Get ready to fall in love with this Char Siu Chicken Recipe—a vibrant, flavor-packed twist on traditional Chinese barbecue that’s sure to become your go-to for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Juicy, tender chicken thighs are marinated in a glossy, sweet-salty sauce, kissed with a hint of five-spice, and roasted (or grilled!) until irresistibly caramelized. Whether you serve it over fluffy rice or tuck slices into bao buns, this Char Siu Chicken Recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Char Siu Chicken Recipe has a special role—some add depth and umami, others bring sweetness, color, or that signature glaze. They’re easy to find, but together, they create a flavor explosion that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts!
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and soak up all the delicious marinade.
- Hoisin Sauce: Adds a sweet, tangy base with lots of umami for that classic char siu flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Provides saltiness and deepens the savory notes—use low sodium if you prefer.
- Honey: Brings the signature sweetness and helps the chicken caramelize beautifully.
- Oyster Sauce: Adds richness and complexity; don’t skip it for authentic flavor.
- Shaoxing Wine (or Dry Sherry): Offers subtle warmth and aroma—substitute with dry sherry if needed.
- Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle infuses the marinade with toasty, nutty flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the marinade an aromatic backbone.
- Five-Spice Powder: This classic blend adds depth and that unmistakable Chinese BBQ fragrance.
- Red Food Coloring (optional): For that iconic ruby-red char siu look—totally optional, but fun!
- Sesame Seeds & Sliced Green Onions: The perfect finishing touch for flavor and a pop of color.
How to Make Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, minced garlic, five-spice powder, and a few drops of red food coloring if you want that classic look. Give it a good whisk—the aroma alone will make your mouth water! This mixture is the heart and soul of the Char Siu Chicken Recipe, so take a moment to enjoy how all those flavors come together.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bowl, making sure each piece gets coated in that glossy marinade. For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better. The longer the chicken sits, the more flavorful and tender it’ll be, so don’t rush this step if you can help it!
Step 3: Prep for Roasting
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil (for easy cleanup), then set a wire rack on top. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the rack, letting any excess marinade drip off—but don’t toss that leftover marinade, you’ll use it for basting!
Step 4: Roast and Baste
Roast the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes, basting with the reserved marinade halfway through. This is where the magic happens: the marinade caramelizes, forming a sticky, shiny glaze that’s absolute perfection. For an extra touch of charred goodness, broil the chicken for the last 2 to 3 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully caramelized, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle and keeps every bite succulent. Before serving, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a finishing touch that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
How to Serve Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of thinly sliced green onions are the perfect way to finish your Char Siu Chicken Recipe. They add crunch, freshness, and a splash of color that makes the dish look as irresistible as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine rice is a classic pairing, soaking up every drop of that sweet and savory sauce. You can also serve it with stir-fried veggies, sautéed bok choy, or toss it into noodle bowls for an easy, satisfying meal. The flavors play so well with other Asian-inspired sides!
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate—slice your Char Siu Chicken Recipe and tuck it into bao buns, layer it over salads, or stuff it into sandwiches for a modern twist. Leftovers are fantastic in fried rice or noodle stir-fries, making this recipe as versatile as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Char Siu Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers almost as good as the first round!
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze cooked and cooled chicken in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave, or better yet, warm it in a covered skillet with a splash of water to keep the meat juicy. Avoid overcooking to maintain that tender, succulent bite.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast will work in this Char Siu Chicken Recipe, though thighs are more forgiving and tend to stay juicier. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as breasts can dry out faster.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce—most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Double-check your labels to be sure!
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?
Definitely. Grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor to this Char Siu Chicken Recipe. Just cook over medium heat, turning and basting until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred.
What can I use instead of Shaoxing wine?
Dry sherry is a great substitute, or you can use a splash of apple juice for a non-alcoholic version. The key is to add a touch of sweetness and depth.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best results, marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal for maximum flavor infusion. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will give you a tasty result.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something bold, sweet, and just a little bit sticky, give this Char Siu Chicken Recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy and rewarding it is to make at home. Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven (or grill), and treat yourself to a meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike!
Print
Char Siu Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking (or Grilling)
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously sweet and savory Char Siu Chicken made with tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a rich blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, and traditional Chinese spices. This easy oven-roasted recipe delivers authentic Chinese BBQ flavors with a beautiful caramelized glaze, perfect for a flavorful main course.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for traditional color)
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, minced garlic, five-spice powder, and red food coloring if using. This mixture forms the flavorful base that will infuse the chicken with traditional Char Siu flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Setup: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil to catch drips and place a wire rack on top to elevate the chicken, helping it cook evenly and caramelize beautifully.
- Arrange Chicken and Roast: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack in a single layer. Reserve any remaining marinade for basting. Roast the chicken in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, basting with the reserved marinade halfway through the cooking time to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Broil for Extra Char (Optional): For a traditional slightly charred finish, switch the oven to broil and cook the chicken for an additional 2 to 3 minutes at the end. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving for a pop of texture and color.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, cook the chicken on a grill instead of in the oven.
- Leftover Char Siu Chicken can be repurposed in fried rice, noodle dishes, or sandwiches.
- If avoiding gluten, use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Red food coloring is optional and only used for traditional appearance, not flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
