If you’ve ever wanted to master a classic Asian-inspired dish that bursts with flavor yet feels incredibly approachable, this Delicious Char Siu Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs, lovingly marinated in a perfect balance of sweet honey, fragrant five spice, and savory soy, all coming together with that iconic glossy, caramelized finish that makes every bite so irresistible. This recipe is not just about cooking; it’s about creating an experience that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and your plate with vibrant, satisfying goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and easy to find, but each plays a crucial part in building the deep, luscious flavors and stunning color that define this dish. From the rich umami of soy sauce to the warm notes of Chinese five spice powder, every component works in harmony to elevate the chicken to something truly special.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a savory depth and essential saltiness to balance the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Brings a subtle tang and complexity with its sweet-savory profile.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Gives a natural sweetness and helps create that luscious glaze when roasted.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Works with honey to caramelize the chicken and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder: A fragrant blend that infuses the dish with warm, aromatic layers.
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced: Adds a punch of savory flavor and aroma.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Brings brightness and a slight heat that balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides a subtle tang that brightens the marinade.
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil: Offers a nutty, toasted aroma that lingers deliciously.
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (optional): Gives the chicken that signature red hue typical of char siu.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle background spice to round out the taste.
How to Make Delicious Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, brown sugar, Chinese five spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, red food coloring if using, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. This rich marinade is the heart and soul of the dish, building layers of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated in that flavorful marinade. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For the absolute best flavor, letting it marinate overnight works wonders, allowing the chicken to soak up every bit of goodness.
Step 3: Get Your Oven Ready
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top to allow the chicken to roast evenly, letting the excess marinade drip away and the heat circulate.
Step 4: Arrange and Roast
Place the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack, making sure they’re spaced comfortably. Don’t forget to reserve the remaining marinade for basting—this is a key step to achieving that beautifully glazed, caramelized exterior.
Step 5: Roast and Baste
Roast the chicken for 20 minutes, then baste generously with the reserved marinade. Flip the chicken pieces, baste again, and roast for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’re aiming for that perfect caramelized coating, and the chicken should be cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Optional Broil for Extra Caramelization
If you love your char siu with a little extra char and crispness, pop the chicken under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye though—this step is all about quick, intense heat to add gorgeous color and texture.
Step 7: Rest and Slice
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent. Slice and serve drizzled with those sticky pan juices for a mouthwatering finish.
How to Serve Delicious Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like thinly sliced scallions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or a few coriander leaves not only add vibrant pops of color but bring extra flavor layers that contrast the richness of the chicken masterfully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fragrant coconut rice to soak up the juicy char siu sauce. For a light and fresh balance, serve alongside crisp stir-fried veggies or a crunchy cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a touch of sugar.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by serving your Delicious Char Siu Chicken Recipe as a filling for bao buns with pickled vegetables, or slice it thin and toss into a noodle bowl with crunchy peanuts and chili oil for a fun, colorful meal everyone will love. You can even dice leftovers for fried rice or char siu tacos!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken maintains its flavor beautifully, making for quick, delicious meals throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the cooked chicken in a sealed, freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in the oven or on a stovetop skillet over medium heat. Adding a splash of water or sauce helps retain moisture, so the chicken stays tender and saucy—never dry or tough.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs offer more juiciness and flavor, chicken breasts will still soak up the marinade well. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they dry out faster than thighs.
What if I don’t have Chinese five spice powder?
You can create a simple blend using equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns or black pepper as a substitute. It won’t be exact, but it will add a nice aromatic touch.
Is the red food coloring necessary?
Not at all! It’s purely for the traditional red appearance of char siu. The chicken will taste fantastic and caramelize nicely without it, so feel free to skip if you prefer.
Can I grill the chicken instead of roasting?
Yes, grilling adds a lovely smokiness! Just make sure to baste frequently with the marinade and watch the heat to prevent burning. Grill until cooked through and caramelized.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
For best flavor, marinate at least 30 minutes but ideally overnight. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful the chicken becomes, so don’t rush this step if you can help it!
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Char Siu Chicken Recipe truly is a gem that brings restaurant-quality flavors into your kitchen with ease and joy. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing friends, or craving a comforting homemade meal, it promises to deliver tender, caramelized bites bursting with incredible flavor. Give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without this recipe in your repertoire.
Print
Delicious Char Siu Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Delicious Char Siu Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, hoisin, honey, and Chinese five spice, then roasted to perfection with a beautiful caramelized glaze. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish brings the authentic flavors of classic Chinese BBQ chicken right to your oven.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, brown sugar, Chinese five spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, red food coloring (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined. This creates the signature char siu flavor base for the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. For best results, marinate overnight.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Setup: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch drippings and set a wire rack on top to allow air circulation and even roasting of the chicken.
- Arrange Chicken on Rack: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and arrange the thighs on the wire rack in a single layer. Reserve the extra marinade for basting throughout the roasting process.
- Roast and Baste: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the chicken thighs for 20 minutes. Remove and baste the chicken generously with the reserved marinade, flip over each piece, baste again, then return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes. Roast until the chicken is caramelized and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Broil for Caramelization: For an extra glossy and caramelized finish, switch your oven to broil and broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Slice the chicken and serve it with the flavorful pan juices drizzled on top.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Red food coloring is optional and mainly used for the traditional red appearance of char siu.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
