Why Make This Recipe
Char Siu Chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that offers a flavorful twist on traditional chicken. It’s marinated in a sweet and savory sauce that beautifully caramelizes when cooked. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. You’ll love how the aroma fills your kitchen as it bakes, and the taste is absolutely irresistible!
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
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag.
- Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight).
- Cover and refrigerate the remaining marinade separately.
- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan.
- Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.
- Brush the cooked chicken with the thickened marinade.
- Broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Once the chicken is caramelized and slightly charred, remove it from the oven.
- Let the Char Siu Chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Enjoy your homemade Char Siu Chicken!
How to Serve Char Siu Chicken
Char Siu Chicken is best served hot. Slice the chicken into pieces and present it in a serving dish. You can enjoy it on its own or serve it with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or in a wrap. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch!
How to Store Char Siu Chicken
If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will be good for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving. For longer storage, you can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Char Siu Chicken
- Marinate Longer: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Line the Pan: Using aluminum foil makes for easy cleanup.
- Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Variation
You can switch the chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Additionally, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or bok choy to the baking sheet for a complete meal.
FAQs
Q: Can I use another type of meat?
A: Yes, Char Siu sauce works well with pork, beef, or tofu.
Q: Is Char Siu Chicken spicy?
A: No, it has a sweet and savory flavor, not spicy.
Q: Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week before using it.
Char Siu Chicken
- Total Time: 150 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delicious and versatile Char Siu Chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, perfect for any occasion.
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag.
- Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight).
- Cover and refrigerate the remaining marinade separately.
- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan.
- Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.
- Brush the cooked chicken with the thickened marinade.
- Broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Once the chicken is caramelized and slightly charred, remove it from the oven.
- Let the Char Siu Chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Enjoy your homemade Char Siu Chicken!
Notes
Marinate overnight for the best flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Char Siu, Chicken, Asian Cuisine, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Meal