This Easy Char Siu Chicken is packed with flavor! The sweet and sticky glaze gives it a mouthwatering finish that makes it hard to resist. It’s super simple to prepare!
I love whipping this up for dinner since it cooks quickly! Plus, the leftovers are perfect for lunch—if there are any left! 😂 Enjoy it with rice or in a tasty wrap!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are great for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender during cooking. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but they can dry out more quickly.
Hoisin Sauce: This thick, sweet sauce is key to the flavor profile. If you’re out, you can mix soy sauce with a bit of honey and peanut butter for a similar taste.
Shaoxing Wine: This wine adds depth to the marinade. If you don’t have it, dry sherry is a good substitute. For a non-alcoholic option, you can use chicken broth with a splash of vinegar.
Chinese Five-Spice Powder: A blend of spices that adds warmth and flavor. If you can’t find it, a mix of cinnamon, star anise, and cloves can work as a substitute.
How Do I Make the Chicken Stay Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy chicken is marinating it long enough. At least 2 hours is great, but overnight is even better. This will allow the flavors to really soak into the chicken.
- Whisk the marinade well to combine all ingredients before adding the chicken.
- Make sure the chicken is fully coated in the marinade. A zip-top bag works well for this!
- When baking, keep an eye on the chicken during the last few minutes to avoid overcooking. Basting helps keep moisture locked in!
Resting the chicken after you take it out of the oven is essential, too! It lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender.
How to Make Easy Char Siu Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1-2 drops red food coloring (optional, for authentic red color)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Char Siu Chicken recipe will take you about 20 minutes of active cooking time. However, don’t forget to factor in at least 2 hours for marinating—overnight is even better for richer flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, ketchup, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red food coloring (if using). Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated thoroughly. Cover the bowl or place the thighs in a zip-top bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is the best to soak up all those flavors.
3. Preheat Your Oven:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps to get that nice, charred look as the chicken bakes! Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top of it.
4. Bake the Chicken:
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the rack, reserving any leftover marinade—it’ll be used later. Bake the chicken for 15 minutes, then take it out to baste it with the reserved marinade and flip each piece over. Put it back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has those tasty, slightly charred edges.
5. Add Some Extra Crisp:
If you want that extra caramelized effect, turn on your broiler and broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, but watch it carefully to prevent burning!
6. Let It Rest:
Once done, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to settle back into the chicken, making each bite tender and juicy.
7. Serve It Up:
Slice the Char Siu Chicken and serve it over a bed of steamed white rice. Grab your chopsticks and enjoy your delicious meal!
Happy cooking! Enjoy your flavorful and easy Char Siu Chicken!
FAQ for Easy Char Siu Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead! Just be aware that they may dry out more quickly than thighs, so monitor them closely while baking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Be sure to check other ingredients as well, such as oyster sauce, to find gluten-free versions.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 2 hours, but for the best flavor, I recommend marinating overnight. Just remember to keep it in the refrigerator during that time!
What Should I Do With Leftover Char Siu Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. It’s great in wraps or salads, too!
