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
Scale
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.
