If you’ve ever craved that perfectly sweet, savory, and slightly smoky bite of Chinese barbecue, you’re in for a real treat with this Char Siu Chicken Recipe. It’s a beautiful twist on the classic pork version that’s just as rich in flavor and oh-so-satisfying. The marinade is a symphony of hoisin, soy, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder, giving the chicken an irresistible caramelized glaze and a depth of flavor that feels special but is actually quite simple to achieve at home. Whether you choose to bake or grill, this dish promises tender, juicy chicken bursting with vibrant, authentic taste that will make any meal memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Char Siu Chicken Recipe plays an essential role, combining to create a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes. These simple pantry staples come together beautifully, adding texture, color, and that unmistakable char siu flavor.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Thighs offer extra juiciness, but breasts work wonderfully if you prefer leaner meat.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet depth that is foundational to the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium): Provides the salty umami backbone without overwhelming the dish.
- 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry): Brings a subtle acidity and enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Contributes natural sweetness and helps create that glossy, sticky finish when cooked.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Enhances caramelization and rounds out the savory ingredients beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Infuses a gentle briny richness perfect for savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder: This fragrant blend of spices introduces warm, aromatic hints of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds that essential punch of savory garlic without extra mess.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Brings fresh zest and brightness to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Provides a toasty aroma that makes the dish unmistakably Asian-inspired.
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional): This gives the traditional vibrant red hue but doesn’t affect the taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (optional): Adds a gentle heat and subtle peppery note for extra kick.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional): Used to thicken the marinade into a luscious glaze if desired.
- Cooking spray or oil: Essential to prevent sticking when grilling or baking the chicken.
How to Make Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
The magic begins by mixing your marinade ingredients in a bowl. Whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine, honey, brown sugar, oyster sauce, Chinese five-spice, garlic powder, ginger, sesame oil, and red food coloring if using. Stir until the sugars dissolve and the marinade is smooth and fragrant. This mixture is what gives the chicken its irresistible savory-sweet flavor and that signature glaze.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Next, place your chicken breasts or thighs into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal it up tight or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to let all those fantastic flavors soak in. For best results, leave it overnight to develop that deep, delicious taste you won’t forget.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare for Cooking
Decide whether you want to bake or grill your chicken. If baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup. Or, preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350°F, to get those irresistible grill marks and a smoky bite.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
If baking, remove the chicken from the marinade (discard any leftover marinade) and place it on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a beautiful caramelized exterior. For grilling, cook each side for 6–8 minutes, basting with extra marinade if you like for maximum flavor and juiciness. Aim for that same 165°F internal temperature to ensure perfect doneness.
Step 5: Optional Glaze Finish
To make a thick, glossy glaze, save some of the marinade before cooking. Simmer it in a saucepan over medium heat with cornstarch mixed with water and stir until it thickens into a luscious sauce. Drizzle this over your cooked chicken for an extra punch of flavor and that incredible shine.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Finally, slice your Char Siu Chicken and get ready to enjoy. Whether served over fluffy steamed rice, tucked inside soft bao buns, or alongside crunchy stir-fried veggies, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can turn good into great. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top of your Char Siu Chicken for a burst of color and added texture. Thinly sliced red chili or fresh cilantro can add a mild heat and herbal brightness that complements the savory glaze beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Char Siu Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, comforting sides that allow the star of the show to shine. Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Stir-fried bok choy, snap peas, or crunchy carrots provide a refreshing balance and add a pop of vibrant color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to shake things up, try serving the chicken sliced inside warm bao buns or as a filling for lettuce wraps with crunchy cucumber and hoisin drizzle. You can also shred the cooked chicken and toss it into a noodle bowl or a flavorful fried rice for a fun twist that’s perfect for lunch or a casual dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Char Siu Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken separate from any rice or sides to maintain the best texture. Simply reheat gently to enjoy the same luscious flavors the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to make it ahead of time. Wrap the cooked chicken tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve tenderness and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your Char Siu Chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. Avoid high heat or microwaving directly, as it can dry out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or leftover marinade while reheating can help keep it moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Char Siu Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a popular choice because they tend to stay juicier and more tender, especially when marinated and cooked. They’ll soak up the flavors beautifully and offer a richer texture.
Is the red food coloring necessary for the recipe?
No, the red food coloring is optional and mainly used to achieve the traditional bright red appearance of classic char siu. It doesn’t affect the flavor, so you can omit it if you prefer a more natural look.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to a day in advance. Storing it in the fridge allows the flavors to meld even further, which can enhance the taste when you marinate the chicken.
What if I don’t have Chinese rice wine or dry sherry?
If you don’t have Chinese rice wine or sherry, a dry white wine or even mirin can be a decent substitute. These provide the acidity and slight sweetness that balance the marinade.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be slightly caramelized on the outside and juicy inside, without any pink remaining.
Final Thoughts
This Char Siu Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special enough for a weekend feast but easy enough to enjoy any night of the week. The combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors creates a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. So go ahead, dive into this recipe, and bring a little bit of delicious Chinese barbecue magic into your kitchen today!
Print
Char Siu Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful Chinese-style barbecued chicken marinated in a rich blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, and aromatic spices. This recipe offers two cooking methods—baking or grilling—both yielding tender, juicy chicken with a slightly caramelized, sweet, and savory glaze reminiscent of traditional Cantonese BBQ pork. Ideal for a delicious weeknight dinner or special occasion, it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or bao buns.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for traditional red color)
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
Glaze (Optional)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for thickening)
- Water (to mix with cornstarch)
Cooking
- Cooking spray or oil (for grilling or baking)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, honey, brown sugar, oyster sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, garlic powder, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red food coloring if using. Stir well until sugar dissolves and the mixture is completely blended.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to deeply infuse the flavors.
- Preheat the oven or grill: For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). For grilling, preheat the grill to medium heat (~350°F).
- Cook the chicken: If baking, line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. Remove chicken from marinade (discard leftover marinade) and arrange on the baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and exterior is caramelized. If grilling, oil the grill grates lightly. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred. Baste with extra marinade if desired during grilling.
- Optional glaze: To create a thicker glaze, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry and add to the marinade. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Drizzle warm glaze over cooked chicken.
- Serve: Slice the Char Siu Chicken and serve it alongside steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or in bao buns for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- If you want the traditional red hue, add a small amount of red food coloring; this is optional and purely for appearance.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control sodium content in the dish.
- Adjust sweetness by increasing or decreasing honey and brown sugar quantities according to your taste.
- For gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier results.
- Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure safety.
- The optional glaze adds extra shine and flavor but the chicken is delicious even without it.
- Leftover Char Siu Chicken keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
