Name: Savory Char Siu Chicken: Unlock Juicy Flavor at Home!
Prep time: 120 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 180 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Hoisin Sauce; 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (Tamari for gluten-free); 1/4 cup Honey (Maple syrup for vegan); 1/4 cup Oyster Sauce (Mushroom-based for vegan); 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar (White vinegar as substitute); 3 cloves Garlic (Minced); 1 tablespoon Chinese Five-Spice Powder; 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (Grapeseed oil as substitute); 2 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (Adjust cooking time if using breasts)

0 Shares

There’s nothing quite like the delightful aroma of tender Char Siu Chicken wafting through the kitchen, instantly transporting me to my favorite Chinese BBQ joint. This dish, with its glossy, caramelized glaze, isn’t just a feast for the eyes; the sweet and savory marinade brings every bite to life, making it an instant hit at any gathering.

After a long week, I often find myself craving the comforting taste of homemade food that transports me away from the usual fast-food routine. With just a few simple ingredients like hoisin sauce, honey, and a touch of Chinese Five-Spice, you’ll discover that creating restaurant-quality flavors at home doesn’t have to be complicated.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or hosting friends for a festive occasion, this Char Siu Chicken is versatile enough to shine in any setting. Plus, I’ll share some creative ideas for using any leftovers, ensuring that this dish never goes to waste. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring the magic of Char Siu to your kitchen!

Why is Char Siu Chicken so beloved?

Irresistible Flavor: The sweet and savory marinade creates a mouthwatering taste that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Easy Prep: With just a few ingredients, whipping up this dish is simple, making it perfect for busy nights without sacrificing flavor.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a guaranteed hit at gatherings, impressing everyone with its glossy finish and succulent meat.
Versatile Use: Enjoy leftovers in various ways; try them in a flavorful Banh Mi or toss them into fried rice for a delightful twist.
No Fancy Equipment Needed: You can achieve restaurant-quality results using everyday kitchen tools, making it accessible for all home cooks.
Comforting Aroma: As it bakes, your kitchen fills with an inviting scent, turning any mealtime into a special occasion.

Char Siu Chicken Ingredients

For the Marinade

Hoisin Sauce – A must for that sweet and savory flavor, but if you’re out, mix soy sauce with a pinch of sugar for a quick alternative.
Soy Sauce – Adds umami and saltiness to the marinade; tamari works well as a gluten-free substitute.
Honey – Infuses natural sweetness, while maple syrup makes for a delicious vegan alternative.
Oyster Sauce – Deepens the flavor, but vegan cooks can swap in mushroom-based sauces for a similar effect.
Rice Vinegar – Balances the dish with acidity; substitute with white vinegar if rice vinegar isn’t handy.
Garlic – Freshly minced for the best aromatic flavor, elevating the entire dish.
Chinese Five-Spice Powder – Essential for authentic taste; a homemade blend of cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and fennel can be used but will yield a slightly different flavor.
Sesame Oil – Brings a nutty depth to the marinade; grapeseed oil can replace it for a more neutral flavor.

For the Chicken

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – The star of the dish, ensuring tender and juicy results; chicken breasts can be substituted, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Enjoy crafting your Char Siu Chicken, and savor the transformation of simple ingredients into a remarkable culinary experience!

How to Make Char Siu Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it sets the stage for perfectly cooked chicken, ensuring it remains juicy inside while developing a caramelized crust.
Mix the marinade in a bowl by combining hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, five-spice powder, and sesame oil. Stir until well blended; this fragrant mixture is the heart of your dish.
Marinate the chicken thighs by placing them in a resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken and seal the bag, making sure to coat every piece. Refrigerate for 2 hours or, for the best flavor, overnight.
Reserve the other half of the marinade by covering it and placing it in the refrigerator. This will later transform into a tasty glaze for the chicken.
Rest the marinated chicken at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps to ensure even cooking throughout, so you avoid any cold spots.
Arrange the chicken on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Spread them out to allow even cooking and promote perfect caramelization.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked through. The thighs should be tender and juicy, with a beautiful deep color.
Simmer the reserved marinade in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened. This will intensify the flavors and provide a luscious glaze for your chicken when serving.
Brush the cooked chicken with the thickened marinade and place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to achieve a gorgeous caramelized finish without burning.
Rest the chicken for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is as juicy as possible.

Optional: Serve with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an added burst of flavor!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Char Siu Chicken

Fridge: Store cooked Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, brushing with extra marinade for moisture.

