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.
