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If you adore bold, sweet, and savory flavors with a touch of aromatic spice, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Char Siu Chicken Recipe. This dish captures the essence of traditional Chinese barbecue, transforming simple chicken into a glossy, caramelized marvel bursting with a perfect balance of hoisin, honey, and fragrant five-spice. Whether you’re grilling or baking, this recipe is an easy yet impressive way to bring a restaurant-quality meal right to your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Char Siu Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the authentic taste and vibrant appearance. From the rich umami of oyster sauce to the sweet depth of brown sugar, these ingredients come together to build layers of flavor that are truly irresistible.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Choose dark meat for juicier results or breasts for a leaner option.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy base essential for that classic char siu flavor.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium): Brings savory saltiness while keeping the dish balanced.
- 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry): Helps tenderize and infuse a subtle, authentic aroma.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Provides natural sweetness and aids in caramelization during cooking.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Deepens sweetness with a rich molasses undertone.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Enhances umami and adds a luscious texture.
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder: Infuses warmth with notes of star anise, cinnamon, and clove.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a mellow garlicky flavor without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Adds a fresh, slightly spicy zing to brighten the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Contributes a nutty aroma that completes the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional): Gives that iconic vibrant red hue traditional to char siu.
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (optional): Introduces gentle heat with a subtle earthiness.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening): Perfect for crafting a luscious glaze from leftover marinade.
- Cooking spray or oil (for grilling or baking): Ensures the chicken doesn’t stick and helps develop a beautiful crust.
How to Make Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine, honey, brown sugar, oyster sauce, five-spice powder, garlic powder, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red food coloring if using. It’s important to stir until all the sugar is fully dissolved so the flavors blend seamlessly and the marinade has that silky texture that will coat the chicken perfectly.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts or thighs into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour that aromatic marinade over the top. Seal or cover, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours—overnight is best if you can wait—allowing every bite to soak up the fantastic flavors. This step is key for juicy, flavorful results.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven or Grill
If you’re baking, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). For grilling, heat your grill to medium, around 350°F. Preheating ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets that desirable caramelized exterior.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
For baking, line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat, and place the chicken on it after removing excess marinade. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and boasts a slightly caramelized crust. For grilling, cook each side for 6 to 8 minutes, brushing with extra marinade if you like, until the chicken is cooked through and has that gorgeous charred finish.
Step 5: Finish With a Glaze (Optional)
If you want to elevate your Char Siu Chicken Recipe even further, simmer the leftover marinade with a bit of cornstarch mixed in water until thick and glossy. Drizzle this over the finished chicken for an eye-catching shine and an extra kick of flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your gorgeous char siu chicken and get ready to wow your taste buds. Whether paired with fluffy steamed rice or tucked into a soft bao bun, this recipe delivers irresistible flavor every time.
How to Serve Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of cilantro add not only color but bursts of fresh flavor that contrast wonderfully with the rich, sweet chicken. These simple touches make your dish look as fantastic as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Char Siu Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried veggies such as bok choy, snap peas, or bell peppers. The light, fresh sides balance the deep, savory-sweet notes of the chicken perfectly for a harmoniously satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking for something fun? Serve the chicken sliced inside fluffy bao buns with pickled cucumbers and a dash of chili sauce for a trendy street-food vibe. Or, unwrap it over a bed of noodles with fresh herbs for a colorful and comforting dish that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your cooked Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed helps retain moisture and flavor, making your leftovers just as enjoyable as when freshly made.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken to extend its shelf life up to 2 months. Slice it first and lay pieces flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag or container—this prevents clumping and makes reheating easier.
Reheating
Warm your leftover Char Siu Chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Adding a splash of water or extra sauce helps keep it juicy and prevents drying out, preserving that signature tender bite.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Char Siu Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking, giving your char siu an extra tender and flavorful result. Both cuts work well, so choose based on your preference.
Is red food coloring necessary for authentic Char Siu Chicken?
While the red coloring is traditional and gives that iconic appearance, it’s completely optional and does not affect the flavor. If you prefer a natural look, you can leave it out without compromising taste.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
Marinating at least 2 hours is important, but overnight marination is ideal. The extra time lets the flavors deeply penetrate the meat for a more intense and delicious bite.
Can I make a Char Siu Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives, and double-check that your rice wine or sherry is gluten-free. This way, you keep all the delicious flavors safely gluten-free.
What is the best way to achieve that perfect caramelized exterior?
High heat cooking methods like grilling or oven-baking at the right temperature, flipping halfway, and optionally brushing with reserved marinade help caramelize sugars on the surface, creating the signature shiny, flavorful crust.
Final Thoughts
This Char Siu Chicken Recipe is a wonderful introduction to the vibrant flavors of Chinese barbecue that you can easily master at home. Its comforting sweetness, aromatic spices, and luscious glaze make each bite pure joy. I encourage you to dive in, try it out, and watch this recipe become a beloved staple in your kitchen as it has in mine.
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Char Siu Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (baking) or 12-16 minutes (grilling)
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful Chinese-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a sweet and savory blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, honey, and a blend of spices. The chicken is then either baked or grilled to perfection, resulting in juicy meat with a slightly caramelized and charred exterior, commonly served with steamed rice, vegetables, or in bao buns.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for traditional red appearance)
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
Optional for Glaze
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for thickening)
- Water (to mix with cornstarch)
Other
- Cooking spray or oil (for grilling or baking)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine, honey, brown sugar, oyster sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, garlic powder, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red food coloring if using. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture is well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, seal, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight to allow the flavors to fully infuse.
- Preheat for baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you plan to bake the chicken.
- Preheat for grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat, approximately 350°F, if grilling.
- Cook the chicken (baking): Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Remove chicken from marinade (discard marinade). Place chicken on baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and outside is slightly caramelized.
- Cook the chicken (grilling): Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the exterior is slightly charred. Optionally baste with extra marinade during grilling for enhanced flavor.
- Finish with glaze (optional): To thicken remaining marinade for glaze, mix cornstarch with a little water and reduce the marinade in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir for 2-3 minutes until thickened, then drizzle over cooked chicken.
- Serve: Slice Char Siu Chicken and serve with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or inside a bao bun for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor absorption and tenderness.
- Red food coloring is optional but lends the traditional vibrant red hue characteristic of Char Siu.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier results.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
- Make sure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- If grilling, watch for flare-ups due to sugar in marinade and adjust grill heat accordingly.
- The thickened glaze adds a shiny, sticky coating reminiscent of traditional Char Siu glaze.
- Pair with steamed greens or pickled vegetables for a balanced meal.