Leftover Ideas: Transform leftover Char Siu Chicken into a delicious Banh Mi or toss it into fried rice for a quick and tasty meal.

Char Siu Chicken Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Char Siu Chicken to suit your taste and dietary needs!

Dairy-Free: Substitute any added butter with olive oil to keep the dish creamy without dairy.
Low-Sodium: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt while still enjoying the savory flavors.
Spicy Twist: Add a splash of sriracha or sliced chili peppers to the marinade for an irresistible heat that complements the sweetness.
Herb Infusion: Toss fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or green onions into the marinade for an aromatic boost that brightens every bite.
Crispy Skin Lovers: Broil the chicken skin-side up for a few minutes longer to achieve delicious, crunchy skin that packs a flavor punch.
Vegetarian Delight: Swap the chicken for thick slices of firm tofu, marinating and baking until golden for a fabulous plant-based meal.
Citrus Kick: Add the zest of lime or orange to the marinade for a refreshing citrus note that lifts the dish beautifully.
Grill It: Use this marinade to coat skewered chicken pieces for a delightful grilled version, perfect for summer barbecues!

Expert Tips for Char Siu Chicken

Marinate Overnight: For optimal flavor, let the chicken soak in the marinade overnight; this enhances the sweetness and savoriness remarkably.

Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked Char Siu Chicken.

Avoid Overcrowding: Space the chicken thighs evenly on the baking sheet to prevent steaming, which can reduce the caramelization effect—an essential feature of this dish.

Keep an Eye on Broiling: When broiling, monitor the chicken closely as it can easily burn; a couple of minutes can make all the difference in achieving that perfect glossy finish.

Rest Before Slicing: Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. This helps retain juices, ensuring every bite of your Char Siu Chicken is succulent and tender.

Make Ahead Options

These Char Siu Chicken thighs are perfect for meal prep! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for maximum flavor. Simply place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag with half of the marinade and refrigerate. Meanwhile, you can prepare the remaining marinade and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, let the marinated chicken sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking—this ensures even cooking and juicy results. Finish by brushing on the thickened reserved marinade after baking and broiling for that irresistible caramelized glaze, allowing you to enjoy delicious, restaurant-quality Char Siu Chicken with minimal effort on busy nights!

What to Serve with Char Siu Chicken?

Savoring tender Char Siu Chicken is a delightful experience; enhancing it with the right sides makes the meal truly memorable.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: This light and fragrant rice absorbs the chicken’s savory sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Crisp, colorful veggies add freshness and crunch, harmonizing beautifully with the sticky sweetness of the chicken.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with a tangy dressing cuts through the richness, adding brightness to your plate.
Egg Fried Rice: This classic side brings a comforting element, and the eggs enhance the dish with added protein and creaminess.
Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls stuffed with veggies provide an exciting textural contrast, complementing the tender chicken superbly.
Chinese Beer or Iced Tea: Refreshing drinks like a light Chinese beer or sweet iced tea will cleanse your palate between bites, enhancing your dining experience.

The variety of flavors and textures will elevate your Char Siu Chicken to an extraordinary dinner that delights the whole family!

Char Siu Chicken Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for Char Siu Chicken?
Absolutely! I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe, as they provide the perfect balance of tenderness and juiciness. While you can substitute with chicken breasts, be mindful to adjust the cooking time, as breasts tend to dry out faster.

How should I store leftover Char Siu Chicken?
Very simple! Store your cooked Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. I often make extra just for fantastic lunches throughout the week!

Can I freeze Char Siu Chicken?
Yes, you can! For freezing, wrap the cooked chicken in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag. It will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Brush on some extra marinade for added flavor!

What if my Char Siu Chicken is dry after cooking?
If you find that your Char Siu Chicken comes out dry, it may be due to overcooking. Always use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). To add moisture back in, you can brush it with the reserved thickened marinade during reheating, which will help restore that juicy texture.

Can I use alternatives for the ingredients in the marinade?
Definitely! If you have dietary restrictions, you can substitute hoisin sauce with a mix of soy sauce and sugar, or use tamari for a gluten-free option. Additionally, if someone is vegan, maple syrup is a great substitute for honey, and mushroom-based sauces can replace oyster sauce. The flavors may vary slightly, but it’ll still turn out delicious!

Is Char Siu Chicken safe for pets?
While Char Siu Chicken is delicious for us, it’s best to avoid giving it to pets due to the ingredients, particularly garlic and soy sauce, which aren’t safe for many pets. Always keep a close eye on what your furry friends can enjoy!