Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken brings the classic flavors of Chinese barbecue to your dinner table. With its sweet, savory, and slightly smoky glaze, this dish is a flavorful and aromatic experience that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Whether baked, grilled, or pan-seared, this easy-to-make recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavors: Inspired by the traditional Chinese Char Siu, this recipe captures the perfect balance of sweetness, savoriness, and spice.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Can be baked, grilled, or pan-seared to suit your preference.
• Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples create a restaurant-quality dish.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing recipe that pairs well with rice, noodles, or veggies.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: The chicken can be marinated in advance, making it ideal for busy schedules.

Ingredients

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

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

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice wine, garlic, ground ginger, five-spice powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • To Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
   • To Grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, brushing with additional marinade during cooking.
   • To Pan-Sear: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through.
4. Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking.
5. Garnish and Serve: Slice the chicken and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Marinating Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Option: Add a teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha to the marinade for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Use firm tofu or seitan instead of chicken.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the hoisin sauce slightly.
• Honey Substitute: Maple syrup or agave nectar works as a sweetener alternative.
• Different Proteins: Try this recipe with pork tenderloin, shrimp, or beef strips.

Storage/Reheating

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

FAQs

1. What is Char Siu?

Char Siu is a traditional Chinese barbecue dish made with marinated and roasted meats, known for its sweet and savory glaze.

2. Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken cooks through.

3. What sides pair well with Char Siu Chicken?

Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, noodles, or bok choy make great accompaniments.

4. Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes! Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for the best flavor.

5. Is five-spice powder essential?

It’s a key ingredient for authentic flavor, but you can omit it if unavailable.

6. Can I use another type of oil?

Yes, vegetable oil or avocado oil can substitute sesame oil, but it may alter the flavor slightly.

7. What can I use instead of Chinese rice wine?

Dry sherry or apple cider vinegar are good substitutes.

8. Can I grill this chicken on skewers?

Absolutely! Slice the chicken into strips, marinate, and thread onto skewers for grilling.

9. How do I get a sticky glaze?

Brush the chicken with leftover marinade during the last few minutes of cooking for a glossy, sticky finish.

10. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce to make it gluten-free.

Conclusion

Char Siu Chicken is a deliciously versatile dish that brings the bold, aromatic flavors of Chinese barbecue to your table. Whether you bake, grill, or pan-sear it, the tender, juicy chicken coated in a sweet-savory glaze is sure to become a family favorite. Pair it with rice or noodles for a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal at home!

Print