Delicious Char Siu Chicken

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Juicy, caramelized, and full of bold flavor—Delicious Char Siu Chicken is a savory-sweet masterpiece that brings the best of Chinese BBQ to your home kitchen. Coated in a sticky glaze made with hoisin, honey, soy sauce, and five-spice, this dish delivers an irresistible umami punch with each tender bite. It’s a feast for the senses: vibrant red edges, glossy finish, and a smoky aroma that signals something truly special is on the table.

Traditionally made with pork, this version swaps in chicken for a slightly leaner, more accessible protein without compromising on taste or texture. Whether served over steamed jasmine rice, stuffed in bao buns, or sliced into noodle bowls, Char Siu Chicken brings big flavor with minimal fuss—making it a perfect option for both weekend feasts and quick weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Char Siu Chicken

• It’s packed with bold, savory-sweet Chinese BBQ flavor.
• Chicken makes it leaner and quicker to cook than traditional Char Siu pork.
• A versatile dish—serve it with rice, noodles, buns, or even in wraps.
• The marinade does all the heavy lifting with minimal prep effort.
• Perfect for meal prep—great cold or reheated.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To prepare Delicious Char Siu Chicken perfectly, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Mixing Bowl: For combining your marinade ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps fully emulsify the marinade, ensuring even coating.
• Zip-top Bag or Airtight Container: Ideal for marinating the chicken thoroughly and evenly.
• Baking Tray with Rack: Elevates the chicken so it roasts rather than steams.
• Aluminum Foil or Parchment: Makes cleanup easier by lining the tray.
• Basting Brush: Crucial for reapplying the glaze during baking.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches the safe internal temp without overcooking.

Each tool plays a role in delivering that signature caramelized crust while keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful inside.

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Preparation Tips

To get the most out of your Char Siu Chicken, use skinless, boneless chicken thighs—they hold up well to high heat and absorb the marinade beautifully. For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight, but if you’re short on time, even 2–3 hours will make a big difference. Be generous with the glaze, basting at least twice during roasting to build up that lacquered, sticky finish. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to preserve its juiciness. And don’t discard leftover marinade—boil it down and use it as a finishing drizzle.

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Ingredients for this Delicious Char Siu Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maltose for a traditional touch)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for classic color)
• Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

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Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, sesame oil, five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red food coloring (if using). Whisk everything until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

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Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or airtight container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow maximum flavor absorption.

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Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack to prevent sticking.

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Step 4: Arrange and Roast

Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and arrange the pieces on the prepared rack. Reserve the leftover marinade for glazing. Roast the chicken in the oven for 15 minutes.

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Step 5: Baste and Continue Roasting

After 15 minutes, brush the chicken with some of the reserved marinade. Turn the pieces over and baste the other side. Roast for another 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

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Step 6: Broil for Caramelization

For that signature Char Siu finish, switch your oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. This will help the glaze caramelize and give the chicken its beautiful glossy finish.

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Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Slice the chicken into strips and garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or steamed buns.

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Notes

Char Siu Chicken is one of those recipes where a little planning goes a long way. Marinating the chicken overnight significantly deepens the flavor and ensures that the meat is tender and juicy. Using boneless, skinless thighs instead of breasts helps keep the meat moist during the high-heat roasting and broiling steps. You can also double the marinade to use as a dipping sauce—just make sure to boil it thoroughly before serving. This dish is extremely flexible, easily paired with rice, noodles, or even used as a protein in sandwiches and wraps.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the marination time: Rushing the process means less flavor and less tenderness.
• Using chicken breast: While possible, it tends to dry out faster than thighs during roasting.
• Forgetting to reserve marinade: You’ll need extra glaze for basting and finishing—don’t toss it all with the raw chicken.
• Overcooking under the broiler: The broiler caramelizes fast. Watch closely to avoid burning.
• Crowding the baking tray: Give each piece space so they roast instead of steam.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven or in a skillet over medium-low heat, and brush with a bit of extra sauce or glaze to bring back the moisture and flavor. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the glaze and texture.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Calories per serving (based on 4 servings): ~320 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Ideally overnight, but a minimum of 3 hours will work in a pinch.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but be cautious with timing. Breast meat dries out faster than thighs, so reduce cooking time accordingly.

Is red food coloring necessary?

Not at all. It’s only for traditional aesthetics. The flavor remains great without it.

Can I grill this instead of roasting?

Absolutely. Grill over medium heat and baste often. Finish with a high-heat sear for caramelization.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer—165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temperature for chicken.

Can I reuse the leftover marinade?

Yes, but it must be boiled thoroughly to be safe for use as a sauce or glaze.

What can I serve with Char Siu Chicken?

Steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, bao buns, or even a simple noodle salad work perfectly.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add chili paste or crushed red pepper to the marinade if you prefer heat.

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Conclusion

Delicious Char Siu Chicken is a show-stopping dish that’s easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests. With its sticky-sweet glaze, tender texture, and bold Chinese BBQ flavor, it brings restaurant-quality taste to your home. Whether you’re meal prepping or making a centerpiece dish, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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