Delicious Char Siu Chicken garnished with green onions and sesame seeds

Char Siu Chicken

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why make this recipe

Char Siu Chicken is not only delicious but also a crowd-pleaser. This dish is inspired by traditional Chinese barbecue and is famous for its sweet and savory flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. You can easily prepare it at home, and it pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles.

how to make Char Siu Chicken

Ingredients :

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 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

Directions :

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil.
  3. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag.
  4. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight).
  5. Cover and refrigerate the remaining marinade separately.
  6. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  7. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  9. While the chicken is cooking, transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan.
  10. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.
  11. Brush the cooked chicken with the thickened marinade.
  12. Broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  13. Once the chicken is caramelized and slightly charred, remove it from the oven.
  14. Let the char siu chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
  15. Enjoy your homemade char siu chicken!

how to serve Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken is best served hot. Slice the chicken into thick pieces and place it on a plate. You can serve it with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles. Drizzling extra sauce on top adds extra flavor!

how to store Char Siu Chicken

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

tips to make Char Siu Chicken

  • Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavors even more.
  • You can use chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs will give you a juicier result.
  • Brush the chicken with extra marinade during cooking for more flavor.

variation

You can add veggies like bell peppers or onions to the baking sheet to roast alongside the chicken. This adds more color and nutrients to your meal!

FAQs

1. Can I use other meats for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pork or beef instead of chicken. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose.

2. What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
You can make a simple substitute by mixing soy sauce with a bit of sugar and peanut butter, though the flavor will differ slightly.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha to the marinade for a kick of heat.

Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken is a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish inspired by traditional Chinese barbecue, famous for its sweet and savory flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 345
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Marinade
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 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

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil.
  3. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag.
  4. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight).
  5. Cover and refrigerate the remaining marinade separately.
  6. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  7. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
Cooking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  2. While the chicken is cooking, transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan.
  3. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.
  4. Brush the cooked chicken with the thickened marinade.
  5. Broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  6. Once the chicken is caramelized and slightly charred, remove it from the oven.
  7. Let the char siu chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Char Siu Chicken is best served hot. Slice the chicken into thick pieces and serve with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles. Drizzling extra sauce on top adds extra flavor! Marinating overnight enhances the flavors. You can use chicken breasts if desired, but thighs yield a juicier result. For more flavor, brush the chicken with extra marinade during cooking.