Char Siu Chicken Recipe
I’m thrilled to share a recipe that has become one of my absolute favorites to make at home—Char Siu Chicken. If you’ve never had it before, Char Siu is a rich and flavorful Chinese BBQ dish with sweet, tangy, and smoky-salty notes all wrapped together.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Char Siu sauce store-bought or homemade
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- 1-2 drops red food coloring optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together Char Siu sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine, honey, minced garlic, five-spice powder, and red food coloring (if using).
- Place chicken thighs in a bowl or resealable plastic bag.
- Pour marinade over the chicken, ensuring even coating.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange marinated chicken on the wire rack.
- Reserve leftover marinade for basting.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Brush chicken with reserved marinade.
- Rotate the pan and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Broil for 1-2 minutes for an extra charred effect.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use Dark Meat: Chicken thighs retain moisture better than breasts.
- Marinate Longer: Overnight marination provides the best flavor.
- Watch the Broiling Time: The sugar in the marinade can burn quickly.
- Use a Thermometer: Ensures perfectly cooked chicken.
- Glaze at the Right Time: Apply glaze toward the end of baking to prevent burning.