This Char Siu Chicken is a sweet and sticky dish that’s super tasty! With just a quick 10-minute prep, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make flavorful chicken at home.
I love how this recipe brings a little taste of Chinese BBQ to my kitchen. Serve it over rice, and you’ll feel like a cooking superstar—even if you just mixed a few ingredients! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe as they stay tender and juicy. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out faster. Another option is to use pork if you’re feeling adventurous!
Hoisin Sauce: This key ingredient adds sweetness and depth. If you don’t have it, you can create a mix of soy sauce, honey, and a bit of peanut butter for a similar taste.
Chinese Shaoxing Wine: This wine enhances the flavor beautifully, but you can swap it with dry sherry or even apple juice if needed. Just be aware it alters the taste slightly.
Red Food Coloring: It’s optional, mainly for that classic look. If you want the flavor without the color, you can skip it, and the dish will still taste amazing!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Juicy and Flavorful?
To achieve juicy and flavorful chicken, marinating is key! The marinade not only infuses flavors but also helps keep the chicken moist during cooking. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Mix your marinade ingredients well to ensure everything is combined.
- Marinate your chicken for at least 10 minutes but longer (up to 4 hours) will give even better flavor.
- While roasting, basting with the reserved marinade gives your chicken an extra layer of deliciousness. Just make sure it’s safe since it was in contact with raw chicken!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly tender and tasty Char Siu Chicken right at home!
Irresistible Char Siu Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional for traditional red color)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1-2 green onions, finely sliced for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Char Siu Chicken takes about 10 minutes of prep time, with an additional 15-20 minutes of cooking time. Marinating the chicken can take just 10 minutes, or longer if you want a deeper flavor—up to 4 hours is great!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, brown sugar, five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red food coloring, if you’re using it. Stir all the ingredients well until they form a smooth marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs and place them in a zip-lock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes. If you have more time, letting it marinate for up to 4 hours will give even more flavor!
3. Get Ready for Cooking:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top. This will help the chicken cook evenly all around.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Once the oven is ready, remove the chicken from the marinade (don’t throw away that marinade yet!). Place the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack in the baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes, making sure to baste occasionally with the reserved marinade for extra flavor and moisture.
5. Broil for Charred Goodness:
For that beautiful, slightly charred finish, switch your oven to broil. Broil the chicken for about 2-3 minutes until the skin is caramelized and slightly crispy. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning!
6. Let it Rest and Serve:
Once done, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy chicken when you slice it. Slice the chicken and sprinkle with finely chopped green onions for a nice touch.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Char Siu Chicken over steamed rice and pair it with your favorite vegetables. Enjoy your homemade taste of Chinese BBQ!
This recipe yields juicy, sweet, and savory char siu chicken with just a quick 10-minute marinade prep, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner!
Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but be cautious as they can dry out more easily. Consider marinating them for a shorter time, around 30 minutes, to keep them juicy.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Shaoxing Wine?
If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, you can substitute it with dry sherry or even apple juice for a similar flavor. Just remember, it may alter the taste slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Char Siu Chicken?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of water or broth can help maintain moisture during reheating.
Can I Grill This Chicken Instead of Roasting?
Absolutely! You can grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes on each side. Just keep an eye on it to avoid charring too much, and baste with the marinade for added flavor!
