This Char Siu Chicken is so tasty and easy! With just 10 minutes of prep, you get juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce that will make your mouth water.
I love how quick this meal comes together. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something yummy without spending hours in the kitchen! Plus, it always impresses friends and family! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs keep the dish juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but they may be less tender.
Hoisin Sauce: This is key for the sweet and tangy flavor. If you don’t have it, try a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar as a substitute.
Chinese Shaoxing Wine: This adds depth to the flavors. If you can’t find it, dry sherry works well too. For a non-alcoholic option, use chicken broth.
Honey: I love using honey for its natural sweetness. Maple syrup can be a good substitute if you’re looking for something vegan.
Red Food Coloring: This is optional but gives an authentic look. You can skip it or use beet juice for a natural color.
How Do You Make the Chicken Super Flavorful?
The marinade is the key! Make sure to coat the chicken well and let it soak in all those delicious flavors. Ideally, marinate your chicken for a few hours or even overnight in the fridge. This helps the spices and sweetness infuse into the meat.
- Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Add the chicken, turn it to coat, and cover.
- Let it sit for at least 10 minutes, but longer is better!
When you’re ready to cook, preheat the oven well. This ensures that the chicken roasts evenly and achieves a lovely char. Remember to keep an eye on it while broiling to get that perfect glaze without burning it!
Irresistible Char Siu Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons red food coloring (optional, for authentic color)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Steamed white rice, for serving
Time Needed:
This delicious Char Siu Chicken takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, for a total of about 35 minutes. If you choose to marinate the chicken for longer (which I recommend for even more flavor), you’ll need to plan a bit more time for that, but it’s totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, five-spice powder, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red food coloring (if using). Give it a good stir until everything is well-mixed for a delicious marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and ensure each piece is well-coated in the marinade. For the best flavor, cover it and pop it in the fridge for at least 10 minutes. If you have more time, letting it marinate for an hour or overnight will boost the flavor even more!
3. Preheat the Oven:
Time to get things cooking! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly and get that nice char!
4. Arrange and Roast the Chicken:
Place the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack, making sure to save the leftover marinade. Roast the chicken in the oven for 20 minutes and enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
5. Prepare the Glaze:
While the chicken is roasting, pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then lower the heat and let it simmer until it thickens into a lovely glaze.
6. Broil for Extra Flavor:
After roasting for 20 minutes, brush the thickened glaze generously over the chicken thighs. Then, switch to broil mode and broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes until the edges get caramelized and slightly charred. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
7. Slice and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice it into strips and serve over a bed of steamed white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that finishing touch!
Enjoy your irresistible Char Siu Chicken with its delightful sweetness and savory flavor! Perfect for any day of the week!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts; however, keep in mind that breast meat can be drier than thighs. To help keep them juicy, be careful not to overcook them and consider marinating for the same amount of time to enhance flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. After marinating, it can also be cooked in advance and reheated. Just make sure to store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you’d like to kick up the heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper or a dash of chili sauce to the marinade. For a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of garlic or omit it altogether.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes! You can freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
