Description

Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish inspired by the famous Cantonese barbecue pork, Char Siu. This recipe transforms tender chicken into a savory-sweet delight, featuring a glossy, caramelized glaze with a balance of smoky, sweet, and umami flavors. The key to achieving authentic Char Siu flavor lies in the marinade, which includes hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, and five-spice powder. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or as a show-stopping main course for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 ½ tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (for deeper color)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
½ teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
½ teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for classic Char Siu color)

Ingredient Highlights

Hoisin Sauce: A rich, slightly sweet, and savory sauce that gives the dish depth of flavor.
Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create a caramelized glaze.
Chinese Five-Spice Powder: A blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel that adds warmth and complexity.
Shaoxing Wine: Adds authentic depth and umami; substitute with dry sherry if unavailable.
Dark Soy Sauce: Deepens the color of the chicken and enhances umami flavor.

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, honey, oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, five-spice powder, white pepper, garlic, ginger, Shaoxing wine, and optional red food coloring.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is well-coated.
Refrigerate: Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight for maximum flavor).

Cook the Chicken:

Option 1: Oven Method
4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on top.
5. Arrange the marinated chicken on the rack, reserving extra marinade for basting.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, basting with reserved marinade every 10 minutes.
7. In the last 5 minutes, switch to broil mode to caramelize the exterior, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Option 2: Grill Method
4. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C).
5. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, basting with marinade, until slightly charred and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/75°C).
6. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Option 3: Air Fryer Method
4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
5. Place the chicken in a single layer and air-fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Brush with additional marinade and air-fry for another 3 minutes to caramelize.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 300-350 kcal
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g