Friend, if you love bold flavors and that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a touch of spice, you are going to adore this Char Siu Chicken Recipe. It captures the spirit of traditional Chinese barbecue, but made incredibly simple at home with everyday ingredients. The juicy, caramelized chicken, infused with that signature five-spice and honey glaze, will have you craving it again and again. Whether you’re looking to impress your family or just treat yourself, this dish is pure comfort with a deliciously exotic twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to this Char Siu Chicken Recipe, the ingredients are delightfully straightforward but pack a powerful punch that defines the dish. Each item plays a crucial role, from the rich depth of hoisin and oyster sauce to the aromatic warmth of five-spice powder. Here’s everything you’ll want to gather before you get started.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for more juiciness or breasts for leaner meat.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds that sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy base flavor.
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce: Brings savory umami that’s essential to Chinese cooking.
- 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry: Adds subtle complexity and tenderizes the meat.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create that beautiful glaze.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Deepens sweetness with a hint of molasses.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Boosts richness with its salty, slightly sweet notes.
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder: The soul of this recipe, combining star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seed.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle but necessary savory kick.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: For fresh, zesty warmth.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Introduces a toasty, nutty aroma that’s incredibly inviting.
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional): For that iconic red hue found in traditional Char Siu.
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (optional): Adds mild heat without overpowering.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional): Used if you want to thicken the marinade into a glaze.
- Cooking spray or oil: For grilling or baking the chicken perfectly without sticking.
How to Make Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Mixing a marinade that sings is the first exciting step. Whisk together hoisin, soy sauce, rice wine, honey, brown sugar, oyster sauce, five-spice powder, garlic powder, ginger, sesame oil, and if you want, that classic red food coloring. This blend melds sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors, creating the perfect marinade that’s the heart of your Char Siu Chicken Recipe.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over them. Seal it up tight and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor infusion. This patience pays off with every juicy, tender bite.
Step 3: Preheat Your Cooking Method
Depending on what you prefer, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for baking, or get your grill heated to medium (about 350°F) for those lovely charred edges that scream barbecue perfection. Both methods lock in flavor beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
For baking, line a sheet with parchment or a silicone mat, and lay your marinated chicken pieces down, discarding the leftover marinade. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and develops a caramelized glaze. If grilling, cook each side for 6-8 minutes, basting with reserved marinade for even more intense flavor and that irresistible slight char.
Step 5: Finish with a Glaze (Optional)
If you’re a fan of that sticky, luscious glaze, reduce the leftover marinade on medium heat with a little cornstarch slurry until thickened. Drizzle this over your cooked chicken to add an extra layer of glossy deliciousness that makes every bite sparkle.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your Char Siu Chicken and prepare to wow everyone at the table with this fantastic recipe that’s wonderfully versatile and sure to become a fast favorite.
How to Serve Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro elevate the dish with a burst of color and fresh flavor. These finishing touches provide a lovely contrast to the rich chicken, making your presentation as appetizing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Char Siu Chicken pairs brilliantly with steamed jasmine rice, garlic sautéed bok choy, or a crunchy Asian slaw. These sides complement the savory-sweet punch of the chicken and round out the meal perfectly for balanced satisfaction.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving your Char Siu Chicken in bao buns with pickled veggies, or thinly slice it for a vibrant rice bowl topped with avocado, cucumber, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. This flexibility lets you enjoy the Char Siu Chicken Recipe in a way that suits your mood and occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to enjoy that delightful Char Siu flavor again with ease.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, freeze your cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve delicious moisture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven to maintain the chicken’s tenderness and caramelized exterior. Avoid the microwave if possible to prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Char Siu Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a fantastic choice because they stay juicier and more flavorful while cooking, giving you an even richer Char Siu experience.
Do I have to use red food coloring?
No, the red food coloring is entirely optional and mainly for that iconic look of traditional Char Siu. The flavor won’t be affected if you skip it.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the marinade a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. This also helps all those beautiful flavors meld even better before marinating the chicken.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Char Siu Chicken Recipe?
While this recipe is for chicken, you can experiment with tofu or cauliflower, marinating them in the same sauce for a delicious plant-based take on Char Siu.
What should I do if I don’t have Chinese five-spice powder?
You can make a quick substitute by mixing ground cinnamon, star anise, cloves, fennel seed, and white pepper to mimic the unique flavor blend of five-spice.
Final Thoughts
This Char Siu Chicken Recipe is a brilliantly simple way to bring a taste of Chinese barbecue magic into your own kitchen. The layers of flavor, the gorgeous caramelization, and the juicy tenderness make it a recipe worth keeping close. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see how quickly it becomes a beloved part of your meal rotation!
Print
Char Siu Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Char Siu Chicken recipe offers a deliciously savory and sweet Chinese-style roast chicken infused with classic five-spice, hoisin, and soy flavors. Perfectly marinated and cooked by baking or grilling, the chicken achieves a tender, juicy texture with a slightly caramelized exterior reminiscent of traditional Cantonese barbecue. Ideal for serving with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or in bao buns, this dish brings authentic Asian flavors to your home cooking.
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 the traditional red appearance)
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
- Cooking spray or oil (for grilling or baking)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the 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 the sugar dissolves and the marinade is well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to thoroughly infuse the meat.
- Preheat the oven or grill: For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). For grilling, preheat the grill to medium heat, about 350°F.
- Cook the chicken: For baking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard marinade) and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the surface is slightly caramelized. For grilling, cook chicken 6-8 minutes per side until grill marks appear and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste occasionally with reserved marinade if desired.
- Finish with glaze (optional): For a thicker glaze, reduce any remaining marinade in a saucepan over medium heat. Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the marinade. Cook 2-3 minutes until thickened, then drizzle over cooked chicken.
- Serve: Slice the Char Siu Chicken and serve alongside steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or inside a bao bun for an authentic experience.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight if possible for deeper flavor infusion.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more tender, juicy results.
- Red food coloring is optional and mainly traditional for achieving the signature red hue.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe consumption.
- Basting while grilling enhances flavor but discard used marinade to avoid contamination.
- The glaze step is optional but adds extra richness and stickiness to the chicken.
