Sweet 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
Scale
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
