Char Siu Chicken

Introduction

Char Siu is one of those dishes that always feels like a little slice of joy. There’s something magical about the combination of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, and when you add the smoky aroma from the grill, it’s like a little taste of heaven. If you’ve ever had Char Siu pork at your favorite Chinese restaurant, you’ll know just how irresistible it is. But have you ever tried making it at home with chicken? This Char Siu Chicken recipe is the perfect balance of tenderness, flavor, and that signature charred glaze that you can’t get enough of.

This recipe is a family favorite in our house—especially for those busy weeknights when you want to serve something that feels a bit special without a lot of fuss. It’s easy to prepare, and the marinating time gives the chicken so much depth of flavor that you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Plus, it’s a great way to mix up your usual grilled chicken routine. The sweetness from the hoisin sauce and honey, combined with the saltiness of soy sauce and the bold flavors of garlic, five-spice powder, and Chinese cooking wine, create a flavor-packed marinade that clings beautifully to the chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Char Siu Chicken Recipe

This Char Siu Chicken recipe checks off all the boxes. It’s easy to make, flavorful, and full of juicy, tender chicken. Here’s why you’ll want to try it:

• Easy to make: The marinade is simple and quick to put together. Plus, the chicken can marinate in advance, saving you time when you’re ready to cook.
• Full of flavor: The marinade soaks into the chicken, creating a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress.
• Great for meal prep: You can make this ahead of time and have a flavorful meal ready in no time.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 2 hours (includes marination time)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (on the grill or stovetop)
Servings: 4 servings

Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 380
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

This Char Siu Chicken recipe calls for a few pantry staples and some ingredients that might already be in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (you can also use chicken drumsticks or wings if you prefer)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a lighter option)
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce (this is a key ingredient to achieving the rich, sweet, and savory flavor)
• 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry (this adds a nice depth to the flavor—feel free to swap with white wine if needed)
• 2 tablespoons honey (for that perfect sweetness that caramelizes on the chicken)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (adds a touch of extra sweetness and richness)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (adds a nutty flavor to the marinade)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger (adds a zingy, aromatic element to the sauce)
• 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder (this blend of cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns is essential for that authentic flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper (to give the chicken a little heat)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (this helps thicken the marinade and gives the chicken a beautiful glaze when cooked)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:

In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice wine, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, five-spice powder, and white pepper. Stir well to combine everything and dissolve the sugar. This marinade is what gives the chicken its bold, irresistible flavor. Trust me, it’s a keeper!

2. Marinate the Chicken:

Place the chicken breasts or thighs into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but ideally 2-3 hours for maximum flavor. If you’re short on time, marinate it for just 30 minutes, but I promise, the longer the better.

3. Prepare the Grill or Skillet:

Once your chicken is ready to go, it’s time to get your grill or skillet preheated. If you’re grilling, set your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a skillet, heat it over medium heat and add a little bit of oil to prevent sticking. Either way, you want the cooking surface to be nice and hot, so the chicken can sear and get that beautiful caramelized glaze.

4. Cook the Chicken:

Remove the chicken from the marinade (but don’t throw the marinade away just yet!) and place it on the grill or in the skillet. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the pieces, until the chicken is fully cooked through. The key here is to get that crispy, charred exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. If you’re using a grill, you’ll get the perfect smoky flavor that adds to the charred effect.

5. Glaze the Chicken:

While the chicken is cooking, pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-5 minutes, until it thickens into a beautiful glaze. If you want to make it extra shiny and thick, you can mix in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water before adding it to the marinade to create a thickened glaze. Once your chicken is cooked, brush it with this glaze for an extra layer of flavor. It’s like the icing on the cake—or should I say, the glaze on the chicken!

6. Rest the Chicken:

Once the chicken is cooked and glazed, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken even juicier and more flavorful.

How to Serve Char Siu Chicken

Now that you’ve got your beautifully charred and glazed chicken, it’s time to serve it! There are so many ways to enjoy this dish. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve the Char Siu Chicken with a side of steamed rice or fried rice for the perfect pairing.
• Slice it and add it to a salad with fresh greens, avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette.
• Pair it with sautéed vegetables like bok choy or snap peas for a fresh, crunchy contrast to the savory chicken.
• Serve with some homemade Chinese pancakes (or store-bought ones) and pickled vegetables for a fun, DIY Chinese-style wrap.

Additional Tips for Success

Here are five tips to ensure your Char Siu Chicken comes out perfectly:

1. Let the Chicken Marinate: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavor it will absorb. Try to give it at least an hour in the fridge, but 2-3 hours is ideal.
2. Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Juiciness: If you love juicy chicken, try using bone-in thighs or drumsticks. The bone helps keep the meat moist as it cooks.
3. Grill It for Extra Flavor: Grilling gives the chicken a smoky flavor that takes the dish to the next level. If you’re cooking indoors, a cast iron skillet can give you that nice sear.
4. Save Some Marinade: If you’re not using it as a glaze, save some of the marinade before adding it to the chicken to use as a dipping sauce or drizzle.
5. Rest the Chicken: Don’t skip the resting step after grilling. Letting the chicken sit for a few minutes ensures it stays juicy and tender.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is versatile and can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences:

• Spicy Char Siu Chicken: Add some chili paste or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or tempeh in place of chicken for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
• Gluten-Free Char Siu Chicken: Swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free version to make this dish gluten-free.
• Baked Char Siu Chicken: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until it’s cooked through and the glaze is bubbling.

Side Dishes to Pair With Char Siu Chicken

To complete your Char Siu Chicken meal, here are some delicious side dishes that pair perfectly:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: A simple, fragrant rice that complements the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Sautéed Greens: Stir-fried bok choy, spinach, or Chinese broccoli drizzled with sesame oil makes a great, healthy side.
• Egg Fried Rice: This flavorful rice dish is always a hit with Char Siu chicken.
• Spring Rolls: Serve crispy spring rolls with a tangy dipping sauce for an appetizer.

Freezing and Storage

Char Siu Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. It’s perfect for meal prep or leftovers. If you want to freeze it, let the chicken cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Special Equipment

• Grill: For that smoky flavor and charred exterior.
• Cast Iron Skillet: If you prefer to cook indoors, a cast iron skillet gives you a great sear.
• Small Saucepan: For thickening and reducing the marinade into a glaze.

FAQ

Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks will give you extra juicy, flavorful meat. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Just make sure to cook it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

What if I don’t have Chinese five-spice powder?
You can make a simple substitution with ground cinnamon, cloves, and a pinch of pepper. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still taste great!

How do I make this dish spicy?
Add chili paste, red pepper flakes, or a chopped fresh chili to the marinade for a spicy twist.

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Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try this Char Siu Chicken! Whether you’re grilling it up for a weeknight dinner or serving it at your next gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. The marinade packs in so much flavor, and that sweet, savory glaze is just too good to resist. If you make this recipe, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how it turns out! Happy cooking!