Char Siu Chicken

Introduction

This recipe is your ticket to bringing the bold, mouthwatering flavors of Chinese BBQ right into your home! This Cantonese-inspired dish transforms tender, juicy chicken into a masterpiece of sweet, savory, and slightly smoky perfection. While traditionally made with pork, this version offers a leaner, quicker-cooking alternative without sacrificing the signature sticky, caramelized glaze that makes Char Siu so irresistible.

I remember the first time I made this for a family dinner—the aroma of soy sauce, hoisin, honey, and five-spice filled the kitchen, making everyone eager to dig in. The combination of umami-rich flavors and a touch of sweetness creates a beautifully balanced dish that pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a simple cucumber salad.

What’s great about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. With just a handful of pantry staples and a quick marinade, you can achieve that deep, caramelized coating typically found in traditional Chinese BBQ. Roast it in the oven, throw it on the grill, or even cook it in an air fryer for a deliciously charred finish. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a dinner, or simply craving something packed with flavor, this recipe is a guaranteed hit!

Perfect for:

• Quick and flavorful weeknight meals
• Meal prep and leftovers
• Asian-inspired dinner nights
• BBQ lovers looking for a chicken alternative
• Serving with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies

Why You’ll Love This Char Siu Chicken

Here’s why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Bold and Balanced Flavors: The combination of sweet, savory, and umami-rich ingredients creates a perfectly balanced marinade.
• Caramelized and Sticky: The glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a glossy, flavorful coating.
• Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional Char Siu pork, chicken cooks much faster while still delivering authentic flavors.
• Versatile: Can be baked, grilled, or air-fried for different textures and levels of char.
• Great for Meal Prep: The marinated chicken can be stored in advance, making it a convenient option for busy weeks.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour (including marinating time)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: At least 30 minutes (preferably overnight)
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make this recipe:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs recommended for juiciness)
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for authentic color)

Ingredient Highlights

• Hoisin Sauce: A thick, fragrant sauce that adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Chinese Five-Spice: A warming blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel that gives Char Siu its signature aroma.
• Honey: Helps create the sticky, caramelized glaze.
• Shaoxing Wine: A traditional Chinese cooking wine that enhances depth and umami (can be substituted with dry sherry).
• Red Food Coloring (Optional): While not essential, it gives the chicken its classic reddish hue, mimicking traditional Char Siu pork.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:

1. Mix the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, Chinese five-spice, sesame oil, minced garlic, white pepper, and red food coloring (if using).
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Ensure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (preferably overnight for maximum flavor).

Cooking the Char Siu Chicken:

3. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place a wire rack on top to allow air circulation.
4. Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken on the wire rack, reserving the remaining marinade. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Glaze and Broil: Brush the chicken with the leftover marinade, then broil for 3-5 minutes until slightly charred and caramelized. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Alternative Cooking Methods:

• Grilling: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, basting with extra marinade.
• Air Frying: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How to Serve Char Siu Chicken

This recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:

• With Steamed Jasmine Rice – Serve sliced Char Siu Chicken over fragrant jasmine rice with a drizzle of extra marinade and steamed bok choy.
• In Bao Buns – Stuff soft, fluffy bao buns with sliced Char Siu Chicken, pickled vegetables, and hoisin sauce for a delicious street-food-style dish.
• Over Noodles – Toss sliced Char Siu Chicken with egg noodles, sesame oil, and a light soy sauce dressing for a simple and flavorful meal.
• As a Fried Rice Topping – Dice leftover Char Siu Chicken and stir-fry it with rice, eggs, scallions, and soy sauce for a quick, savory dish.
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables – Pair Char Siu Chicken with a mix of stir-fried bell peppers, snow peas, and mushrooms in a garlic sauce.
• In a Banh Mi Sandwich – Layer sliced Char Siu Chicken in a crispy baguette with pickled carrots, daikon, cucumber, cilantro, and sriracha mayo.
• With Lettuce Wraps – Chop Char Siu Chicken and serve it in crisp lettuce leaves with hoisin sauce, chopped peanuts, and fresh herbs.
• In a Rice Bowl – Make a Char Siu Chicken rice bowl with edamame, shredded cabbage, sliced cucumbers, and a drizzle of spicy mayo.
• With Congee (Rice Porridge) – Serve slices of Char Siu Chicken on top of a bowl of warm, savory congee, garnished with scallions and crispy shallots.
• As a Pizza Topping – Use Char Siu Chicken as a unique topping for a homemade pizza with a hoisin-based sauce, mozzarella cheese, and red onions.

Additional Tips for Char Siu Chicken

• Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: If possible, marinate the chicken overnight for the most intense taste.
• Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness: Thighs retain moisture better than breasts, preventing dryness.
• Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfect doneness.
• Baste for Extra Flavor: Brushing the chicken with extra marinade while cooking enhances the glaze.
• Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
• For Extra Char: Use a torch or high-heat broiler for an added smoky effect.

Recipe Variations for Char Siu Chicken

Try these variations to customize this recipe:

• Spicy Char Siu Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon chili paste or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Garlic Char Siu Chicken: Increase the garlic to 1 tablespoon for a stronger garlic flavor.
• Pineapple Char Siu Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons pineapple juice for a tropical sweetness.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce.
• Honey-Soy Char Siu Chicken: Reduce hoisin and increase honey for a sweeter, lighter glaze.
• Keto: Substitute monk fruit syrup for honey and use a low-carb hoisin sauce.
• Char Siu Chicken Wings: Use chicken wings instead of thighs for an appetizer-style dish.
• Slow Cooker Char Siu Chicken: Marinate and cook in a slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours.
• Char Siu Chicken Skewers: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers and grill for a BBQ-style dish.
• Tofu: Swap chicken for extra-firm tofu for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.

Freezing and Storage for Char Siu Chicken

• Freezing: Marinate the chicken and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.
• Storage: Store this recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.

Special Equipment for Char Siu Chicken

• Baking Sheet & Wire Rack: Helps air circulate for even cooking.
• Grill or Air Fryer (Optional): For alternative cooking methods.
• Brush for Glazing: Ensures a perfect sticky coating.
• Meat Thermometer: Prevents overcooking by ensuring the right internal temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions for Char Siu Chicken

1. Can I use bone-in chicken?
   Yes, but adjust cooking time (increase by 5-10 minutes).
2. Can I make this without hoisin sauce?
   Yes, substitute with extra soy sauce, honey, and a bit of miso paste.
3. Is the red food coloring necessary?
   No, it’s just for aesthetics and won’t affect the taste.
4. Can I use an air fryer?
   Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes.
5. How do I get a stronger char?
   Broil at high heat or finish on a grill for extra smokiness.

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Conclusion

This recipe is an easy, flavorful dish that brings the authentic taste of Chinese BBQ right into your kitchen. With its perfectly caramelized glaze and irresistible sweet-savory flavor, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether baked, grilled, or air-fried.

Serve it with steamed rice, noodles, or a side of crisp vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal. However you choose to enjoy it, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

I’d love to see how this recipe turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!