If you have ever craved that irresistible, sweet-savory flavor from your favorite Chinese takeout, then this Char Siu Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. With tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a luscious glaze made from hoisin, honey, soy sauce, and a hint of Chinese five-spice, this dish captures the very essence of classic char siu in an easy-to-make version at home. It brings that mouthwatering caramelized exterior and fragrant aroma that will have you coming back for seconds, thirds, and maybe even fourths. Trust me, once you try this Char Siu Chicken Recipe, you’ll be hooked on recreating this authentic taste whenever the craving strikes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, well-balanced ingredients is the secret to nailing this recipe with fantastic flavor and texture. Every component plays a crucial role in building the layers of sweet, tangy, and umami notes that make this Char Siu Chicken Recipe stand out.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, these absorb the marinade better than chicken breasts.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a rich, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor that is essential for classic char siu taste.
- Soy sauce: Brings saltiness and depth to balance the sweetness.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken beautifully.
- Oyster sauce: Enhances umami richness with a subtle seafood undertone.
- Rice vinegar: Cuts through the richness with a mild tang and brightens the flavors.
- Minced garlic: Adds fragrant warmth and a punch of savoriness.
- Chinese five-spice powder: A fragrant blend that gives the dish its signature aromatic complexity.
- Sesame oil: Finishes off with a nutty aroma that elevates the entire marinade.
How to Make Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Marinade
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to cook the chicken just right. In a medium bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil. This delicious marinade is where the magic happens, and every ingredient contributes a special element to build the authentic char siu flavor profile.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag, pour in half of the marinade, seal it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. Let the chicken soak up all those flavors for at least 2 hours, though leaving it overnight intensifies the taste beautifully. Meanwhile, keep the remaining marinade refrigerated separately for later use.
Step 3: Ready, Set, Bake
Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This gives the meat an even cook. Then, arrange the chicken thighs on a foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and succulent.
Step 4: Make the Glaze and Broil
While the chicken cooks, transfer the reserved marinade to a saucepan. Bring it to a boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened into a glorious glaze. Once the chicken is done baking, brush this thickened sauce generously on top. Broil the chicken for 2 to 3 more minutes to achieve that beautiful caramelized char that makes this dish irresistible. Keep an eye to avoid burning!
Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Enjoy
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices before slicing. This final step ensures every bite is tender and bursting with flavor. Now your Char Siu Chicken Recipe is ready to be served, perfect for impressing family or indulging yourself.
How to Serve Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions adds a fresh crunch and lovely visual contrast to the glossy, caramelized chicken. A light drizzle of extra hoisin or sriracha sauce can amp up the flavor even more.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs fabulously with steamed jasmine rice to soak up every bit of that sticky glaze. Stir-fried vegetables or a simple cucumber salad offer a crisp, refreshing balance against the rich, sweet chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken sliced over a bed of noodles tossed with a sesame-soy dressing for a hearty and colorful meal. Alternatively, dice the char siu chicken and fold it into steamed bao buns with pickled vegetables for a fun, hand-held treat that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and is perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. It can last for about 2 months without significant loss of flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water and covering it loosely while warming helps retain moisture and keeps it just as delicious as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs are preferred for this Char Siu Chicken Recipe because they stay juicier and absorb the marinade better. If using breasts, try not to overcook them since they dry out faster.
Is Chinese five-spice powder necessary?
It’s highly recommended because it gives the dish its unique aroma and spice balance, combining star anise, cloves, cinnamon, fennel, and pepper. If you don’t have it, a mix of cinnamon and a pinch of ground cloves can be a fallback, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?
Absolutely! Grilling over medium heat while brushing with the thickened marinade is a fantastic way to add a smoky depth to your Char Siu Chicken Recipe. Just watch carefully so the sugars in the glaze don’t burn.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?
Marinating for at least 2 hours works well, but overnight is even better for deeper flavor penetration and tender meat.
What can I substitute if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
Hoisin adds sweetness and complexity, but in a pinch, a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and a bit of peanut butter or plum sauce can mimic a similar profile. It won’t be exactly the same but can still work deliciously in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
Getting into the kitchen to whip up this Char Siu Chicken Recipe feels like treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss. It’s full of bold flavors, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying every single time. Whether for a family dinner or a casual weeknight feast, I encourage you to give it a try – your taste buds will thank you! Enjoy the sweet, savory, and aromatic delight of homemade char siu chicken and watch it become a fast favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Char Siu Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus at least 2 hours marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Char Siu Chicken recipe features tender, boneless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder. Oven-baked and finished under the broiler for a delicious caramelized glaze, this dish delivers authentic Asian-inspired flavors perfect for a tasty weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken thighs to perfection.
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, mix together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag.
- Add Marinade to Chicken: Pour half of the marinade over the chicken thighs, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to absorb the flavors.
- Reserve Marinade: Cover and refrigerate the remaining marinade separately for later use.
- Bring Chicken to Room Temperature: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange the marinated chicken thighs on it in a single layer.
- Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.
- Simmer Reserved Marinade: While the chicken cooks, transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan and bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened.
- Brush Chicken with Glaze: Remove the chicken from the oven and brush the thickened marinade evenly over the pieces.
- Broil Chicken: Broil the chicken under high heat for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a caramelized, slightly charred finish without burning.
- Remove and Rest: Once caramelized, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to lock in juices.
- Serve: Slice and serve the flavorful Char Siu Chicken warm, perfect alongside steamed rice or vegetables.
- Enjoy: Enjoy your homemade classic Char Siu Chicken with its savory and sweet balance of flavors!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor intensity.
- Be careful while broiling to prevent burning the glaze, as sugars caramelize quickly.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use boneless, skinless thighs for juicy, tender meat; chicken breasts can be substituted but may be less moist.
- Serve with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or bao buns for a complete meal.
