Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful Chinese-inspired dish featuring tender, juicy chicken marinated in a sweet, savory, and slightly smoky sauce. With its vibrant red color and caramelized glaze, this dish brings bold takeout-style flavor to your kitchen using simple ingredients. Whether roasted, grilled, or baked, it’s a versatile protein you can serve with rice, noodles, or veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Char Siu Chicken is irresistibly flavorful and incredibly easy to make. The marinade does most of the work, infusing the chicken with a perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and umami. It’s a fantastic meal prep option, tastes even better the next day, and can be cooked in the oven or on the grill. Plus, it pairs well with just about any side, making it a go-to for weeknights or special dinners.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Hoisin sauce
• Soy sauce
• Honey or brown sugar
• Chinese five spice powder
• Rice vinegar
• Garlic (minced)
• Ginger (grated)
• Sesame oil
• Red food coloring (optional, for traditional color)
• Green onions or sesame seeds (for garnish)

directions

this recipe

1. In a bowl, mix together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, five spice powder, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and food coloring if using.
2. Add the chicken and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove chicken from marinade and place on a foil-lined baking sheet or grill grates.
5. Roast or grill for 20–25 minutes, turning once and basting with extra marinade halfway through.
6. Cook until chicken is caramelized and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 2+ hours (overnight recommended)
Cooking time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: about 2.5 to 12 hours (including marination)

Variations

• Use pork tenderloin or tofu instead of chicken for a classic Char Siu twist.
• Adjust sweetness by using more or less honey depending on your taste.
• Add a splash of Chinese cooking wine or Shaoxing wine to deepen the flavor.
• Make it spicy with a bit of chili garlic sauce or crushed red pepper.
• For air frying, cook at 380°F for 15–18 minutes, turning once.

storage/reheating

Store leftover Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What does Char Siu mean?

“Char Siu” is Cantonese for “fork roasted,” referring to the traditional way the meat is cooked—roasted on skewers.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs are more flavorful and stay juicier. If using breasts, don’t overcook them.

Is the red color necessary?

No, it’s optional and purely traditional. You can skip the food coloring without affecting the flavor.

Can I grill this instead of baking?

Absolutely. Grilling adds a delicious smoky note that pairs well with the sweet-savory marinade.

Is Char Siu Chicken spicy?

No, it’s sweet and savory. You can add spice if desired by including chili garlic sauce or hot pepper flakes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, the chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance and cooked when ready.

What sides go well with Char Siu Chicken?

Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, bok choy, or even noodles make great sides.

Can I use store-bought Char Siu sauce?

Yes, you can use pre-made sauce, but homemade marinade offers fresher flavor and customization.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be, if you use gluten-free soy sauce and check your other ingredients.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 2 hours, but overnight gives the best flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Char Siu Chicken brings the bold, caramelized flavors of Chinese barbecue right to your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you bake it or grill it, this juicy, sticky-sweet chicken is guaranteed to impress. Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy chicken—easy, delicious, and loaded with irresistible flavor.

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