Name: Char Siu Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts (boneless or bone-in); 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp hoisin sauce; 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1/2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp rice wine or Shaoxing wine (optional); 1 tsp sesame oil; Red food coloring (optional, for classic color); Chopped green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Cantonese-style flavor with simple ingredients.
The marinade creates juicy, flavorful chicken with a sticky glaze.
Can be baked, grilled, or air-fried for convenience.
Perfect for rice bowls, noodle dishes, or meal prep.
Restaurant-quality taste made easily at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken thighs or breasts (boneless or bone-in)
Soy sauce
Hoisin sauce
Honey or brown sugar
Oyster sauce
Chinese five-spice powder
Red food coloring (optional, for traditional red hue)
Garlic, minced
Rice wine or Shaoxing wine (optional for authenticity)
Sesame oil
Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions

Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, oyster sauce, five-spice powder, garlic, rice wine, and sesame oil. Add a drop of red food coloring if you want the classic Char Siu color.
Marinate the chicken: Place chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over it and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
Cook the chicken:
- Oven method: Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Arrange chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet with a rack. Bake for 25–30 minutes, basting with leftover marinade halfway through.
- Grill method: Grill over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side, brushing with reserved marinade as it cooks.
- Air fryer method: Air fry at 375 °F (190 °C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Caramelize the glaze: During the last few minutes, brush chicken with additional marinade and broil or sear briefly to achieve that glossy, slightly charred finish.
Rest and serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4 people
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 2 hours to overnight
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 35 minutes (including marinating)

Variations

Spicy Char Siu: Add chili paste or sriracha to the marinade.
Lighter version: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs and reduce the honey.
Sticky Char Siu wings: Use chicken wings instead of thighs for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Extra smoky: Grill over charcoal for authentic barbecue flavor.
Pineapple twist: Add pineapple juice to the marinade for a sweet, tropical balance.
Vegetarian version: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken with the same marinade.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked Char Siu Chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet or oven at 350 °F until heated through. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist.
Tip: Brush with a little honey or sauce after reheating to refresh the glaze.

FAQs

1. What does “Char Siu” mean?

“Char Siu” translates to “fork roasted,” referring to the traditional Cantonese method of roasting marinated meat on long skewers.

2. Can I use pork instead of chicken?

Yes! Char Siu is traditionally made with pork, but the same marinade works beautifully for chicken, tofu, or even shrimp.

3. Do I need red food coloring?

No, it’s purely optional. The color doesn’t affect the taste but gives it the classic Char Siu look.

4. Can I bake without a rack?

Yes, but line your pan with foil for easier cleanup and flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even caramelization.

5. How can I make the sauce thicker?

Reduce leftover marinade in a small saucepan over low heat until syrupy, then brush it over the cooked chicken.

6. What does Chinese five-spice taste like?

It’s a blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel—giving the dish warm, aromatic depth.

7. Can I make it less sweet?

Yes, reduce the honey or brown sugar and balance with a little more soy sauce or vinegar.

8. Is Char Siu Chicken spicy?

Traditionally, it’s not spicy—just sweet, savory, and aromatic. You can add chili flakes if you want heat.

9. What side dishes go well with Char Siu Chicken?

Steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles are perfect accompaniments.

10. Can I meal prep with this recipe?

Definitely! It stores and reheats well, making it great for rice bowls or lunch boxes throughout the week.

Conclusion

Char Siu Chicken brings all the signature flavors of Chinese barbecue into an easy, home-cooked meal. With its glossy, caramelized glaze and perfect balance of sweet and savory, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare yet tastes restaurant-worthy. Whether roasted, grilled, or air-fried, this dish will satisfy your craving for something bold, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

Char Siu Chicken

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Char Siu Chicken is a Cantonese-style dish featuring juicy chicken marinated in a sweet, savory, and aromatic blend of soy sauce, hoisin, honey, and Chinese five-spice. Roasted or grilled to perfection, it boasts a glossy, caramelized glaze with a signature smoky sweetness reminiscent of Chinese barbecue.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes (including marinating)
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: Chinese
Diet: Halal

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, oyster sauce, five-spice powder, garlic, rice wine, sesame oil, and a drop of red food coloring if desired.
Place chicken in a resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over it. Mix to coat evenly and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet with a rack. Bake for 25–30 minutes, basting with leftover marinade halfway through.
Alternatively, grill over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
During the last few minutes of cooking, brush chicken with extra marinade and broil or sear briefly to caramelize the glaze.
Let rest for 5 minutes, slice, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Marinate the chicken overnight for the deepest flavor.
Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
For a thicker glaze, reduce the leftover marinade in a small saucepan until syrupy.
Skip the red food coloring if you prefer a natural look—it won’t affect taste.
Brush with honey after cooking for an extra-glossy finish.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 370
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 960mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 110mg