If you’ve ever craved that irresistible, glossy, and deeply flavorful roast chicken with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic spices, then this Char Siu Chicken Roast Recipe is exactly what you need to bring that magic into your kitchen. This recipe transforms simple chicken thighs into a vibrant feast, infused with hints of Chinese five-spice and a sticky, caramelized glaze that’s both crave-worthy and impressive. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a familiar favorite with a homemade twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Char Siu Chicken Roast Recipe has a special role, crafting a harmonious blend of flavors, colors, and textures. These essentials are straightforward but pack big personality.
- 300g (10.5 oz) chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in or boneless): These deliver juicy, tender meat and crispy skin when roasted perfectly.
- 1 tbsp honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that irresistible caramelized finish.
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce: Provides salty umami depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce: Boosts the savory complexity and adds a smooth richness.
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (or kecap manis): Gives the chicken its characteristic deep color and a subtle sweetness.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: Enhances sweetness and aids in caramelization for that glossy look.
- 2 cloves garlic, pureed or grated: Infuses the meat with aromatic sharpness that complements the sweetness.
- 1-inch piece ginger, pureed or grated: Adds a warm, zesty undertone that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder: The signature blend bringing that fragrant, slightly spicy signature flavor.
- Pinch of white pepper: Kick of mild heat to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tsp red food coloring (optional): For that iconic bright red hue if you want traditional presentation flair.
How to Make Char Siu Chicken Roast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining honey, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, Chinese five-spice powder, white pepper, and red food coloring (if using) in a bowl. Stir them gently until the brown sugar dissolves and you have a smooth, fragrant sauce. This marinade is the heart of the Char Siu Chicken Roast Recipe — it’s where all the magic flavors meld together.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Coat each chicken thigh generously with the marinade. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered because this is how every bite gets infused with that unforgettable taste. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is golden time for the flavors to deepen and truly penetrate the meat.
Step 3: Preheat and Prep the Oven
When ready to roast, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top. This setup allows hot air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring the skin crisps beautifully while the meat stays juicy inside.
Step 4: Arrange the Chicken
Take the chicken out of the marinade and carefully arrange the thighs on the wire rack. Don’t toss out the leftover marinade just yet; you’ll simmer it into a glaze soon. This step sets the stage for a roast bursting with layered flavors and caramelized goodness.
Step 5: Roasting the First Half
Place the chicken in the oven and roast for 20 minutes without disturbing it. This initial roasting allows the meat to start cooking evenly while the sugars begin to caramelize, laying the foundation for that signature sticky glaze texture.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
While the chicken is roasting, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and simmer it over low heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir regularly until it thickens into a luscious glaze. This step concentrates the flavors beautifully, turning your marinade into a glossy sauce that will take the roast to the next level.
Step 7: Glaze and Continue Roasting
Remove the chicken from the oven and give it a generous brush of the thickened glaze. Flip each piece, then brush the other side as well. Return the chicken to the oven for another 15-20 minutes roasting, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is nicely charred at the edges. The additional roasting with glaze lets the sugars caramelize just right for the classic Char Siu look and taste.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once roasted to perfection, take the chicken out and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is key because it lets the juices redistribute within the meat, keeping every bite tender and juicy. Slice it up and get ready to enjoy your homemade Char Siu Chicken Roast Recipe!
How to Serve Char Siu Chicken Roast Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness and texture contrast wonderfully with the rich chicken. Sprinkle some chopped spring onions or fresh coriander over the meat right before serving. A few toasted sesame seeds add nuttiness and a beautiful final touch that’s as pleasing to the eye as to the taste buds.
Side Dishes
Char Siu Chicken Roast is fantastic with simple steamed jasmine rice or fragrant coconut rice to soak up that luscious glaze. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried bok choy or crunchy Asian slaw for freshness and crunch that balance the richly flavored chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the roast chicken thinly and use it as a filling for bao buns or lettuce wraps. It also shines atop a noodle bowl with steamed vegetables and a drizzle of extra glaze as a sauce. These creative presentations make the Char Siu Chicken Roast Recipe a versatile star for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and eaten within 2 to 3 days for the best flavor and texture. The chicken still tastes amazing cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for quick lunches or snack boxes.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the Char Siu Chicken Roast Recipe, wrap the roasted chicken tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) until heated through to keep the skin from getting soggy. Reheat the glaze separately and brush it on the chicken for that fresh-off-the-roast shine and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While chicken breasts can be used, thighs are preferred for this Char Siu Chicken Roast Recipe because their higher fat content keeps the meat juicy and flavorful during roasting. Breasts might dry out faster.
What if I don’t have Chinese five-spice powder?
You can make a simple substitute by mixing equal parts star anise, cloves, cinnamon, fennel seeds, and Sichuan peppercorns ground finely. This keeps the signature aromatic profile essential to Char Siu dishes.
Is the red food coloring necessary?
Red food coloring is purely optional and mainly for appearance. The amazing flavors of the marinade are fully there even without it, so feel free to skip it if you prefer more natural coloring.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the regular soy sauces and oyster sauce with gluten-free versions. This way, you can still enjoy the full, delicious Char Siu Chicken Roast Recipe without any gluten concerns.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?
At least 2 hours is good, but marinating overnight gives the best depth of flavor and tenderization. The longer the chicken soaks up the marinade, the more flavorful your final roast will be.
Final Thoughts
This Char Siu Chicken Roast Recipe is a delightful way to transform ordinary chicken into a show-stopping dish filled with bold, aromatic flavors and a captivating glaze that’s downright addictive. It’s approachable for cooks of all levels, doesn’t require complicated ingredients, and delivers incredible taste every single time. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a beloved favorite in your rotation too. So get your oven ready and prepare for a truly delicious meal experience!
Print
Char Siu Chicken Roast Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Char Siu Chicken Roast features succulent chicken thighs marinated in a rich, sweet, and savory blend of honey, soy sauces, oyster sauce, and Chinese five-spice. Oven-roasted to perfection with a glossy, caramelized glaze, this dish is a flavorful take on the classic Cantonese barbecue pork, offering tender and juicy meat with a delightful char.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 300g (10.5 oz) chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in or boneless, based on preference)
Marinade
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (or kecap manis)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, pureed or grated
- 1-inch piece ginger, pureed or grated
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- Pinch of white pepper
- 1 tsp red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine honey, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, pureed garlic, grated ginger, Chinese five-spice powder, white pepper, and red food coloring if using. Stir thoroughly until the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture is homogenous.
- Marinate the chicken: Evenly coat the chicken thighs with the prepared marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the oven and prepare rack: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top to facilitate even air circulation around the chicken during roasting.
- Arrange the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and lay the pieces on the wire rack spaced evenly. Reserve the leftover marinade for later use as a glaze.
- Begin roasting: Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast the chicken for 20 minutes uncovered.
- Make the glaze: While the chicken roasts, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens into a rich glaze.
- Glaze and continue roasting: After the initial roasting period, brush the thickened glaze over the top of the chicken pieces, flip them over, and brush the other side. Continue roasting for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked, slightly charred, and caramelized.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices before slicing. Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite sides.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Red food coloring is optional and purely for traditional appearance; it does not affect flavor.
- Use bone-in thighs for juicier meat and more flavor.
- Make sure to cook the reserved marinade thoroughly before glazing to avoid any raw chicken contamination.
- For extra char, you can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after roasting, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Chinese
