Sweet & Savory Char Siu Chicken

$- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs - 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ginger powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Sliced green onions for garnish - Sesame seeds for garnish Each ingredient plays a role in making Char Siu Chicken special. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender. They soak up the flavors well. Hoisin sauce adds sweetness and a hint of spice. Soy sauce gives it a savory kick without too much salt. Honey helps with caramelization, giving a nice glaze. Rice vinegar adds brightness to balance the sweetness. Sesame oil adds nutty flavor, while the five-spice powder brings warmth. Garlic and ginger powders provide depth and aroma. For the best Char Siu Chicken, pick fresh boneless thighs. Look for meat that is pink and firm. Avoid any that look dull or have a strong odor. For sauces, choose brands that use natural ingredients. Check labels for low sodium content in soy sauce. This helps keep the dish balanced. If you find homemade hoisin sauce, use it! It often tastes better than store-bought. A good sauce makes a huge difference in flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, grab a medium bowl. Combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add the Chinese five-spice powder, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Whisk all the ingredients until smooth and mixed well. This marinade will give your chicken its sweet and savory flavor. Next, take your boneless chicken thighs. Place them in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure every piece is coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Let it sit in the fridge for at least one hour. If you have time, let it marinate overnight for a richer flavor. When you're ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top of the foil. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the rack. Let the extra marinade drip off. Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes. It should be cooked through and look caramelized. Halfway through, baste the chicken with leftover marinade for extra taste. For a charred touch, broil the chicken for the last 2 to 3 minutes. Watch it closely to avoid burning. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. To get that great charred taste, broiling is key. Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. You want that caramelized look, which adds flavor and texture. Basting the chicken with extra marinade halfway through helps too. This adds more moisture and taste. Marinating the chicken for at least one hour works well. However, if you can, let it soak overnight. The longer it sits, the more the flavors mix into the meat. This makes every bite juicy and full of zest. Don’t rush this step; good flavor takes time. You will need some basic tools for this recipe. A medium bowl is great for mixing the marinade. A resealable plastic bag or shallow dish helps with marinating. Use a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup. A wire rack is a must to let air circulate around the chicken. An oven thermometer ensures your oven is just right. Using these tools will make cooking smooth and fun. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Depth: For a more flavorful Char Siu Chicken, marinate the chicken thighs overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat, enhancing the overall taste. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, feel free to add a bit more honey to the marinade. Just be cautious not to overpower the savory elements. Experiment with Garnishes: While green onions and sesame seeds are classic garnishes, consider adding chopped cilantro or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick and freshness. {{image_2}} Char Siu is not just for chicken. You can use pork or tofu. Pork gives a rich flavor. Try using pork shoulder for a tender bite. Slice it into thick pieces and marinate it just like chicken. Tofu is perfect for a vegetarian option. Use firm or extra-firm tofu for best results. Press it to remove excess water. Then, marinate and bake the same way as chicken. While the classic marinade is delicious, you can switch it up. Consider adding more spices or sauces. For a spicy kick, add chili paste. If you like sweetness, try adding brown sugar instead of honey. You can also use teriyaki sauce for a different flavor. Mix it with hoisin sauce for a unique taste. Just remember to keep the main flavors: sweet, savory, and a bit of spice. Char Siu Chicken pairs well with many sides. Serve it with steamed rice for a filling meal. You can also add stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or bell peppers. For a lighter option, make a fresh salad. A cucumber salad with sesame dressing works great. Don't forget to garnish your dish with green onions and sesame seeds. They add color and crunch! To keep your leftover Char Siu chicken fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its sweet and savory flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave, but it may dry out the chicken. Heat it in short bursts of 1-2 minutes. Freezing Char Siu chicken is easy. Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the chicken juicy and full of flavor. Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful dish from Chinese cuisine. It features chicken marinated in a mix of sweet and savory sauces. The marinade often includes hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and honey. This dish is known for its rich color and taste. People love it for its juicy texture and mouthwatering flavor. You can serve it sliced or whole, making it great for any meal. Yes, you can definitely grill Char Siu Chicken! Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor. First, marinate the chicken just like in the oven method. Then, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Grilled Char Siu Chicken will have a lovely char and taste amazing! Char Siu Chicken pairs well with many sides. Rice is a classic choice, especially jasmine or sticky rice. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables like bok choy or broccoli. Noodles are another great option. For a refreshing touch, add a simple salad or pickled vegetables. These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken perfectly. Enjoy your delicious meal! Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful dish that you can easily make at home. By using quality ingredients and following my step-by-step instructions, you can create a meal that impresses. Don’t forget the tips I provided for that perfect charred flavor. Whether you want to explore variations like pork or tofu or learn how to store leftovers, this dish is versatile. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor the delicious results you create!$

Sweet & Savory Char Siu Chicken

A delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors in tender char siu chicken thighs.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger powder
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish sliced green onions and sesame seeds

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, five-spice powder, garlic powder, and ginger powder to create the marinade. Whisk until well combined.
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Ensure all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top of it. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack, allowing excess marinade to drip off.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice caramelized exterior. You may want to baste the chicken with the remaining marinade halfway through for extra flavor.
For an additional char, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Serve the Char Siu Chicken garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

Marinating overnight enhances the flavor.

Keyword Asian, char siu, chicken, grilled