If you’ve ever craved the sweet, smoky, and irresistibly savory flavors of Cantonese barbecue right at home, this Char Siu Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Juicy chicken thighs soak up a perfect blend of hoisin, honey, soy, and fragrant Chinese five-spice, then get oven-roasted to caramelized perfection that’s both tender and bursting with deep, rich flavor. It’s an uncomplicated yet show-stopping dish that brings authentic, restaurant-style char siu right to your kitchen with ease and a little love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here is a star player that combines to create that signature balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes in your Char Siu Chicken Recipe. The list is simple but essential to achieving the authentic depth and glossy finish.
- Chicken thighs (1 1/2 pounds): The ideal cut for juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender while roasting.
- Hoisin sauce (1/4 cup): Brings sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy richness crucial for that classic char siu taste.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds umami depth and saltiness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Provides natural sweetness and helps create that irresistible caramelized glaze.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Boosts savory complexity with its unique, slightly briny flavor.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Injects a gentle acidity that cuts through the richness for a balanced finish.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Offers aromatic warmth that elevates every bite.
- Chinese five-spice powder (1 teaspoon): The fragrant heart of the marinade with star anise, cinnamon, and more.
- Sesame oil (1/2 teaspoon): Adds toasty nuttiness and a subtle layer of flavor just before cooking.
How to Make Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temperature is key to cooking the chicken slowly enough to remain juicy while allowing the marinade sugars to caramelize beautifully on the surface.
Step 2: Mix the Magic Marinade
In a bowl, blend together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil. This mixture is the soul of your Char Siu Chicken Recipe, where all the bold flavors join forces.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag, then pour in half of the marinade. Seal it tight and refrigerate for at least two hours, or longer if you can plan ahead—overnight marinating really amps up the flavor!
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
When ready to cook, take the chicken out and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes—this ensures even cooking. Arrange the thighs neatly on a foil-lined baking sheet for easy clean-up.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
Bake the chicken for around 25-30 minutes until it’s cooked through and the juices run clear. While the chicken roasts, make sure to simmer the remaining marinade on the stove; boiling then simmering thickens it into a luscious glaze that seals in every mouthwatering bite.
Step 6: Glaze and Broil
Brush the thickened marinade generously over the cooked chicken, then switch your oven to broil. Broil for 2-3 minutes until edges are beautifully charred and caramelized. Keep a close eye to avoid any burning—the goal is that signature slightly smoky, sticky finish.
Step 7: Rest and Enjoy
After broiling, let your Char Siu Chicken rest for a few minutes. This little pause allows the juices to settle and flavors to intensify, making every bite even more delicious when you slice and serve.
How to Serve Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions adds a fresh crunch and a burst of color against the glossy chicken, making your dish look as vibrant as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Char Siu Chicken pairs wonderfully with simple steamed rice or fragrant jasmine rice to soak up all that tasty sauce. For a vegetable side, try sautéed bok choy or crunchy Asian slaw to add brightness and balance to the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Char Siu Chicken into a crowd-pleasing slider by shredding the meat and piling it on mini buns with pickled cucumbers and a drizzle of sriracha mayo. Alternatively, slice it thinly and serve atop a noodle bowl or a vibrant salad for a fresh twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover char siu chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate; it stays delicious for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken separate from any sides to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Char Siu Chicken by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag. It’s best enjoyed within 1 month for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
For the juiciest result, reheat leftovers gently in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth. Alternatively, microwave covered on a medium setting in short bursts, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
FAQs
What cut of chicken is best for Char Siu Chicken Recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay tender and juicy during cooking, and their slightly higher fat content absorbs the marinade beautifully.
Can I use pork instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Traditional char siu is often made with pork shoulder, but this chicken version offers a lighter alternative while capturing the same flavors you love.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At minimum, 2 hours to allow the marinade to penetrate, but for best flavor, marinating overnight is recommended.
Is Chinese five-spice powder essential?
Yes, it’s a key ingredient that gives the dish its unique aromatic profile. If you don’t have it, you can make a quick blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce to keep the recipe gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Char Siu Chicken Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting celebration of bold, sweet, and savory flavors that you can whip up anytime with no fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your plate with pure satisfaction. So dive in, have fun making it, and enjoy every delicious bite of this home-cooked char siu treasure!
Print
Char Siu Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m (excluding marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Char Siu Chicken recipe features tender, boneless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil. The chicken is oven-baked to juicy perfection, then brushed with a thickened marinade and broiled to achieve a caramelized, slightly charred finish reminiscent of traditional Chinese barbecue.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into a large resealable plastic bag and pour half of the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Reserve Remaining Marinade: Cover the leftover marinade and keep it refrigerated separately for later use.
- Bring Chicken to Room Temperature: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature for even cooking.
- Arrange for Baking: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the chicken thighs on it, spreading them out evenly.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Thicken the Reserved Marinade: While baking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened to a glaze consistency.
- Glaze the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and brush the thickened marinade glaze generously over each piece.
- Broil to Caramelize: Place the glazed chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning, until the glaze is bubbly and slightly charred, creating that iconic char siu finish.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices and enhance flavor.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the char siu chicken and serve it hot as a delicious entree or part of an Asian-inspired meal.
Notes
- Marinating overnight develops deeper flavors and more tender chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- Broil carefully as sugar in the marinade can burn quickly.
- Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
- The reserved marinade must be thoroughly boiled to eliminate any raw chicken bacteria before using as a glaze.
