Sweet and Savory Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Char Siu Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish inspired by traditional Chinese barbecue flavors. This recipe features tender chicken glazed with a sticky hoisin and honey marinade, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken (thighs or breasts)
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine the hoisin sauce and honey to create the marinade. Add the chicken and coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, basting occasionally with the marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and has a glossy, caramelized glaze.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, finish the chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Swap honey with brown sugar for a richer, deeper sweetness.
- Marinate chicken overnight to enhance the flavor and tenderness.
Storage
Store leftover Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve the glaze and flavor. Avoid overcooking when reheating to maintain tenderness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure they remain juicy.
Is hoisin sauce gluten-free?
Many hoisin sauces contain wheat, so check the label if you need a gluten-free option or look for a specially marked gluten-free hoisin sauce.
PrintSweet and Savory Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful Chinese-inspired dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a sweet and savory hoisin-based sauce, then roasted to perfection with a glossy, caramelized finish. This recipe brings the classic taste of Cantonese BBQ pork to chicken, offering a deliciously sticky and aromatic meal that is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1 pound)
Marinade
- 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and sesame oil. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deepen.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the center.
- Roast the chicken: Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the rack, reserving the excess marinade. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Glaze the chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and baste with the reserved marinade. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the glaze is sticky and caramelized. Optionally, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra charred edges.
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with steamed rice or your choice of sides.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies flavor and tenderness.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results; breasts can dry out easily.
- Adjust honey according to your preferred sweetness level.
- Char Siu chicken is delicious served with steamed white rice and stir-fried vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve moisture.
Keywords: Char Siu Chicken, Chinese BBQ Chicken, Hoisin Chicken, Roasted Chicken Thighs, Sweet and Savory Chicken
