Print

Char Siu Chicken

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

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.

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush chicken with extra marinade and broil or sear briefly to caramelize the glaze.
  6. 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

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