Char Siu Chicken
Char Siu Chicken is a tasty dish that brings a touch of sweet and savory right to your plate. The chicken is marinated in a rich sauce made from ingredients…
Tip: save now, cook later.Char Siu Chicken is a tasty dish that brings a touch of sweet and savory right to your plate. The chicken is marinated in a rich sauce made from ingredients like hoisin, soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder, giving it that classic red glaze and mouthwatering flavor. When cooked, the outside gets beautifully caramelized while the inside stays juicy and tender.
I really enjoy making Char Siu Chicken because it’s simple but feels special. I like to marinate the chicken for a few hours or even overnight to make sure every bite is bursting with flavor. It’s one of those dishes that gets better the longer it sits in the sauce, so giving it time is totally worth it.
My favorite way to serve it is over steamed rice with some crunchy veggies on the side. Sometimes I toss it into a noodle bowl or slice it up for sandwiches, too. This chicken always brings a little bit of something exciting to the dining table, and it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone loves to come back for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Using skin-on thighs keeps the meat juicy and flavorful during roasting. You can use boneless skinless thighs if preferred, but skin adds nice texture and taste.
Hoisin Sauce: This is the base of the marinade’s sweet and umami flavor. If you don’t have it, try a mix of soy sauce with a little honey and a splash of vinegar for balance.
Shaoxing Wine: This Chinese cooking wine adds depth. Dry sherry is a good substitute. If you avoid alcohol, try unsweetened apple juice or water with a little rice vinegar.
Five-Spice Powder: It’s key for that signature char siu flavor. If you don’t have it, mix equal parts cinnamon, cloves, star anise, fennel, and pepper or use cinnamon and star anise alone for a simpler taste.
Red Food Coloring: This is optional and traditional for the bright look of char siu. It does not affect flavor, so feel free to skip it for a natural finish.
How Do You Get That Perfect Char Siu Glaze and Color?
The secret is slow roasting with basting. Here’s how to nail the glaze and color:
- Marinate the chicken overnight to let flavors fully penetrate.
- Roast on a wire rack so heat circulates and skin crisps evenly.
- Simmer and baste with reserved marinade during cooking to build layers of sticky glaze.
- Finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to get that caramelized, slightly charred surface but watch closely to avoid burning.
Take your time and keep an eye during broiling — this step really brings out the classic char siu look and taste.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for blending the marinade ingredients evenly.
- Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish – makes marinating easy and helps flavors soak into the chicken.
- Baking tray with foil – keeps cleanup simple and catches drips.
- Wire rack – allows heat to circulate around the chicken for even roasting and crisp skin.
- Small saucepan – to simmer and thicken the leftover marinade into a glaze.
- Basting brush – helps you evenly spread the glaze on the chicken during cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken thighs for pork shoulder or pork belly – classic char siu is often made with pork for extra richness.
- Add chili flakes or Sriracha to marinade – if you like a bit of heat with your sweet glaze.
- Mix in crushed garlic and fresh rosemary – for a slightly different herbal aroma.
- Serve with pickled cucumbers or steamed bok choy – to balance the sweetness and add freshness.
How to Make Char Siu Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- Red food coloring (optional, traditional for char siu)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of active prep time and about 40-45 minutes of cooking time. Additionally, plan for at least 4 hours of marinating, though overnight marinating will give you the best flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Marinade:
In a bowl, mix hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, sugar, five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a few drops of red food coloring if you’re using it. Stir everything well until combined.
2. Marinating the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to let the flavors soak in.
3. Roasting the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top. Remove chicken thighs from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later. Lay the chicken evenly on the wire rack.
4. Cooking and Basting:
Roast the chicken for about 25 minutes. Meanwhile, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to cook through and thicken slightly.
5. Finishing the Char Siu Chicken:
After 25 minutes of roasting, brush the chicken with the simmered marinade to build a sticky glaze. Continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice caramelized surface. For extra char, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end—watch carefully to avoid burning.
6. Serving:
Take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice into pieces and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice and your favorite veggies, or enjoy on its own.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Thighs for This Recipe?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before marinating. Pat the thighs dry to help the marinade stick better and ensure even cooking.
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. The longer it marinates, the more the flavors will penetrate the meat.
Can I Skip the Red Food Coloring?
Absolutely! Red food coloring is traditional for that bright char siu look but doesn’t affect the taste. Your chicken will still be delicious without it.
How Should I Store Leftover Char Siu Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.
