Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Char Siu Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 41 reviews

This Char Siu Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and tender way to enjoy classic Chinese barbecue chicken at home. Marinated in a blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, and traditional five spice powder, the chicken thighs are infused with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. The dish is completed with a touch of red food coloring for that iconic char siu appearance, making it an authentic and delightful meal option.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes (including marination)
  • Yield: 2-3 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 450g boneless, skinless chicken thigh, raw

Marinade

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, five spice powder, water, and a few drops of red food coloring. Whisk all ingredients together until well combined to create the char siu marinade.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the bowl with the marinade. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully infuse the chicken.
  3. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and allow it to come to temperature. Prepare a baking tray lined with foil or parchment paper to catch drippings and facilitate easy cleanup.
  4. Bake the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for glazing. Place the chicken thighs on the prepared tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  5. Glaze and finish baking: After 20 minutes, baste the chicken generously with the reserved marinade. Flip the chicken pieces and baste the other side as well. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) and it has a glossy, caramelized exterior.
  6. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices and enhances tenderness. Slice and serve the char siu chicken with steamed rice or vegetables.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of honey to control the sweetness level.
  • Red food coloring is optional but adds the traditional char siu color.
  • If you do not have five spice powder, a combination of cinnamon, cloves, star anise, fennel, and Sichuan peppercorns can be used.
  • Marinating overnight yields the best flavor and tenderness.
  • Monitor the chicken while baking to prevent burning due to the sugars in the marinade.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/char-siu-chicken-recipe/