Char Siu Chicken

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If you love the rich, savory-sweet flavors of traditional Chinese barbecue but want a lighter, quicker alternative, Char Siu Chicken is the perfect dish for you. This recipe captures the essence of the classic Cantonese-style roast pork but uses tender chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant, flavorful sauce. The result is juicy, perfectly caramelized chicken with a beautiful red glaze that’s bursting with umami and just the right amount of sweetness.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, this Char Siu Chicken recipe is straightforward, delicious, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with steamed rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables. Let’s dive in!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Char Siu is a beloved Cantonese dish known for its distinctive red color, smoky flavor, and sticky-sweet glaze. Traditionally made with pork, this chicken version offers all the same incredible flavors but with a leaner protein that cooks faster and stays juicy. The marinade is packed with simple pantry staples like soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, and a touch of Chinese five-spice powder, creating a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic notes.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and accessibility. You don’t need a special grill or oven setup to achieve that classic char siu flavor—just a quick marinade and an oven or grill will do the trick. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free if you choose tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for many dietary preferences.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6 thighs)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing cooking wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Red food coloring (optional, for traditional red hue)
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

How To Make Char Siu Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, Shaoxing cooking wine, oyster sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and a few drops of red food coloring if you want that classic bright red color. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Tray

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top. This setup helps the chicken cook evenly and allows excess marinade to drip off.

Step 4: Roast the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting. Arrange the thighs on the wire rack, spacing them evenly. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.

Step 5: Baste and Broil for Caramelization

About halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade to intensify the flavor and promote a sticky glaze. For extra caramelization, switch your oven to broil for the last 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. This step creates the signature charred edges and glossy finish.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve alongside steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or your favorite Asian-inspired side dishes.

Expert Tips

• Use chicken thighs: They stay juicy and don’t dry out as easily as chicken breasts when cooked at high heat.
• Marinate overnight: The longer the chicken marinates, the deeper the flavor. If short on time, at least 2 hours will still yield good results.
• Watch the broiler: Broiling caramelizes the marinade quickly, so keep a close eye to prevent burning.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey slightly or swap it for brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
• Make extra marinade: If you want a sauce on the side, double the marinade ingredients and cook down the reserved portion to thicken.

Variations and Customizations

• Spicy Char Siu Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of chili paste or Sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Char Siu Chicken Skewers: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, marinate, then thread onto skewers and grill or broil.
• Char Siu Chicken Salad: Slice the cooked chicken and toss it with mixed greens, cucumber, and a sesame-ginger dressing for a light meal.
• Oven vs. Grill: Feel free to cook the chicken on a grill for an extra smoky flavor instead of the oven.
• Vegetarian Version: Use firm tofu or seitan and marinate with the same sauce for a plant-based alternative.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through, being careful not to dry out the meat. Leftover chicken also works great cold in sandwiches or salads.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can substitute chicken breasts, but they tend to dry out faster than thighs. To keep them juicy, consider marinating longer and reducing cooking time slightly.

Is red food coloring necessary?

No, red food coloring is optional. It gives the chicken the traditional bright red hue of Char Siu but doesn’t affect the flavor. You can skip it if you prefer a natural look.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! The marinade can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just whisk well before using.

What should I serve with Char Siu Chicken?

Char Siu Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, bok choy, or even fried rice. You can also serve it with noodles or in bao buns for a fun twist.

Conclusion

This Char Siu Chicken recipe is a delicious and accessible way to bring the vibrant flavors of Chinese barbecue into your kitchen. With a simple marinade and easy cooking steps, you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned food lover or new to Asian cuisine, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your family and friends. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of authentic, mouthwatering Char Siu right at home!

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