If you’re craving a dish that combines bold flavors with tender, juicy meat, this Chinese Five Spice Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe is exactly what you need. Infused with the warm, aromatic notes of Chinese five spice powder and balanced by the savory sweetness of hoisin and honey, these baked chicken thighs come out perfectly caramelized and packed with flavor every time. It’s an effortless recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a memorable, comforting meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating this delicious dish. The following essentials work in harmony to deliver a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spice, ensuring each bite sings with flavor.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Choose thighs for their tender, juicy texture and rich flavor that stands up well to bold spices.
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five spice powder: This star ingredient brings warm, fragrant layers of cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and pepper.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth that complements the spices beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Provides a sweet and tangy richness enhancing the overall glaze.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Gives just the right touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors and encourage caramelization when baking.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brightens the marinade with a subtle acidic note.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a nutty, aromatic layer essential to Chinese cuisine.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic packs a pungent and flavorful punch.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds warmth and a slightly spicy kick for depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides mild heat and spice contrast.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the ingredients, bringing out their full flavors.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional): Perfect garnishes to add freshness and crunch at the end.
How to Make Chinese Five Spice Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the Chinese five spice powder, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and salt in a medium bowl. This marinade is your flavor powerhouse, marrying sweet, savory, and aromatic spices. Toss the chicken thighs in the marinade until they’re well coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken soak up these incredible flavors by refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes—overnight is even better for a deeper taste.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This simple step helps with easy cleanup and ensures that the chicken cooks evenly without sticking.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the lined baking sheet in a single layer, giving them plenty of space to roast rather than steam. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing the thighs to cook through while the sugars in the honey and hoisin sauce caramelize beautifully on the edges. To get a golden, slightly crispy finish, broil the chicken on high for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking—just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Step 4: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and tender. Finish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that extra pop of color and texture before serving.
How to Serve Chinese Five Spice Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like sliced green onions add a bright, crisp bite that contrasts perfectly with the rich chicken. Toasted sesame seeds enhance the nutty sesame oil’s aroma and provide a delightful crunch, making every forkful even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pairing these chicken thighs with steamed jasmine or basmati rice is a classic combo that soaks up every bit of that luscious sauce. Alternatively, serve alongside stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, snap peas, or bell peppers for a fresh, healthy balance. A simple cucumber salad with a light soy dressing can also refresh the palate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, arrange the chicken on a platter with colorful garnishes and sprinkle with extra five spice powder for show. You can also shred the leftover chicken into lettuce wraps, top with crunchy carrots and herbs, and drizzle with a little extra hoisin sauce for a fun, interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chinese Five Spice Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe is fantastic the next day. Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It maintains its juicy, flavorful character nicely when properly stored.
Freezing
If you want to keep these chicken thighs longer, they freeze well. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Use within 2 to 3 months for best taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This method helps retain crisp edges better than microwaving, which can sometimes dry out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breasts in this Chinese Five Spice Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe, but keep an eye on the cooking time since breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out. Reducing baking time and checking internal temperature often helps.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
While 30 minutes works if you’re pressed for time, marinating overnight lets the flavors penetrate deeply, resulting in a richer, more fragrant dish. If in a hurry, even 15 minutes is better than none!
What does Chinese five spice powder contain?
Chinese five spice powder is traditionally a blend of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns. This combination brings a unique balance of sweet, warm, and slightly numbing spicy elements to the dish.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of chili oil to the marinade kicks up the heat without overwhelming the delicate balance of flavors. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe can be gluten-free if you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative in place of regular soy sauce, as soy sauce typically contains wheat. Double-check your hoisin sauce ingredient list as well, or opt for a gluten-free brand.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Five Spice Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe is one of those rare finds that’s both incredibly easy to prepare and ridiculously satisfying to eat. With its vibrant mix of flavors and effortless cooking method, it’s sure to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation. Give it a try and see how something so simple can turn into a truly spectacular feast!
Print
Chinese Five Spice Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Tender and flavorful Chinese Five Spice Chicken thighs marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, hoisin, honey, and aromatic Chinese five spice powder, then baked to perfection with a caramelized finish. This easy weeknight dinner pairs beautifully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five spice powder
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Chinese five spice powder, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss well to coat every piece evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for enhanced flavor development.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Bake Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the edges become slightly caramelized.
- Broil for Extra Browning: For a crispier and more caramelized finish, switch the oven to broil on high and broil the chicken for an additional 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time to prevent dryness.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade mixture.
- Marinating overnight enhances the depth of flavors but 30 minutes is sufficient for a quick meal.
- Make sure to rest the chicken after baking to keep it juicy and tender.
