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
Scale
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.
