If you’ve ever strolled through the vibrant streets of Chinatown or visited an authentic Chinese barbecue shop, you’ve likely been tempted by the glistening, deep-red slabs of char siu hanging in the window. Traditionally made with pork, this dish is a staple in Cantonese cuisine, loved for its sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavors. But today, we’re giving it a delicious twist by using chicken instead!

This Char Siu Chicken is every bit as flavorful as its pork counterpart, with a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Whether you’re looking for a new way to prepare chicken or simply want to enjoy the taste of homemade Chinese barbecue, this recipe is a must-try. Serve it over fluffy white rice, alongside stir-fried veggies, or even in a noodle bowl for a satisfying meal that feels like a takeout favorite—without the extra cost!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier alternative – Using chicken instead of pork makes this dish leaner while keeping it incredibly flavorful.
• Easy to make at home – No need for a trip to a specialty restaurant; you can achieve that signature char siu taste right in your own kitchen.
• Incredibly versatile – Enjoy it in rice bowls, salads, wraps, or even as a filling for bao buns!
• Perfect balance of flavors – Sweet, salty, and umami-rich with just a hint of smokiness, making every bite irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for traditional color)

How to Make Char Siu Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, mix together the honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, five-spice powder, garlic powder, ground ginger, white pepper, salt, and red food coloring (if using). Stir until well combined. The marinade should have a rich, slightly thick consistency with a deep, reddish hue.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavors will infuse into the chicken.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup allows the heat to circulate around the chicken, helping it caramelize evenly.

Step 4: Roast the Chicken

Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack, shaking off any excess marinade. Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Step 5: Glaze and Broil

For that signature sticky and slightly charred finish, brush the chicken with extra honey or reserved marinade during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Then, switch your oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until slightly charred and caramelized. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juiciness. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor.

Helpful Tips

• For extra flavor – Marinate overnight! The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the deeper the flavors will be.
• Don’t skip the broiling step – This is what gives char siu its signature caramelized, slightly charred edges.
• Use a wire rack – This allows the chicken to cook evenly and prevents it from getting soggy.
• Want a smoky flavor? – If you have a grill, try cooking the chicken over medium-high heat for an authentic barbecue-style finish.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes (excluding marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting & Broiling
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Halal

Notes

• If you prefer chicken breast, adjust the cooking time since breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily.
• For a more authentic texture, try using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and grill them instead of roasting.
• Leftovers? Use them in fried rice, noodle soups, or sandwiches for a delicious meal the next day!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 13g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe without food coloring?

Absolutely! The red color is purely for aesthetics and won’t affect the taste. If you prefer a more natural approach, simply leave it out.

How do I get that classic char siu texture?

For the best results, make sure to broil the chicken at the end of cooking. If you have a grill, you can also cook it over direct heat for a more authentic, smoky finish.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but be careful not to overcook it, as chicken breast tends to dry out more easily. Reduce the cooking time to about 18-20 minutes and check for doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F internal temperature).

What can I serve with Char Siu Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried greens like bok choy, or even a light cucumber salad to balance out the sweetness of the glaze.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked char siu chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or in a microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. If using the microwave, place a damp paper towel over the chicken to keep it from drying out.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Char Siu Chicken, here are some other delicious Asian-inspired recipes to try:

• Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken
• Char Siu Chicken – Sweet, Savory, and Perfectly Caramelized
• Sesame Chicken

Conclusion

There’s something truly magical about making Char Siu Chicken at home. With its rich, caramelized glaze, tender texture, and irresistible balance of sweet and savory flavors, this dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven, sliced into a rice bowl, or repurposed into another meal, this recipe delivers satisfaction every time.

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