Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet, savory flavors with a wonderful glaze. This easy-to-follow recipe promises a delicious meal that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into creating your own Char Siu Chicken at home!

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes

Ingredients List for Char Siu Chicken

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

How To Make Char Siu Chicken Step-by-Step

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Make the Marinade

In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil.

3. Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag.

4. Marinate the Chicken

Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight). Cover and refrigerate the remaining marinade separately.

5. Bring to Room Temperature

Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

6. Prepare for Baking

Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.

7. Bake the Chicken

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

8. Thicken the Marinade

While the chicken is cooking, transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.

9. Apply the Marinade

Brush the cooked chicken with the thickened marinade.

10. Broil for Extra Flavor

Broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

11. Serve the Chicken

Once the chicken is caramelized and slightly charred, remove it from the oven. Let the char siu chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

12. Enjoy

Enjoy your homemade char siu chicken!

4 Reasons Why You’ll Love Char Siu Chicken:

1. Deliciously Sweet and Savory: The blend of sauces creates a mouthwatering glaze that enhances the chicken’s natural flavors.
2. Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and perfect for beginners; just mix the marinade and let the chicken soak it up.
3. Versatile Dish: Char Siu Chicken can be served in various ways, from rice bowls to salads, making it a great option for any meal.
4. A Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, everyone will love the delicious taste of Char Siu Chicken.

Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips About Char Siu Chicken

1. Allow for Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
3. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the honey or add a little extra soy sauce to balance it out.
4. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to try different spices or herb blends, depending on your taste preferences.
5. Don’t Skip the Broiling: This final step gives the chicken that authentic charred taste and improves the texture.

Serving Suggestions for Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken is extremely versatile. Here are a few great serving suggestions:

• Over Rice: Serve with steamed jasmine or sticky rice to soak up the extra sauce.
• In Wraps: Use in lettuce wraps with fresh vegetables for a refreshing twist.
• With Noodles: Pair with stir-fried noodles for a delightful meal.
• On a Salad: Add sliced chicken on top of a fresh salad for a light yet satisfying option.

How To Storage Char Siu Chicken

1. Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
2. Freeze for Later: To keep it longer, freeze the cooked chicken in a sealable bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.
3. Thaw Safely: When ready to use frozen chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight instead of at room temperature.
4. Reheat Gently: Reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave, making sure it’s warmed through but not dried out.
5. Separate Sauce: If you have extra marinade, store it separately and use it as a dipping sauce when serving.

Tips For Success

1. Use High-Quality Chicken: Fresh, high-quality chicken thighs yield the best results.
2. Watch the Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the oven to avoid overcooking the chicken, which can lead to dryness.
3. Add Fresh Herbs: Consider adding fresh herbs such as green onions for garnish before serving to elevate the dish.
4. Adjust Marinade Flavor: Experiment with the marinade to find a balance that suits your palate – add more spiciness or sweetness as desired.

Flavor Variations

1. Spicy Char Siu: Add chili paste or adjustable crushed red peppers into the marinade to spice things up.
2. Herb-Infused Chicken: Blend in fresh herbs like thyme or basil for added depth and freshness.
3. Citrus Twist: Incorporate orange or lime zest into the marinade for a zesty flavor.
4. Smoky Flavor: Add a splash of smoked liquid aminos or mesquite seasoning to mimic traditional barbecue flavors.

FAQs About Char Siu Chicken

1. What is Char Siu Chicken?
   Char Siu Chicken is a Chinese-style barbecued chicken that is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and then roasted until tender.

2. Can I use chicken breast instead?
   Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs typically yield juicier results.

3. Is this dish traditionally served with anything?
   Char Siu Chicken pairs well with rice, vegetables, or noodles and can also be served in bao buns.

4. How do I store the sauce?
   Leftover marinade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for two months.

Closing Notes

In conclusion, Char Siu Chicken is a delightful dish that is both easy to make and full of flavor. The glazing process brings an irresistible sweetness that creates a memorable meal for any occasion. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, you’ll find joy in preparing this dish at home. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a hearty serving of delicious Char Siu Chicken with family and friends!

Char Siu Chicken

A delightful dish combining sweet and savory flavors with a wonderful glaze, perfect for impressing family and friends.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Marinade

• 0.25 cups hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 0.5 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil.
• Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag.
• Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight). Cover and refrigerate the remaining marinade separately.
• Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.

Cooking

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
• While the chicken is cooking, transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.
• Brush the cooked chicken with the thickened marinade.
• Broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
• Once the chicken is caramelized and slightly charred, remove it from the oven. Let the char siu chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken (165°F / 75°C). Adjust sweetness with honey or soy sauce as desired. Broiling enhances the charred flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 28gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 800mgSugar: 10g

Keyword Char Siu Chicken, Easy Dinner, Grilled Chicken, Marinated Chicken, Sweet Savory Chicken

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