Description

Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful, Cantonese-inspired dish featuring tender, juicy chicken coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly smoky glaze. Traditionally made with pork, this version uses chicken for a leaner, quicker-cooking alternative while maintaining the signature sticky, caramelized coating. With a balance of soy sauce, hoisin, honey, and Chinese five-spice, this dish is packed with umami and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or serving over rice, Char Siu Chicken is a delicious way to bring classic Chinese BBQ flavors to your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

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.

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:

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).
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:

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.
Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken on the wire rack, reserving the remaining marinade. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 250-300 kcal
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g