If you have been searching for a recipe that captures bold, sweet, and savory flavors all in one dish, your quest ends here. This Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken: An Incredible Amazing Recipe brings the authentic charm of Chinese BBQ right into your kitchen, featuring chicken thighs soaked in a luscious, sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The magic lies in the perfect balance of hoisin, honey, soy, and spices that result in a masterpiece that’s tender on the inside and irresistibly charred on the outside.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet impactful ingredients is all it takes to whip up this mouthwatering dish. Each one plays a vital role, from the rich umami depth of hoisin sauce to the warm fragrance of Chinese five-spice powder, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor and texture.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chosen for their juiciness and tenderness, perfect for soaking up marinade.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds sweetness and complexity, the heart of the char siu flavor.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Creates that glossy, sticky glaze and a hint of natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings salty depth and enhances overall savoriness.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Offers an extra layer of rich, savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): Adds a subtle aroma and tenderizes the meat.
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder: Infuses warm, aromatic spices like star anise and cinnamon.
- 2 garlic cloves minced: Provides pungent freshness that lifts the marinade.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: Gives a toasty, nutty hint enhancing the Asian flavor profile.
- Red food coloring (optional): For that iconic vibrant red hue seen in traditional char siu—but completely optional.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking): Helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking under the broiler.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken: An Incredible Amazing Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Flavor-Packed Marinade
Start by combining hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, sesame oil, and a couple of drops of red food coloring if you’re going for that signature red tint. This marinade mixture is the essence of the dish, soaking into every crevice of the chicken thighs, promising layers of sweet, savory, and aromatic sensations.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Thighs
Place the chicken thighs in a medium bowl and toss thoroughly with the marinade until every piece is coated luxuriously. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. If time allows, leave them overnight to let the flavors penetrate deeply and help tenderize the meat, making your Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken: An Incredible Amazing Recipe truly spectacular.
Step 3: Prepare for Baking
When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and set a wire rack on top, lightly oiled to keep the chicken from sticking. The elevated rack allows heat to circulate evenly, helping the chicken achieve that perfect caramelized finish.
Step 4: Bake and Broil to Perfection
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack, reserving any leftover marinade. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and generously baste the chicken with the reserved marinade. Switch your oven to broil, and cook the chicken under the broiler for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely to achieve a slightly charred, glossy exterior that seals in juiciness and lends that irresistible BBQ flavor.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Once out of the oven, allow the chicken to rest for around 5 minutes. This is key to letting the juices redistribute inside the meat, guaranteeing each bite of your Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken: An Incredible Amazing Recipe remains moist and bursting with flavor when sliced. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a lovely finishing touch.
How to Serve Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken: An Incredible Amazing Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds amplify the visual appeal and add subtle layers of crunch and bite, balancing the sticker texture of the glaze. They also introduce fresh herbal and nutty notes that complement the deep flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this chicken with fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the luscious sauce or a vibrant stir-fry of crisp vegetables to add brightness and crunch. It also pairs beautifully with lightly steamed bok choy or garlic-fried green beans for a complete, satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your dish into a stunning centerpiece by serving sliced portions atop a bed of steamed rice, drizzled with extra glaze, and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Alternatively, wrap the sliced chicken in warm steamed bao buns or lettuce leaves to add fun textural contrasts and make it a hands-on feast everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover char siu chicken keeps very well in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making reheated bites even more satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to keep leftovers longer, freeze the cooked chicken in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, it stays fresh for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low-medium heat to maintain juiciness and prevent drying out, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if necessary. Alternatively, warm in the oven covered with foil to keep that luscious glaze intact without burning.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can, but chicken thighs are highly recommended for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender when cooked, whereas breasts tend to dry out quickly under high heat and broiling. If you do choose breasts, watch cooking time carefully to avoid overcooking.
What does Chinese five-spice powder add to the dish?
Chinese five-spice blends sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, typically including star anise, cloves, cinnamon, fennel, and Sichuan pepper. It infuses your chicken with warm, aromatic complexity essential to authentic char siu.
Is the red food coloring necessary?
The red food coloring is purely optional and used traditionally for that vibrant, iconic color of char siu. If you prefer to keep the dish natural, you can skip it without affecting the wonderful flavors.
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky depth that complements the sweet-savory glaze beautifully. Just be sure to keep a close eye to prevent flare-ups and baste often for maximum caramelization.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 2 hours is good for flavor infusion, but overnight marinating is ideal to really tenderize the meat and develop deeper taste, making your Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken: An Incredible Amazing Recipe truly shine.
Final Thoughts
Making this Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken: An Incredible Amazing Recipe at home is like capturing the vibrant energy of a Chinese street market in your own kitchen. It’s flavorful, straightforward, and leaves you with a plate of tender, glossy chicken that’s nothing short of a crowd-pleaser. I urge you to give it a try and watch this recipe become an instant favorite for your family and friends because good food has a way of bringing everyone together.
Print
Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken: An Incredible Amazing Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken recipe delivers a flavorful Chinese BBQ-inspired dish with a sticky, savory glaze. Made with marinated chicken thighs and baked to perfection, it offers a delicious balance of sweet, salty, and aromatic spices characteristic of traditional Char Siu, perfect for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Red food coloring (optional, for traditional color)
For Cooking and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for oiling the rack)
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, sesame oil, and a drop or two of red food coloring if using. Mix until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade and toss them thoroughly to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to develop deep flavor.
- Preheat oven and prepare rack: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup and place a wire rack on top. Lightly oil the rack with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Bake the chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs evenly on the wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through while catching the drippings below.
- Baste and broil: Remove the chicken from the oven and baste each piece with the remaining marinade to enhance flavor and moisture. Switch your oven to broil and place the chicken under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the edges become slightly charred and develop a glossy, caramelized appearance.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Slice the chicken and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra tenderness and juiciness, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- This dish pairs perfectly with jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables.
- You can grill the chicken instead of baking it for a smokier flavor.
- Red food coloring is optional but adds traditional Char Siu color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
