This Char Siu Chicken recipe captures the essence of Chinese barbecue with its tender, juicy meat and perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The marinade, made with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of five-spice powder, brings out the depth of flavor, while the caramelized exterior creates a delightful texture that makes every bite irresistible.
Ideal for dinner with family or friends, this dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or a simple vegetable stir-fry. It’s an easy-to-make, yet impressively flavorful meal that will bring a taste of Chinese cuisine to your home. The best part? It can be prepared in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re craving something bold and satisfying.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1/4 cup hoisin sauce
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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1 teaspoon five-spice powder
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
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1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional, for a traditional look)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a medium bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine, honey, brown sugar, five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, and red food coloring (if using). Mix well.
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Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated.
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Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
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Transfer the seared chicken to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is crispy.
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If you prefer, you can baste the chicken with the remaining marinade halfway through the cooking process for extra flavor.
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Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The History and Appeal of Char Siu
Char Siu is a type of Cantonese BBQ pork that has been popular for centuries, often found in Chinese delis and restaurants. The word “char” refers to the method of cooking the meat—”char” means “to roast” in Cantonese—and “siu” refers to the cuts of pork used. While the original version calls for fatty pork, usually pork shoulder, this modern variation uses chicken thighs, offering a leaner yet just as flavorful option.
In Vietnamese cuisine, Char Siu is known as “Xa Xiu” and is often featured in dishes like Banh Mi sandwiches and fried rice. The marinade creates a perfect balance of sweetness and savoriness, which is why it’s so popular across many different Asian cuisines. The simplicity and speed of this recipe make it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned cooks looking for a quick meal packed with authentic flavors.
Why Choose Chicken Thighs?
Chicken thighs are a perfect alternative to pork when making Char Siu because they are flavorful, juicy, and affordable. Boneless, skinless thighs cook quickly and evenly, providing a tender bite without the need for an extended marinating time. The richness of the meat complements the intense, complex flavors of the marinade, creating a deeply savory dish without being too greasy.
If you’re concerned about the uneven thickness of chicken thighs, especially if they’re large, you can butterfly them to create a more even surface. This helps the thighs cook more evenly and allows the marinade to infuse every part of the meat. It also helps the chicken cook faster, making it a great choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
The Importance of the Marinade
The key to Char Siu’s success is the marinade. It combines multiple layers of flavor from ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil. Each of these components brings something special to the table: the hoisin sauce offers a deep sweetness, while the soy sauce and sesame oil provide saltiness and umami. Garlic adds a punch of aromatic flavor, and the five-spice powder gives the dish its signature spice mix that’s fragrant yet not overpowering.
The use of honey in the marinade is essential to achieving that beautiful mahogany-colored glaze that’s a hallmark of Char Siu. Honey helps the marinade caramelize during cooking, creating a glossy finish on the chicken. This not only enhances the dish’s visual appeal but also enriches the flavor profile with a touch of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory elements.
Cooking Methods: Grill or Oven?
While this recipe suggests grilling the chicken, you can also cook it in the oven if you don’t have access to a grill or prefer an indoor method. Grilling the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or an outdoor grill adds a layer of smoky flavor that’s characteristic of traditional Char Siu. The direct heat from the grill also helps to create crispy, charred edges, which many people find desirable.
If grilling isn’t an option, don’t worry! Oven roasting still delivers excellent results. The key is to baste the chicken with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking. This step will not only enhance the flavor but also help achieve a caramelized finish similar to the one you’d get from grilling.
Serving Suggestions
Char Siu Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides to suit your taste. Traditional pairings include steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a simple noodle dish. If you want to add a touch of Vietnamese flair, try serving it with Daikon and carrot pickles, or tuck it into a warm Banh Mi baguette for a delicious sandwich. The sweetness of the chicken pairs beautifully with crisp, tangy pickled vegetables, offering a contrast in textures and flavors that elevate the entire meal.
For a more Americanized approach, consider serving Char Siu Chicken alongside a light coleslaw or a fresh, vibrant salad. The balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors can complement many different side dishes, making it a flexible and crowd-pleasing meal option.
How to Customize Char Siu Chicken
One of the best things about this Char Siu Chicken recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily customize the marinade to suit your preferences. For a spicier version, add a touch of chili paste or fresh chilies to the sauce. If you prefer a more intense sweetness, increase the amount of honey or substitute it with brown sugar. You can also adjust the amount of soy sauce and hoisin sauce depending on how salty or sweet you like your food.
If you’re looking to make this dish even healthier, try substituting the honey with agave syrup or using a low-sodium soy sauce. Additionally, you can swap the sesame oil with olive oil if you prefer a milder flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Char Siu Chicken
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Marinate Longer for More Flavor: While 30 minutes of marinating is enough to infuse some flavor, letting the chicken marinate for a few hours or even overnight will yield the best results. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more intense the flavor will be.
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Baste for Extra Glaze: Don’t forget to baste the chicken with the reserved marinade during the final few minutes of cooking. This will ensure a glossy finish and an extra layer of flavor.
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Check Doneness: Chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to check, or simply slice through the thickest part of the thigh to ensure the juices run clear.
Conclusion: A Quick and Delicious Meal
Char Siu Chicken is a wonderful, easy-to-make alternative to the traditional Chinese BBQ pork, offering the same depth of flavor with less effort. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests with your cooking skills. The balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors, combined with the juicy chicken thighs and crispy exterior, makes this dish a hit with everyone.
With just a few simple ingredients and a short cooking time, Char Siu Chicken is a dish you’ll return to again and again. Whether you grill it or roast it, serve it with rice or in a sandwich, this recipe is a fantastic way to bring the flavors of Chinese BBQ to your home.