Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful, juicy dish inspired by the famous Chinese BBQ pork, known for its sweet and savory marinade. The chicken is marinated in a combination of hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder, then grilled or baked to perfection. The result is tender, succulent chicken with a beautiful caramelized exterior and rich, complex flavors. This recipe brings the authentic taste of Char Siu to your kitchen with the convenience of chicken, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love Char Siu Chicken because of its mouthwatering flavor profile. The marinade combines sweet, salty, and umami flavors with a hint of five-spice powder, creating a deliciously balanced taste. The chicken absorbs the marinade’s flavors, becoming incredibly tender while developing a slightly charred, crispy exterior. Char Siu Chicken is simple to make, yet it brings bold, restaurant-quality flavor to your meal. It’s a perfect dish to pair with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional, for traditional Char Siu color)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs are recommended for extra tenderness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if grilling or pan-searing)
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together all of the marinade ingredients: hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, Chinese five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red food coloring (if using).
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4-6 hours, to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors. For best results, marinate overnight.
- Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, brush the grill with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting.
- If grilling, place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If baking, place the chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, basting with the reserved marinade halfway through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve the Char Siu Chicken over steamed rice, alongside stir-fried vegetables, or in a fresh salad. Drizzle with extra marinade if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 1 hour (with marinating time)
Variations
- For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of chili paste or Sriracha sauce to the marinade.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender.
- Use a combination of honey and brown sugar for a deeper sweetness in the marinade.
- For a quicker version, marinate the chicken for just 30 minutes if you’re short on time.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftover Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just note that chicken breasts may not be as tender, so you may want to marinate them for a little longer or be cautious when cooking to avoid overcooking.
2. Can I make this recipe without the food coloring?
Yes, the food coloring is optional and is traditionally used for aesthetic purposes. The chicken will still have the same great flavor without it.
3. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
4. Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour for optimal flavor.
5. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken can be used. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in pieces will take a bit longer to cook through, around 35-40 minutes in the oven.
6. Can I use the marinade as a sauce?
Yes, you can use the marinade as a sauce, but be sure to simmer it in a saucepan for 5-10 minutes to cook it thoroughly before serving, as it contains raw chicken juices.
7. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker. Simply marinate the chicken and cook it on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
8. Can I add vegetables to the marinade?
Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the marinade and grill or roast them along with the chicken for a complete meal.
9. Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken. Place the chicken and marinade in a resealable bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
10. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings the delicious flavors of Chinese BBQ right to your kitchen. The tender chicken absorbs the sweet and savory marinade, creating a dish that’s both juicy and full of bold flavor. Whether you grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken, the result is a satisfying and delicious meal that pairs well with a variety of sides. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests with a unique and tasty dish.
Print
Char Siu Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes (depending on method)
- Total Time: 1 hour (with marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Baking, Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Chinese, Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful, juicy dish inspired by the famous Chinese BBQ pork. With a sweet and savory marinade of hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder, the chicken is grilled or baked to perfection, offering a caramelized, tender, and mouthwatering finish. This easy-to-make recipe brings the authentic taste of Char Siu to your kitchen, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon Chinese rice vinegar
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional, for traditional Char Siu color)
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs are recommended for extra tenderness)
1 tablespoon olive oil (if grilling or pan-searing)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients: hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, Chinese five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red food coloring (if using).
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4-6 hours. For best results, marinate overnight.
- Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, brush the grill with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting.
- If grilling, place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If baking, place the chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, basting with the reserved marinade halfway through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve the Char Siu Chicken over steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or in a fresh salad. Drizzle with extra marinade if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha to the marinade.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option, though thighs tend to stay juicier.
- Use a combination of honey and brown sugar for a deeper sweetness in the marinade.
- For a quicker version, marinate the chicken for just 30 minutes.
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