Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful and savory dish that brings the rich, sweet, and slightly smoky flavors of traditional Chinese Char Siu to your kitchen. This easy-to-make recipe features boneless chicken thighs or breasts marinated in a delectable mix of hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder. Roasting or grilling the chicken creates a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy on the inside. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing dish at any gathering. With its irresistible marinade and sticky glaze, this Char Siu Chicken is sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients
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1/2 cup hoisin sauce
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1/4 cup honey
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
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2 tbsp rice vinegar
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp red food coloring (optional)
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2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and red food coloring (optional). Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but for the best flavor, marinate overnight.
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Preheat the Oven or Grill: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your grill for medium heat.
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Cook the Chicken: Once marinated, place the chicken on a rack in the oven or directly on the grill grates. Occasionally baste the chicken with the reserved marinade to create a signature sticky glaze.
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Roast or Grill: Roast or grill the chicken for about 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Make sure to monitor the temperature throughout cooking to prevent charring.
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Rest the Chicken: After removing the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Slice and serve.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
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Add Spice: Add chili flakes or ginger to the marinade for a spicy twist.
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Alternate Proteins: Swap out chicken for turkey or beef for exciting variations.
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Skin-On Chicken: Using skin-on boneless thighs guarantees juicier meat with a crispy exterior.
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Grilled Version: If you prefer grilling, follow the same instructions and adjust cooking times based on your grill’s heat.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on a stovetop pan over low heat. If you prefer to keep the crispy texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Keep in mind that breasts may dry out more easily, so monitor cooking closely and avoid overcooking.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. However, if you’re short on time, marinate for at least 1 hour.
Can I skip the food coloring?
Yes, the food coloring is optional and is traditionally used to give the chicken the iconic red hue, but it does not affect the flavor.
Can I cook this in a skillet instead of an oven or grill?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat. Just be sure to baste the chicken with marinade while cooking for that signature glaze.
Can I freeze the chicken after marinating?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken after marinating. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.
Conclusion
Irresistibly Juicy Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or entertaining guests, this easy recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with a beautiful sticky glaze. With a delicious marinade of hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder, this dish is packed with bold flavors that will make it a new favorite in your meal rotation.
Print
Juicy Char Siu Chicken with Sweet and Savory Glaze
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Irresistibly Juicy Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful dish that brings the savory, sweet, and smoky flavors of Chinese Char Siu to your kitchen. Marinated in hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder, this chicken is roasted or grilled to perfection, creating a crispy exterior and juicy interior. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, and with its sticky glaze, it’s sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients
½ cup hoisin sauce
¼ cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
2 tbsp rice vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp red food coloring (optional)
2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and red food coloring (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or for the best flavor, marinate overnight.
- Preheat the Oven or Grill: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your grill for medium heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Once marinated, place the chicken on a rack in the oven or directly on the grill grates. Occasionally baste with the reserved marinade to create a sticky glaze.
- Roast or Grill: Roast or grill the chicken for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Monitor temperature to avoid charring.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to retain juices.
Notes
- Add Spice: Add chili flakes or ginger to the marinade for extra heat.
- Alternate Proteins: Swap chicken for turkey or beef for a different twist.
- Skin-On Chicken: For juicier meat, use skin-on boneless thighs.
- Grilled Version: Follow the same instructions on a grill, adjusting the time based on grill heat.
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: Chinese
