Sweet & Savory Char Siu Chicken

Sweet & Savory Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful Chinese BBQ-inspired dish that’s tender, caramelized, and packed with rich, aromatic spices. Marinated in a blend of hoisin, honey, soy sauce, and five-spice powder, this chicken is perfect grilled, baked, or pan-seared. It’s a simple yet impressive recipe that brings the authentic taste of Char Siu right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: A sweet, savory, and slightly smoky marinade that caramelizes beautifully.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Grill, bake, or pan-sear for equally delicious results.
• Easy to Make: Minimal prep and a marinade that does all the work.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that everyone at the table will enjoy.
• Authentic Taste: Brings the essence of Chinese BBQ to your home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken and Marinade

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp five-spice powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

• 1 green onion, chopped
• Toasted sesame seeds

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a large bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, five-spice powder, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Add the chicken to the bowl, ensuring each piece is fully coated in the marinade.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Grilling Option:

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, basting with extra marinade, until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

Baking Option:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the chicken on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, basting with marinade halfway through, until caramelized and cooked through.

Pan-Searing Option:

1. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, basting with marinade, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Marinating Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp chili flakes or Sriracha to the marinade.
• Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
• Crispy Skin: Use skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and texture.
• Additional Aromatics: Add star anise or cinnamon to the marinade for a more complex flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze marinated, uncooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.

FAQs

1. What is Char Siu?

Char Siu is a traditional Cantonese BBQ dish known for its sweet, savory glaze and tender texture.

2. Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

3. What can I serve with Char Siu Chicken?

Serve with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple noodle dish.

4. Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the marinade up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

5. How do I get a caramelized glaze?

Baste the chicken with the marinade during cooking and cook on high heat for a few minutes at the end.

6. Can I use other proteins?

Yes, this marinade works well with pork, shrimp, or even tofu.

7. Is it necessary to marinate overnight?

While not required, marinating overnight enhances the flavor significantly.

8. Can I cook this in an air fryer?

Yes, air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

9. What’s the purpose of five-spice powder?

Five-spice powder adds a warm, aromatic depth that’s signature to Char Siu.

10. How do I store leftover marinade?

Boil the marinade for a few minutes to kill bacteria before storing it for future use.

Conclusion

Sweet & Savory Char Siu Chicken is a simple yet flavorful recipe that brings the essence of Chinese BBQ to your kitchen. With its caramelized glaze, aromatic spices, and tender texture, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

Sweet & Savory Char Siu Chicken

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• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Marinate Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling, Baking, or Pan-Searing
• Cuisine: Chinese

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Description

Elevate your dinner table with this easy-to-make Sweet & Savory Char Siu Chicken! Inspired by Chinese BBQ, this dish features juicy chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of hoisin, soy sauce, honey, and aromatic spices. Whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared, it’s a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky. A family favorite, ready in just over an hour!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Produce:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)

Condiments:

• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce

Baking & Spices:

• 1 tsp five-spice powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Oils & Vinegars:

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Beer, Wine & Liquor:

• 1 tbsp Chinese rice wine or dry sherry

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ground ginger, five-spice powder, sesame oil, and Chinese rice wine or dry sherry. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat and Cook:
   • Grill: Preheat a grill to medium heat. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
   • Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, basting with reserved marinade halfway through.
   • Pan-Seared: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes per side until caramelized and fully cooked.
4. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken before serving. Pair with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles for a complete meal.

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Notes

• Substitute chicken thighs with pork tenderloin for a traditional char siu twist.
• Use fresh ginger instead of ground for an extra burst of flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.