Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful, Chinese-style roasted chicken dish . I marinate the chicken in a sweet, savory, and slightly smoky sauce that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks, giving it that signature reddish glaze and bold, sticky flavor. It’s one of my favorite ways to bring restaurant-quality flavor right into my home kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes simple chicken and transforms it into something irresistibly rich and flavorful. The marinade is easy to mix up with pantry staples, and once it’s cooked, the chicken is tender, juicy, and coated in a glossy, aromatic glaze. Whether I serve it with steamed rice, noodles, or tucked into bao buns, it never disappoints. It also works well for meal prep and leftovers.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (I prefer thighs for juiciness)

• hoisin sauce

• soy sauce

• honey or brown sugar

• Chinese five-spice powder

• oyster sauce (optional, for depth)

• garlic, minced

• red food coloring (optional, for that classic Char Siu look)

• sesame oil

• rice vinegar or Shaoxing wine (optional, for balance)

Directions

1. In a bowl, I whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, five-spice powder, oyster sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and a splash of vinegar or Shaoxing wine. I add a drop of red food coloring if I want that traditional look.

2. I add the chicken to the marinade and coat it well. I cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for the best flavor.

3. I preheat the oven to 400°F (or 200°C) and line a baking tray with foil.

4. I place the marinated chicken on the tray and bake for about 25–30 minutes, basting with extra marinade halfway through.

5. For extra caramelization, I broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end until the edges start to char and crisp.

6. I let it rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes (excluding marinating)

Variations

Sometimes I use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for more flavor. For a grilled version, I cook the chicken on medium heat until slightly charred on both sides. I’ve also made a vegetarian version using tofu or mushrooms, marinated and roasted until caramelized. If I’m short on time, I reduce the marinade into a glaze and brush it over cooked chicken.

storage/reheating

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. I reheat gently in a skillet or in the microwave with a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist. It’s also delicious cold in salads or wraps. I can freeze cooked Char Siu Chicken for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What cut of chicken works best?

I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and soak up the marinade well. Breasts work too but need careful cooking to stay moist.

Do I have to use food coloring?

Not at all. It’s just for appearance. I usually skip it at home unless I want that classic red tint.

Can I grill this chicken instead of baking?

Yes, and I do it often. I grill over medium heat for about 6–8 minutes per side, basting with marinade as it cooks.

What should I serve with Char Siu Chicken?

I usually serve it with jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or steamed bok choy. It’s also great in noodle bowls or bao buns.

Is Char Siu Chicken spicy?

No, it’s more sweet and savory than spicy. But I sometimes add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade if I want a kick.

Conclusion

Char Siu Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that brings big, bold Chinese BBQ flavor to everyday cooking. With its sticky glaze, tender meat, and rich aroma, it’s a recipe I come back to whenever I want something that feels special but is easy to pull off. Whether roasted, grilled, or meal-prepped for the week, it always delivers a delicious, satisfying bite.

Char Siu Chicken

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Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful Chinese-style roasted chicken dish marinated in a sweet, savory, and slightly smoky sauce. The sticky, caramelized glaze delivers bold restaurant-quality flavor that’s easy to make at home.

• Author: Mayaa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or Shaoxing wine (optional)
• Red food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, five-spice powder, oyster sauce, garlic, sesame oil, vinegar or Shaoxing wine, and red food coloring if using.
2. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with foil.
4. Place chicken on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes, basting halfway through with extra marinade.
5. For extra caramelization, broil for 2–3 minutes until the edges char slightly.
6. Rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve with rice or veggies.

Notes

• Bone-in thighs or drumsticks add more flavor but require slightly longer cook time.
• Grill over medium heat for a smoky finish.
• Use tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Skip red food coloring if you prefer a natural look.
• Reduce extra marinade to make a glaze or dipping sauce.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 120mg