Name: Savory Char Siu Chicken: Your New Favorite Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 280 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Hoisin Sauce; 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (use tamari if gluten-free); 1/4 cup Oyster Sauce (substitute with mushroom sauce for vegetarian option); 2 tbsp Honey (agave syrup is a great vegan substitute); 1/4 cup Chinese Shaoxing Wine (or Dry Sherry, replace with chicken broth and vinegar mix if avoiding alcohol); 1 tbsp Sesame Oil (light olive oil works well if sesame isn’t available); 2 tsp Five-Spice Powder; 1 tbsp Brown Sugar (white sugar can be substituted if necessary); 3 cloves Garlic (freshly minced); 1 inch Fresh Ginger (grated); 1 drop Red Food Coloring (optional); 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (chicken breasts can be used but may dry out)

As I stood in my kitchen, the inviting aroma of soy sauce and honey wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to the bustling streets of Canton where Char Siu Chicken is a staple. This recipe captures all the sweet and savory notes that make this beloved dish so irresistible, offering a delightful escape from the everyday dinner routine. Marinated in a mouthwatering blend of hoisin and spices, our Char Siu Chicken not only promises juicy tenderness but also has a wonderfully sticky glaze that will have your family begging for seconds. With its simple prep and quick cooking time, this dish is perfect for both busy weeknights and relaxed culinary adventures. Are you ready to indulge in some Asian flavors that might just become your new weeknight favorite?

Why Is Char Siu Chicken So Irresistible?

Unforgettable Flavor: This recipe is infused with a delightful marinade of hoisin, soy sauce, and aromatic spices that brings out the best in juicy chicken thighs.
Quick Prep Time: With just a few simple steps, you can have a stunning dinner ready in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Versatile Dish: Char Siu Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even in bao buns, making it adaptable for any meal.
Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: Its sticky glaze and savory aroma will impress your family and friends, ensuring that this dish quickly becomes a staple in your home.
Easy to Customize: Feeling adventurous? Spice it up with chili flakes or switch up the protein with marinated tofu or lamb chops for a fun twist!
Dive into this delicious experience and enjoy the charm of Cantonese cuisine right from your kitchen.

Char Siu Chicken Ingredients

For the Marinade

Hoisin Sauce – This thick base adds essential sweet and tangy notes to your Char Siu Chicken.
Soy Sauce – Enhances the umami flavor, balancing the sweetness of the marinade; use tamari if gluten-free.
Oyster Sauce – Provides depth and richness; substitute with mushroom sauce for a vegetarian option.
Honey – Offers natural sweetness, aiding caramelization; agave syrup is a great vegan substitute.
Chinese Shaoxing Wine (or Dry Sherry) – Adds unique flavor; if avoiding alcohol, replace with chicken broth and vinegar mix.
Sesame Oil – Delivers a nutty aroma to the dish; light olive oil works well if sesame isn’t available.
Five-Spice Powder – This spice blend adds warmth and complexity; individual spices can be used as substitutes.
Brown Sugar – Enhances sweetness and helps with glazing; white sugar can be substituted if necessary.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic brings pungency; garlic powder can work in a pinch but lacks depth.
Fresh Ginger – Grated for warmth; ground ginger can be used fairly well if you don’t have fresh on hand.
Red Food Coloring (optional) – Traditionally used for color, this can be skipped without altering taste.

For the Chicken

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – Chosen for moisture and tenderness; chicken breasts can be used but may dry out.

Using this ingredient list, you’ll be ready to make your Char Siu Chicken a delicious centerpiece for your next dinner!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Char Siu Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, five-spice powder, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red food coloring (if using). Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended, forming a luscious marinade that exudes a sweet and savory aroma. This flavorful mix will be the star of your Char Siu Chicken!

Step 2: Marinate Chicken
Coat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs generously with the prepared marinade, ensuring every nook is covered. Place the marinated chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor infusion. This step enhances the tenderness and richness of your Char Siu Chicken, making it simply irresistible.

Step 3: Preheat Oven
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect balance of crispy edges and succulent chicken. While the oven heats, you can prepare your cooking equipment, lining a baking tray with foil and placing a wire rack on top to catch drippings and allow even cooking.

Step 4: Arrange Chicken
Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and discard any excess marinade. Place the chicken thighs evenly on the wire rack, spaced apart to ensure proper air circulation, which will help them cook evenly. With the shiny side facing up, they will develop that signature sticky glaze that makes Char Siu Chicken so delectable.

Step 5: Bake Chicken
Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on your Char Siu Chicken; it’s ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has a beautiful caramelized exterior. The tantalizing aroma will fill your kitchen, hinting at the deliciousness to come!

Step 6: Baste Chicken
Every 10 minutes during baking, take a moment to baste the chicken with any reserved marinade, using a brush or spoon. This will deepen the flavor and help create a luscious glaze. The process also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring that each bite of your Char Siu Chicken is irresistibly sticky and bursting with flavor.

Step 7: Broil for Finish
For the final touch, switch the oven setting to broil and let the chicken cook for an additional 5 minutes. This will give your Char Siu Chicken a delightful charred effect and enhance that sticky glaze. Watch closely to avoid burning; the broiler works quickly and efficiently!

Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the tray from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your Char Siu Chicken remains juicy. Slice the chicken, serve it on a bed of steamed rice or noodles, and garnish with green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this Cantonese delight!

Char Siu Chicken Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to make this Char Siu Chicken your own with these delightful tweaks and swaps!

Dairy-Free: All listed ingredients are already dairy-free, but be sure to check your sauces for hidden dairy if you’re strict about it!
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all sauces are certified gluten-free for a tasty alternative.
Spicy Twist: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili flakes to the marinade to bring some heat to your Char Siu Chicken.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken thighs with firm tofu or marinated tempeh for a delicious plant-based version of this recipe.
Pork Variation: For a classic twist, substitute chicken with pork shoulder or pork belly, marinating and cooking it just the same.
Extra Sweetness: If you love a sweeter glaze, increase the amount of honey or brown sugar in the marinade while adding a splash of pineapple juice for fruity brightness.
Asian Slaw Topping: Top your finished Char Siu Chicken with a fresh slaw of cabbage, carrots, and scallions to enhance texture and flavor.
Serve with Baos: Consider using the chicken in steamed bao buns for a fun take, creating an authentic street food experience right at home.

For more culinary inspiration, explore our Buffalo Chicken Taquitos for a spicy kick or whip up some Crockpot Chicken Corn for a comforting family meal. Dive into these variations and make this dish truly yours!

What to Serve with Easy Char Siu Chicken?

To elevate your Char Siu Chicken experience, consider pairing it with delightful sides and accompaniments that complete the meal and tantalize the taste buds.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic side, its fluffy texture beautifully absorbs the sticky glaze, creating a satisfying contrast with the sweet and savory notes of the chicken.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Bright, colorful veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas add crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the glaze.
Asian Slaw: A light and zesty slaw with cabbage and carrots complements the dish, offering a refreshing crunch and tangy contrast.
Bao Buns: Soft, pillowy buns make a perfect vessel for the Char Siu Chicken, bringing an authentic touch of Cantonese street food to your table.
Hot and Sour Soup: This flavorful soup adds warmth and a hint of spice, making it a comforting start before the main course.
Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumber slices tossed in rice vinegar and sesame oil provide a cool, refreshing bite that enhances your dining experience.
Chili Garlic Sauce: For those who love a little heat, serve this sauce on the side, allowing everyone to customize their plates with a spicy kick.
Lychee Dessert: End your meal on a sweet note with these juicy, aromatic fruits, capturing the vibrant essence of Asian cuisine in a delightful dish.

Expert Tips for Char Siu Chicken

Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight will deepen the flavor, giving you a more delicious Char Siu Chicken.
Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (75°C) for perfectly juicy results.
Avoid Drying Out: If using chicken breasts, be cautious not to overcook them, as they can dry out quickly compared to thighs.
Monitor Broiling: Keep a close eye when broiling, as this high heat can burn the chicken fast.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will provide a more vibrant flavor compared to their dried counterparts, enhancing the overall taste.
Customize Flavors: Feel free to add chili flakes for heat or additional spices to make this Char Siu Chicken your own!

Make Ahead Options

These Char Siu Chicken thighs are perfect for meal prep, making your busy weeknights a breeze! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, which intensifies the flavor and tenderness. Simply coat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with the marinade, place them in a resealable bag or dish, and refrigerate. If you prefer, you can also prepare the marinade itself and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, follow the remaining steps: preheat the oven, arrange the chicken on a wire rack, bake, baste, broil, and rest before serving. This method ensures your Char Siu Chicken is just as delicious and wonderfully sticky, saving you precious time while delivering a fabulous meal!

Storage Tips for Char Siu Chicken

Room Temperature: Char Siu Chicken can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours after cooking. After that time, it’s best to refrigerate to ensure food safety.

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will retain the juicy tenderness and flavors of the marinated chicken.

Freezer: If you want to store your Char Siu Chicken for longer, freeze it in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: To enjoy your leftovers, reheat the chicken gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through, to maintain the flavor and moisture.

Char Siu Chicken Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken should I use for Char Siu Chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for this recipe because their natural fat content keeps the chicken moist and tender during cooking. You can use chicken breasts, but be cautious, as they may dry out if overcooked.

How should I store leftover Char Siu Chicken?
I often store my leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay delicious for up to 3 days. Let them cool to room temperature first to help retain moisture—this makes a big difference when reheating!

Can I freeze Char Siu Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze your Char Siu Chicken! Simply place it in a sealed freezer bag or an airtight container and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What if my Char Siu Chicken isn’t getting that sticky glaze?
No worries! If your chicken isn’t as sticky, make sure you’re basting it every 10 minutes with reserved marinade while it bakes. This helps create that lovely glaze you’re looking for. If it still doesn’t caramelize, broil it for an additional 5 minutes, just keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Very! You can substitute chicken thighs with marinated tofu or seitan for a plant-based option. Use a mushroom sauce in place of oyster sauce, and agave syrup instead of honey, to make it completely vegan. Just follow the same marinating process, and you’ll have a delightful vegetarian Char Siu dish!

Is Char Siu Chicken safe for pets?
It’s best to avoid giving Char Siu Chicken to pets. The ingredients like garlic and onions can be harmful to cats and dogs. Always check with your veterinarian before sharing any human food with your furry friends.