Char Siu Chicken

Save this recipe on:

I still remember the first time I made Char Siu Chicken — the aroma alone was enough to stop everyone in their tracks and draw them into the kitchen. The glossy, sticky glaze clung to each piece of chicken, caramelizing beautifully in the oven, while the scent of hoisin, honey, and five spice filled the house. I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into it, and when I did, the sweet and savory flavors with a hint of smokiness were everything I hoped for and more.

This dish quickly became one of my go-to recipes whenever I wanted to impress. Not only does it look stunning with its lacquered finish and deep mahogany color, but it also delivers big on taste with minimal effort. I’ve served it at family dinners and casual get-togethers alike, and it never fails to get compliments. If you’ve never tried making Char Siu Chicken at home, you’re in for a treat.

Since that first batch, I’ve experimented with different marinades and cooking techniques to perfect the balance of flavors. What I love most is how versatile it is — you can pair it with simple white rice, tuck it into steamed buns, or even shred it over noodles. Once you try it, I have no doubt you’ll be as hooked on it as I am. For another hearty dinner idea, you might also like my One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles or this comforting Best Chicken and Rice Casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Char Siu Chicken

If you’re craving restaurant-quality Chinese barbecue at home, this Char Siu Chicken is just what you need. The marinade is rich, complex, and deeply flavorful, infusing each bite of juicy chicken with that signature sweet-savory profile. It’s quick to prepare — most of the magic happens while the chicken marinates — and cooks up beautifully in the oven or on the grill. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Chicken thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for absorbing the marinade. Boneless thighs work best, but bone-in can be used as well.

Hoisin sauce: This adds a deep, sweet-savory flavor that is essential to the glaze.

Soy sauce: Brings saltiness and umami to balance the sweetness.

Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and helps create that irresistible sticky glaze.

Chinese five spice powder: The key to authentic Char Siu flavor with its warm, aromatic blend.

Rice wine or dry sherry: Adds depth and a mild tang that enhances the other flavors.

Garlic and ginger: Fresh, fragrant, and absolutely necessary to round out the marinade.

Red food coloring (optional): Gives that classic reddish hue found in traditional Char Siu, though you can skip it if you prefer.

How to Make Char Siu Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, five spice powder, rice wine, minced garlic, and grated ginger. If using, add a few drops of red food coloring.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top. This helps the chicken cook evenly and allows excess marinade to drip off.

Step 4: Roast the Chicken

Arrange the marinated chicken on the rack, reserving the leftover marinade. Roast for 20 minutes, then brush the chicken with reserved marinade. Continue roasting for another 15–20 minutes, basting once more, until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully caramelized.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with rice, steamed vegetables, or your favorite sides.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you prefer, you can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts, though they tend to be a bit less juicy. Pork tenderloin is also a delicious and more traditional choice for Char Siu. For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili paste or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. If you don’t have rice wine, dry white wine or even apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch. And if you’d rather skip food coloring altogether, simply leave it out — the flavor remains just as wonderful.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Char Siu Chicken shines as the centerpiece of a meal. Serve it over a bed of steamed jasmine rice with stir-fried bok choy or snap peas for a balanced plate. It’s also fantastic shredded into bao buns with pickled vegetables or tucked into lettuce wraps. For a creative dinner spread, pair it with egg fried rice, spring rolls, or even a light Asian noodle salad.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What is Char Siu Chicken?

Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful Chinese-inspired dish where chicken is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then roasted or grilled until caramelized and tender.

Can I grill Char Siu Chicken instead of baking?

Absolutely. Grill over medium heat, turning and basting with marinade, until cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.

How long should I marinate Char Siu Chicken?

For best flavor, marinate at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal.

Can I use boneless chicken breasts for Char Siu Chicken?

Yes, though they can dry out more easily. Keep a close eye on cooking time and baste frequently to keep them moist.

Is the red color necessary in Char Siu Chicken?

Not at all. It’s purely for appearance, and skipping it won’t affect the delicious flavor of the dish.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you loved this Char Siu Chicken, you might also enjoy trying my Easy Crock Pot Orange Chicken, which brings another sweet and savory Chinese-inspired flavor to your table. For another comforting chicken dinner, my Chicken Parmesan is always a crowd-pleaser.

Save and Share This Char Siu Chicken for Later

Don’t forget to pin this Char Siu Chicken recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it easily the next time you crave that irresistible sticky glaze. Share it with your friends and family on social media — trust me, they’ll thank you. Every time I make this dish, someone asks for the recipe, so keep it handy and spread the love!

Save this recipe on: