something special. Plus, it’s simple to make and uses ingredients you might already have in your pantry.
how to make Delicious Char Siu Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring, optional
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, Chinese five spice, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and optional red food coloring until smooth.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure each piece is fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet or roasting pan with parchment paper or foil.
- Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer on the prepared pan.
- Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning the chicken once halfway through cooking.
- Brush the chicken with extra marinade from the pan during the last few minutes to build a thicker glaze.
- Broil for 2 to 4 minutes until the edges are caramelized and slightly charred, watching carefully so the glaze does not burn.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, then serve warm.
how to serve Delicious Char Siu Chicken
Delicious Char Siu Chicken can be served in many ways. Pair it with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. You can also slice the chicken and serve it in bao buns for a tasty snack. Adding a side of pickled veggies can balance the sweetness of the chicken nicely.
how to store Delicious Char Siu Chicken
If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the chicken. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
tips to make Delicious Char Siu Chicken
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- If you don’t have Chinese five spice, a mix of cinnamon, star anise, and cloves can work as a substitute.
variation
If you want to try something different, you can use pork instead of chicken. The marinade works equally well, giving you traditional Char Siu pork. You can also consider adding orange zest to the marinade for a citrus twist.

FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
2. How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for the best flavor.
3. Can I cook this on a grill instead of in the oven?
Absolutely! Grilling the chicken will add a nice smoky flavor. Just ensure the grill is preheated and watch the chicken closely to prevent burning.

Char Siu Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, Chinese five spice, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and optional red food coloring until smooth.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure each piece is fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet or roasting pan with parchment paper or foil.
- Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer on the prepared pan.
- Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning the chicken once halfway through cooking.
- Brush the chicken with extra marinade from the pan during the last few minutes to build a thicker glaze.
- Broil for 2 to 4 minutes until the edges are caramelized and slightly charred, watching carefully so the glaze does not burn.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, then serve warm.
