Name: Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 4 h 50 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 450g boneless, skinless chicken thigh, raw; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 3 tbsp hoisin sauce; 5 tbsp honey; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar; 1 tsp sesame oil; ½ tsp five spice powder; 3 tbsp water; Red food coloring (a few drops, adjust for desired color); MSG or salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 41 reviews

There is something truly irresistible about this Char Siu Chicken Recipe that instantly transports you to the vibrant street food stalls of Hong Kong. The perfect blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic spices dances across tender chicken thighs, glazed with a beautiful red hue that promises flavor in every bite. Whether you’re looking to impress at a casual dinner or craving a comforting homemade Asian delight, this Char Siu Chicken Recipe is sure to become one of your all-time favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with raw pieces of meat covered in a dark reddish-brown sauce. The meat pieces are thick and uneven in shape, partially submerged and coated with the glossy sauce that clings to them, with some sauce splashed on the inner side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean background. A woman's hand with light pink painted nails holds a spoon coated in the same sauce above the bowl, ready to stir. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Char Siu Chicken Recipe keeps things refreshingly simple without sacrificing that complex flavor profile. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in layering the sweetness, tang, and depth, making sure every mouthful hits all the right notes.

450g boneless, skinless chicken thigh: Perfect for staying juicy and tender under the flavorful marinade.
3 tbsp soy sauce: Adds savory umami that forms the salty backbone of the sauce.
3 tbsp hoisin sauce: Brings in a touch of sweetness and a complex, slightly tangy richness.
5 tbsp honey: For that luscious glaze and irresistible caramelization.
6 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the chicken with aromatic warmth and depth.
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to balance the sweetness perfectly.
1 tsp sesame oil: Offers a gentle nutty undertone that rounds out the flavor.
½ tsp five spice powder: Delivers that iconic blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, fennel, and pepper—giving the dish its authentic signature warmth.
3 tbsp water: Helps balance the marinade consistency for even coating.
MSG or salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances and adjusts flavors to your liking.
Red food coloring: This optional but traditional touch gives that classic Char Siu vibrant hue.

How to Make Char Siu Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, five spice powder, water, and a few drops of red food coloring if using. Taste the marinade and add MSG or salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. This marinade is where the magic begins, giving you that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the boneless chicken thighs in a zip-lock bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. The longer the chicken soaks up this blend, the more intense and mouthwatering your Char Siu Chicken Recipe will be.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare for Cooking

Before cooking, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with foil and set up a wire rack on top to allow the chicken to cook evenly and the excess marinade to drip off. This setup helps caramelize the chicken beautifully while giving you that enticing charred effect.

Step 4: Roast the Chicken

Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack, leaving some space between each piece. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, and basting with the reserved marinade each time. This step ensures the chicken inside is tender and juicy, while the outside boasts that signature glossy, sticky glaze.

Step 5: Final Broil for Extra Char

For an authentic finishing touch, switch to the broil setting for the last 3 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on the chicken so it develops a slightly caramelized, charred crust without burning. That crispy edge is what takes your Char Siu Chicken Recipe from good to absolutely unforgettable.

How to Serve Char Siu Chicken Recipe

A black bowl holds a dish with three main layers. The bottom layer is white rice, visible around the edges. On top of the rice is a large portion of dark brown grilled meat with a shiny glaze and light sesame seeds sprinkled all over it. To the right of the meat, there are bright green cooked leafy vegetables, arranged neatly with a fresh and smooth texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes add texture and vibrant color that complement the rich flavors beautifully. Try sprinkling chopped spring onions, toasted sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro on top. A wedge of lime or a few thinly sliced red chilies can bring a bright contrast and subtle heat if desired.

Side Dishes

Char Siu Chicken pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up every drop of sauce. For a refreshing balance, toss together a crunchy Asian slaw or serve alongside stir-fried greens like bok choy or baby spinach. Noodles tossed in light soy and sesame dressing also make for an excellent companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Char Siu Chicken Recipe stand out by serving it in bao buns with pickled veggies and a drizzle of spicy mayo. Alternatively, shred the cooked chicken to top rice bowls, or use as a filling for spring rolls or lettuce wraps for a fun, hands-on dining experience. There’s so much room to get creative with this versatile and delicious dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Char Siu Chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop further overnight, making it a tasty lunch or dinner option when reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover cooked Char Siu Chicken for up to 1 month. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or extra sauce while reheating helps retain moisture and keeps it delectably tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work too, but keep in mind they tend to be less juicy and can dry out faster, so watch your cooking time carefully and consider marinating longer to keep flavor and moisture.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

No worries! The red food coloring is purely for traditional appearance and can be omitted without affecting the taste. Your Char Siu Chicken Recipe will still taste fantastic and have that signature flavor.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?

While classic Char Siu is typically meat-based, you can experiment with firm tofu or seitan marinated in the same sauce. They absorb flavors wonderfully and provide a delicious plant-based twist.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, the marinade can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. This helps save time when you’re ready to cook and often means even richer flavor on your chicken.

Do I need to baste the chicken during cooking?

Basting is recommended because it keeps the chicken moist and builds layers of that irresistible sticky glaze. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, but basting really elevates the final result in your Char Siu Chicken Recipe.

Final Thoughts

You’re holding in your hands a recipe that’s both a comforting classic and a vibrant flavor adventure. This Char Siu Chicken Recipe is perfect for those who love bold tastes without fuss, combining simple ingredients into a show-stopping dish. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it over and over again and sharing it with all your favorite people.

Char Siu Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need