If you love bold flavors and mouthwatering aromas, this Char Siu Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining the irresistible sweetness of honey and hoisin with the complexity of five spice and a touch of garlic, this dish transforms simple chicken thighs into a vibrant, juicy feast. Whether you’re craving authentic Chinese BBQ vibes or just want a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner, this Char Siu Chicken Recipe delivers that perfect balance of sticky, savory, and slightly charred goodness every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Char Siu Chicken Recipe just right is all about a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that work together like a dream. Each one plays a special role—from adding depth and heat to creating that glossy, lip-smacking glaze. Here’s what you need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, thighs stay moist during roasting, soaking up all those flavors.
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds that classic sweet-savory backbone essential to Chinese BBQ.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings salty umami that enhances every bite.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Sweetness that helps caramelize and give the chicken its sticky finish.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Deepens the savory notes with a rich, slightly briny essence.
- 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): Adds a subtle fruity acidity that brightens the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances flavors and boosts caramelization for that perfect glaze.
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil: Infuses a warm, nutty undertone that makes this dish unmistakably Asian-inspired.
- 1 teaspoon five spice powder: Aromatic magic with star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, and pepper—a signature of Char Siu.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh bite that complements and rounds out the marinade flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional): Traditionalists use this for an iconic vibrant red hue, but it’s totally optional.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional garnish): Add a fresh, crunchy touch and a beautiful pop of color for serving.
How to Make Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
The heart of this Char Siu Chicken Recipe is in its marinade. Whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, sesame oil, five spice powder, garlic, and red food coloring if you’re using it. This rich, sticky blend is where all those perfect sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors meld beautifully.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken thighs into a large bowl and toss them thoroughly with the marinade until every piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours, but overnight is best—this allows the chicken to soak up maximum flavor and become incredibly tender.
Step 3: Roast the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Set a wire rack on top of the sheet and arrange the marinated chicken thighs evenly. Keep the leftover marinade handy because you’ll baste the chicken to keep it juicy. Roast for 25 minutes, basting once or twice to lock in moisture and build that glistening glaze.
Step 4: Finish with High Heat
Increase your oven to 425°F for the final 10 to 15 minutes. This step is crucial to develop those slightly charred, crispy edges that give Char Siu its signature smoky texture. When done, the chicken will be beautifully caramelized and packed with flavor. Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
How to Serve Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes bring this Char Siu Chicken Recipe to life. Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds right before serving—they add freshness, crunch, and a lovely visual contrast to the glossy meat. These little touches elevate your presentation and round out the flavor.
Side Dishes
Classic pairings like steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce. For more texture and color, serve alongside stir-fried vegetables such as bok choy, snap peas, or bell peppers. These sides provide balance and keep your plate vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to mix it up? Shred your Char Siu Chicken and use it in bao buns or wrap it in lettuce leaves with crunchy cucumbers and a drizzle of mayo for a fun take on finger food. You can also dice and toss it into fried rice or noodles for a tasty weeknight meal or lunch box treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Char Siu Chicken stays delicious in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Keeping it chilled preserves the flavors and tenderness, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save Char Siu Chicken for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooked chicken tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain juiciness and prevent drying out. Adding a splash of water or broth while warming keeps that signature sticky glaze perfect. Avoid the microwave if possible—it can sometimes toughen the meat.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Char Siu Chicken Recipe?
Yes, but keep in mind chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out faster. Marinate well and watch the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking. Thighs remain the best choice for juiciness and flavor absorption.
Is red food coloring necessary for an authentic Char Siu chicken?
Not at all! Red food coloring is used traditionally to give the classic bright red appearance, but it doesn’t affect flavor. Feel free to skip it if you prefer a natural look.
Can I grill the Char Siu Chicken instead of roasting it?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a wonderful smoky note that pairs perfectly with the marinade. Just watch the heat to avoid burning and baste often for the tastiest results.
How long should I marinate the chicken to get the best flavor?
While 2 hours is the minimum, marinating overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply and tenderizes the chicken beautifully. Plan ahead for the tastiest outcome.
What can I use if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?
Dry sherry is a great substitute for Shaoxing wine. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a mix of white grape juice and a splash of rice vinegar can work, though with slightly different flavor nuance.
Final Thoughts
This Char Siu Chicken Recipe is a true gem that brings restaurant-quality Chinese BBQ right to your home kitchen without any fuss. Its rich, layered flavors and juicy, tender texture make it a winning dish any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your own favorite ways to enjoy this delicious meal with friends and family!
Print
Char Siu Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful Chinese BBQ dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a rich blend of hoisin sauce, soy, honey, and aromatic five-spice powder. Roasted to perfection with a slightly charred finish, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect served alongside steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for traditional appearance)
Garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, sesame oil, five-spice powder, minced garlic, and red food coloring if using. Mix well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top to elevate the chicken for even cooking.
- Arrange and Roast: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack in a single layer. Reserve any leftover marinade for basting. Roast the chicken in the oven for 25 minutes, occasionally basting once or twice with the reserved marinade to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Increase Heat and Finish Roasting: After 25 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and continue roasting the chicken for another 10 to 15 minutes. This will help create a slightly charred edge and ensure the chicken is cooked through to juicy perfection.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Then slice the chicken and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired before serving.
Notes
- Char siu is traditionally red in color, but the red food coloring is optional.
- You can grill the chicken for a smokier flavor instead of roasting.
- Serve this dish with steamed rice or noodles and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
