This Easy Char Siu Chicken is both sweet and sticky, thanks to a tasty marinade of soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder. It’s a fun and delicious dish that’s perfect for dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs are perfect for their juiciness, but you can use chicken breasts if that’s what you have. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out.
Hoisin Sauce: This sauce gives the sweet and tangy flavor. If you don’t have it, try using barbecue sauce for a different but tasty note.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. It provides umami without too much salt.
Chinese Shaoxing Wine: If you can’t find this cooking wine, dry sherry or even white wine can work as a replacement, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Red Food Coloring: This is optional! It’s mainly for appearance. If you skip it, your chicken will still taste amazing.
How Do I Get That Perfect Glaze on the Chicken?
The secret to a nice glaze is in the marinating and basting process. Make sure to reserve some of the marinade to create that sticky finish. While the chicken cooks, the marinade thickens, intensifying the flavor.
- After roasting, brush the chicken with the thickened glaze to add layers of flavor.
- For extra caramelization, broil it for just a couple of minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning!
Easy Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional, for traditional red color)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Total Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus a marinating time of at least 2 hours (or overnight for the best flavor). Baking the chicken will be around 25-30 minutes. So, plan for a total of about 2 hours and 45 minutes, mostly waiting for the marination.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red food coloring if you’d like to use it. Mix everything well to create a tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss them around until they are coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For even better flavor, let it marinate overnight!
3. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a rack on top of it.
4. Arrange the Chicken:
Carefully take the chicken out of the marinade and place it on the rack. Let any excess marinade drip off. Don’t throw away the leftover marinade—set it aside for later!
5. Roast the Chicken:
Put the chicken in the preheated oven and roast it for about 20 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling wonderful!
6. Prepare the Glaze:
While the chicken is baking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly into a glaze.
7. Brush on the Glaze:
After 20 minutes, take the chicken out of the oven. Using a brush, smear on the thickened marinade glaze generously over the chicken. Flip the chicken over, glaze the other side, and then put it back in the oven for another 5-7 minutes.
8. Optional Broiling:
If you want a nice caramelized finish, switch your oven to broil and broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes on each side. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
9. Rest and Slice:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Then, slice it into strips.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious char siu chicken over a bed of steamed white rice. Dig in and enjoy the amazing flavors!
This recipe gives you tender, juicy chicken with that signature sticky red glaze—perfect for a family dinner or when you’re craving something deliciously different!
FAQ for Easy Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but they may dry out more easily than thighs. Be sure to monitor their cooking time to avoid overcooking.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 2 hours, but for the best flavor, aim for overnight. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover char siu chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Can I Freeze the Marinated Chicken?
Yes, you can! Just place the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before cooking. The marinade will help keep it flavorful and tender!
