Char Siu Chicken

The irresistible aroma of this Char Siu Chicken will transport your kitchen straight into the heart of a bustling Hong Kong eatery. With juicy chicken thighs marinated in a rich blend of hoisin, soy sauces, honey, and five-spice, the resulting dish is sticky, glossy, and packed with umami flavor in every bite. It’s a fantastic fusion of sweet, savory, and spiced complexity.

Ideal for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare and absolutely crowd-pleasing. Roasting the chicken in the oven keeps it juicy while encouraging a delicious char on the edges that mimics traditional Chinese BBQ. Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles for a satisfying, flavor-packed meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken thighs (skin-on or skinless)

• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder

• 2 cloves garlic, grated

• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger

• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (optional)

• Red food coloring (optional, for traditional red hue)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine hoisin sauce, light and dark soy sauces, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, and Shaoxing wine. Add red food coloring if desired. Mix well to form a marinade.

2. Place the chicken thighs in the marinade and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

3. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with foil and place a rack on top. Lay the marinated chicken on the rack.

4. Roast for 20 minutes, then baste with remaining marinade. Flip the chicken and roast for another 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.

5. Optionally, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end for a deeper caramelization.

6. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings

Char Siu Chicken is a stunning example of how traditional flavors can be beautifully adapted for the modern home kitchen. Inspired by the classic Cantonese Char Siu a style of Chinese barbecue originally made with pork this version uses tender chicken thighs to create a dish that’s succulent, glossy, and boldly flavored with a sticky, aromatic glaze. Popular in Chinese restaurants, food stalls, and households alike, this dish combines the umami richness of hoisin and soy sauces with the warmth of Chinese five-spice and the sweetness of honey. The result? A beautifully caramelized, oven-roasted chicken that’s deceptively simple to make but impressive enough to serve at a dinner party.

Whether you’re already a fan of Chinese cuisine or looking to explore new global flavors, Char Siu Chicken offers the best of both worlds familiar ingredients with exotic depth, minimal prep with maximum payoff. It’s the kind of dish that’s destined to become a staple on your weeknight or weekend menu, whether served with steamed rice, noodles, or tossed into a salad for a protein-packed twist.

The Origins and Evolution of Char Siu

The term Char Siu (叉烧) literally translates to “fork roast” in Cantonese, referring to the traditional method of skewering strips of marinated pork and roasting them over an open fire. Originating in southern China, particularly in Guangdong province and Hong Kong, Char Siu is a beloved staple in Chinese barbecue (siu mei) shops. Typically made with pork shoulder or loin, the meat is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, hoisin, Chinese five-spice, and rice wine then roasted until the outside caramelizes into a rich, reddish glaze.

Over time, this iconic preparation has inspired variations that cater to different dietary needs and protein preferences. Char Siu Chicken is one such adaptation, providing a lighter, leaner version without compromising on the flavor intensity. Chicken thighs are particularly well-suited to this recipe because they remain moist during roasting and absorb the marinade exceptionally well, allowing for deeper flavor penetration and a satisfying texture.

Why You’ll Love This Char Siu Chicken Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this version of Char Siu Chicken:

• Authentic yet Accessible Flavors: You don’t need a Chinese BBQ pit to enjoy restaurant-style Char Siu at home. This recipe uses the oven, making it easily achievable without special equipment.
• Customizable Marinade: The base marinade can be adapted to your taste add chili paste for heat, pineapple juice for tang, or even a splash of orange juice for brightness.
• Versatile Meal Option: Serve it with classic jasmine rice, wrap it in lettuce leaves, shred it into a banh mi sandwich, or toss it into a noodle stir-fry. It’s as versatile as it is flavorful.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: The marinade can be prepared in advance, and the chicken itself holds up well to reheating. Perfect for batch cooking or planning meals throughout the week.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appearance: That signature red glaze (enhanced with a touch of optional food coloring) gives the chicken a stunning presentation that draws attention at the dinner table.

Healthier than Takeout, Just as Satisfying

Compared to traditional takeout options, this Char Siu Chicken offers a more wholesome, controlled alternative. You can opt for organic chicken, reduce the sugar content, or substitute low-sodium soy sauce to adjust to your health needs. Plus, by cooking at home, you avoid unnecessary additives, MSG, and excess oil commonly found in restaurant versions.

The marinade’s base composed of garlic, ginger, and fermented sauces is packed with antioxidants and immune-boosting properties. Five-spice powder, a key component of the recipe, contains warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, star anise, fennel, and Szechuan peppercorns, which have digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Serving Suggestions for Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken shines brightest when paired with complementary textures and flavors. Some favorite ways to serve it include:

• Steamed White or Jasmine Rice: The perfect neutral canvas for soaking up the savory-sweet glaze.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Think bok choy, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), snap peas, or bell peppers for a colorful side.
• Cold Noodle Salad: Toss soba or rice noodles with cucumbers, sesame oil, and chopped peanuts for a light and refreshing pairing.
• Asian Slaw Wraps: Serve sliced Char Siu Chicken in lettuce cups with shredded carrots, cabbage, and a drizzle of sesame-ginger dressing.
• Bao Buns or Sandwiches: Stuff it into fluffy steamed buns or a baguette with pickled vegetables for a mouthwatering fusion meal.

Tips for the Best Results Every Time

• Marinate Overnight for Maximum Flavor: Although a 4-hour soak will do, an overnight marination really deepens the flavor profile and tenderizes the meat.
• Use a Wire Rack: This allows hot air to circulate around the chicken, giving it a beautiful, even char without the need for turning constantly.
• Baste Generously: Halfway through cooking, brushing the chicken with extra marinade helps create a thick, lacquered coating.
• Broil at the End: A brief stint under the broiler gives you that irresistible char and slight crispness without drying out the chicken.
• Use Skin-On Thighs for Extra Juiciness: If you prefer more richness, opt for skin-on chicken thighs they roast beautifully and hold onto moisture well.

Popular Variations of Char Siu Chicken

While the classic version is delicious as-is, you can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences:

• Grilled Char Siu Chicken: For a smoky flavor, grill the marinated chicken over medium-high heat, turning and basting often.
• Char Siu Chicken Wings: Perfect for game day or as an appetizer just marinate wings and bake or air-fry until crispy and caramelized.
• Char Siu Chicken Skewers: Thread chicken chunks onto skewers for kebab-style grilling or party-friendly finger food.
• Air Fryer Char Siu Chicken: Short on time? Air-fry the marinated chicken for 12–15 minutes, flipping once, until crispy and browned.

Conclusion: A Dish That Delivers Big Flavor with Minimal Fuss

Char Siu Chicken proves that you don’t need a passport or a deep understanding of traditional Chinese cooking techniques to enjoy one of the cuisine’s most beloved dishes. With a pantry-friendly marinade, an easy oven method, and a flavor profile that hits every note sweet, savory, smoky, and umami this dish brings the experience of Chinese barbecue straight to your dinner table.

It’s ideal for impressing guests, meal prepping for the week, or simply treating yourself to a better-than-takeout dinner that’s both comforting and deeply satisfying. With endless ways to customize and serve it, Char Siu Chicken is more than just a recipe it’s a gateway into the rich tapestry of Asian home cooking.