Go Back
–+ servings
Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken: Sweet and Savory Crispy Delight

Char Siu Chicken is a delightful dish combining sweet and savory flavors with a crispy glaze, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 4 tablespoons Hoisin Sauce can substitute with BBQ sauce for a different taste
  • 4 tablespoons Soy Sauce use tamari for a gluten-free option
  • 2 tablespoons Honey maple syrup can serve as a vegan alternative
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese Five-Spice Powder can substitute with a mix of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise
  • 3 cloves Garlic fresh cloves are best; garlic powder is a quick substitute
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar can substitute with lemon juice
  • 1 drop Red Food Coloring optional for traditional red hue
For the Chicken
  • 1.5 pounds Boneless Chicken Thighs/Breasts primary protein for tenderness and juiciness

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk
  • Basting Brush

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Char Siu Chicken
  1. Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and optional red food coloring until smooth.
  2. Marinate Chicken: Place the boneless chicken thighs or breasts into a shallow dish or zip-top bag, ensuring each piece is fully coated in the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight.
  3. Preheat for Cooking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your grill at medium-high heat about 15 minutes before cooking.
  4. Cook Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or directly on the grill and cook for approximately 25-30 minutes.
  5. Baste for Flavor: During the last 10 minutes of cooking, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade to enhance flavor and glaze.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, let the Char Siu Chicken rest for 5 minutes, slice against the grain, and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 28gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Maximize marinade time for the best flavor and tenderness. Monitor the cooking temperature to ensure chicken is cooked properly.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!