Transform your dinner routine with this irresistible Char Siu Chicken recipe that brings the bold, sweet, and savory flavors of Cantonese barbecue right to your kitchen. This Asian-inspired dish combines tender chicken thighs with a glossy, caramelized glaze that’s absolutely addictive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Char Siu Chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of honey, hoisin sauce, and aromatic spices creates a complex flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory, while the chicken thighs remain incredibly juicy and tender. Unlike traditional char siu pork, this chicken version cooks faster and offers a lighter alternative without sacrificing any of that signature umami-rich taste. The beautiful glossy finish and optional red coloring give this dish an authentic appearance that’s sure to impress family and guests alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for traditional color)
How to Make Char Siu Chicken:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, five-spice powder, garlic powder, ground ginger, white pepper, salt, and red food coloring (if using). Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the marinade is smooth.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Place chicken thighs in a large zip-lock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the excess liquid for basting.
Step 4: Initial Baking Arrange marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove and brush with reserved marinade.
Step 5: Continue Cooking and Glazing Return chicken to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Brush with marinade every 5 minutes during this final cooking phase to build up the glossy glaze.
Step 6: Rest and Serve Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. The chicken should have a beautiful caramelized exterior with a glossy finish.
Helpful Tips:
Choose chicken thighs over breasts for this recipe as they remain more tender and flavorful during the cooking process. The higher fat content in thighs also helps create a better glaze. If you must use chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time by 5-8 minutes and monitor closely to prevent overcooking.
For an extra layer of flavor, score the chicken thighs lightly with a knife before marinating. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat. When basting, use a silicone brush to avoid disturbing the developing glaze.
Details:
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time) Cook Time: 25-30 minutes Total Time: 40-45 minutes (plus marinating) Servings: 4 Difficulty: Easy
The key to authentic char siu flavor lies in the balance of sweet and savory elements. The honey provides natural sweetness and helps create the characteristic caramelized exterior, while the hoisin sauce adds depth and umami. Five-spice powder is essential for that distinctive Chinese flavor profile, combining star anise, cloves, cinnamon, fennel, and Sichuan peppercorns.
Notes:
Red food coloring is traditional in char siu preparations and gives the dish its signature appearance, but it’s entirely optional and doesn’t affect the flavor. For a natural alternative, you can add a small amount of tomato paste or paprika to achieve a reddish hue.
This recipe works equally well on the grill. Cook over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, basting frequently with the reserved marinade. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F regardless of cooking method.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, but chicken breasts cook faster and can become dry. Reduce cooking time to 20-25 minutes total and check for doneness frequently.
How long can I marinate the chicken? You can marinate for up to 24 hours. Longer marinating times will result in more flavorful chicken, but don’t exceed 24 hours as the acids in the marinade can affect the texture.
Can I make this recipe without hoisin sauce? Hoisin sauce is crucial for authentic char siu flavor, but you can substitute with a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and a pinch of five-spice powder, though the flavor will be different.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Not as written, since hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce typically contain gluten. Look for gluten-free versions of these sauces to make this recipe gluten-free.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Char Siu Chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The chicken can be enjoyed cold in salads or sandwiches, or reheated gently in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The glaze may lose some of its glossy appearance when reheated, but the flavor remains excellent.
Conclusion:
This Char Siu Chicken recipe brings the beloved flavors of Cantonese barbecue to your home kitchen with remarkable ease. The sweet and savory glaze, combined with tender chicken thighs, creates a dish that’s both comforting and exotic. Whether you’re looking to expand your Asian cooking repertoire or simply want to try something new for dinner, this flavor-packed recipe delivers authentic taste with minimal fuss. Serve it with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.