Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken is a delicious, flavorful dish inspired by the famous Chinese BBQ meat. This version swaps the meat for tender chicken, marinated in a sweet and savory mixture of hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, five-spice powder, and garlic. After marinating, the chicken is roasted until the skin is crispy and caramelized, creating a mouthwatering glaze. The result is a perfectly juicy, sweet, and savory chicken with that signature charred exterior.

I first made Char Siu Chicken when I wanted to recreate the flavors of char siu meat but with a leaner option. The chicken turned out perfectly, with a sticky, flavorful glaze that caramelized beautifully during roasting. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make but how much flavor it packs. It’s perfect served with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even wrapped in a soft bao bun for a fun twist. The char siu marinade also works great for turkey or beef, making it a versatile recipe to keep on hand for future meals!

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Family gatherings
• Grilled chicken lovers
• Asian cuisine enthusiasts
• Special occasions

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Char Siu Chicken will become your go-to meal:

• Authentic Flavor: The combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and five-spice powder creates a rich, sweet-savory taste that’s unmistakable.
• Caramelized Coating: The marinade caramelizes beautifully when grilled, giving the chicken a gorgeous, glossy finish.
• Tender and Juicy: Chicken thighs are the perfect cut for this recipe, staying moist and juicy even after grilling or roasting.
• Quick and Easy: With a simple marinade and straightforward cooking process, this dish comes together in no time.
• Versatile: Serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal.
• Grilled or Roasted: You can cook it on the grill for a smoky flavor or roast it in the oven for a hands-off approach.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This chicken stays tender and flavorful, making it an excellent choice for prepping meals for the week.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special celebration, this dish fits any setting.
• Customizable Marinade: Adjust the sweetness or spice level of the marinade to suit your taste.
• Easy to Double or Triple: Perfect for larger gatherings or feeding a crowd, just double or triple the recipe.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 3 hours (including marinating time)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Marinating Time: 2-3 hours
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 24g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For the Char Siu Marinade:

• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional, for authentic color)

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless if preferred)

Optional Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

Ingredient Highlights

• Hoisin Sauce: Adds a sweet and salty depth to the marinade.
• Five-Spice Powder: A blend of spices that gives the dish its signature flavor.
• Chinese Rice Wine: Provides a slight acidity and enhances the flavors.
• Honey: Balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and adds a rich sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:

1. Mix Marinade Ingredients: In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice wine, oyster sauce, five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, and food coloring (if using). Stir until well mixed.
2. Marinate Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.

Cook the Chicken:

3. Preheat Grill or Oven: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Grill or Roast Chicken:
   • For Grilling: Grill the chicken for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with extra marinade, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
   • For Roasting: Place chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

Serve:

5. Garnish and Serve: Slice the chicken, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Char Siu Chicken:

• With Steamed Rice: Serve alongside a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a complete meal.
• In Noodle Bowls: Toss the sliced chicken with stir-fried noodles or in a bowl of broth-based soup.
• With Vegetables: Pair with sautéed bok choy, broccoli, or stir-fried vegetables.
• In Wraps: Wrap the sliced chicken in lettuce leaves for a light, Asian-inspired dish.
• With Pickled Vegetables: Serve with pickled cucumbers or carrots for a tangy contrast.
• With Dipping Sauce: Pair with a tangy soy or hoisin dipping sauce.
• On a Rice Paper Roll: Wrap the chicken in rice paper with vegetables and herbs for fresh spring rolls.
• As Part of a Larger Feast: Serve alongside other Chinese-inspired dishes like dumplings, egg rolls, or fried rice.
• In a Sandwich: Layer the chicken in a soft bun with slaw for a delicious take on a BBQ chicken sandwich.
• As a Snack or Appetizer: Slice into smaller pieces and serve as an appetizer at a party.

Additional Tips

• Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: If you have extra time, marinate the chicken overnight for even more depth of flavor.
• Baste with Marinade: For an extra layer of flavor, brush the chicken with leftover marinade while grilling or roasting.
• Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Keep the Skin Crispy: If using skin-on chicken, make sure to cook skin-side down first for a crispy finish.

Recipe Variations

• Char Siu Meat: Use turkey tenderloin or beef belly instead of chicken for a classic Char Siu experience.
• Spicy Char Siu: Add a teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Vegan Char Siu: Use tofu or seitan as a plant-based alternative to chicken.
• Slow Cooker Version: Cook the chicken in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours for a hands-off approach.
• Char Siu with Pineapple: Add some diced pineapple to the marinade for a tropical sweetness.
• Lemon Char Siu: Add lemon zest or juice for a citrusy twist to the marinade.

Special Equipment

• Grill or Oven: To cook the chicken to perfection.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
• Resealable Plastic Bag or Dish: For marinating the chicken.
• Basting Brush: For applying the marinade while cooking.
• Tongs: To safely handle the chicken on the grill or in the oven.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Yes, boneless breasts work well, but they may dry out more quickly, so monitor the cooking time closely.
2. Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
   Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.
3. How long should I cook the chicken if I’m using a rotisserie?
   If using a rotisserie, cook the chicken for about 40-45 minutes at medium heat, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
5. Is Char Siu Chicken gluten-free?
   The recipe is not gluten-free as it contains soy sauce. However, you can substitute with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
6. Can I add vegetables to the marinade?
   Yes, you can marinate vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or eggplant for a delicious addition.
7. How can I prevent the chicken from burning on the grill?
   Make sure to cook on medium heat and turn the chicken frequently to avoid burning the glaze.
8. How do I store leftover Char Siu Chicken?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
9. Can I use the marinade as a sauce?
   Yes, you can boil the marinade to thicken it and use it as a dipping sauce.
10. Can I make Char Siu Chicken with chicken wings?
    Yes, chicken wings are a great alternative, and the cooking time will be shorter.

Conclusion

Char Siu Chicken is a delicious, Asian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory marinade, resulting in a flavorful meal that’s perfect for grilling or roasting. Char Siu is a traditional Chinese BBQ style, often associated with beef, but it works wonderfully with chicken as well.

To make Char Siu Chicken, you’ll start by marinating boneless chicken thighs or breasts in a mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, rice vinegar, garlic, and a little red food coloring (for the iconic red hue, though this is optional). The chicken is marinated for at least an hour to absorb all the sweet, tangy, and aromatic flavors. Once marinated, the chicken can be grilled or roasted in the oven, basting it with the leftover marinade to create a caramelized, sticky glaze. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken with a perfect balance of sweetness and umami.

I can’t wait to see how your Char Siu Chicken turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!