Description
Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful Chinese-inspired dish made by marinating chicken in a sweet and savory barbecue-style sauce, then roasting or grilling until beautifully caramelized. It’s a simplified version of the classic pork char siu with all the same bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red food coloring (optional, for traditional color)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, brown sugar, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, five-spice powder, garlic, and red food coloring if using.
- Add chicken thighs to a resealable bag or container and pour in the marinade. Mix to coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange chicken on the rack and bake for 25-30 minutes, basting with leftover marinade halfway through.
- Optional: For extra caramelization, broil on high for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be used, but thighs stay juicier and are more flavorful.
- Grill instead of baking for a smoky char.
- Pairs well with steamed rice or noodles and stir-fried vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg