If you love sweet, savory, and perfectly caramelized flavors, Char Siu Chicken is a must-try. Inspired by the famous Chinese barbecued pork, this version uses juicy chicken that’s marinated in a bold, flavorful sauce and roasted until sticky and delicious. Every bite is packed with mouthwatering sweetness, hints of spice, and deep umami richness.
Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, Char Siu Chicken brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.
1. Why You’ll Love Char Siu Chicken
Char Siu Chicken is a knockout for so many reasons:
- Bold, Irresistible Flavors: Sweet, savory, sticky, and slightly smoky all in one bite.
- Easy to Make: Simple marinate-and-bake method with no complicated steps.
- Customizable: Use your favorite chicken cuts — thighs, breasts, or wings all work.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a full meal.
- Beautiful Presentation: That glossy, caramelized finish makes it look as good as it tastes.
2. Ingredients You’ll Need for Char Siu Chicken
A handful of pantry staples create the magic in this dish:
For the Marinade:
- Hoisin Sauce: 1/4 cup (rich and sweet base)
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (use low-sodium if preferred)
- Honey or Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons (for that signature sweetness)
- Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon (adds deep umami)
- Shaoxing Wine or Dry Sherry: 1 tablespoon (for a slight tang and depth)
- Ketchup: 2 tablespoons (helps with the sticky glaze)
- Five-Spice Powder: 1 teaspoon (for authentic Chinese flavor)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon
- Red Food Coloring (Optional): A few drops, for traditional bright red color
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: 2 pounds (boneless or bone-in, skin-on preferred for extra flavor)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Char Siu Chicken
1. Make the Marinade:
In a bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, ketchup, five-spice powder, minced garlic, sesame oil, and red food coloring (if using).
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack lightly with oil.
4. Bake the Chicken:
Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the rack, reserving the leftover marinade.
Bake for 20 minutes, then baste the chicken with the reserved marinade. Flip the pieces and baste again.
5. Caramelize:
Bake for another 15–20 minutes, basting once or twice more, until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully glazed.
Optionally, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra caramelization.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve over steamed rice, noodles, or with stir-fried vegetables.
4. Tips for the Best Char Siu Chicken
- Marinate Longer: The longer the chicken marinates, the deeper the flavor.
- Use a Wire Rack: It allows air circulation and helps the chicken caramelize evenly without getting soggy.
- Broil Carefully: Broiling adds a beautiful char, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Don’t Skip the Basting: Basting builds layers of sticky, flavorful glaze.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you like it less sweet, reduce the honey or brown sugar slightly.
5. Serving Ideas for Char Siu Chicken
Char Siu Chicken is versatile and pairs well with so many dishes:
- Steamed White Rice: A classic pairing to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Fried Rice: Amp up the meal with a side of vegetable or egg fried rice.
- Noodles: Serve over lo mein, rice noodles, or even ramen for a fun twist.
- Asian Slaw: Crunchy slaw with sesame dressing complements the sweet and savory chicken.
- Stir-Fried Veggies: Bok choy, broccoli, or snow peas work perfectly.
6. Nutritional Benefits
While indulgent, Char Siu Chicken still offers some nutritious perks:
- High in Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein.
- Rich in Iron and Zinc: Essential for immune support and energy production.
- Healthy Fats: Using thighs provides satisfying healthy fats.
- Customizable: Use less sugar or swap sauces to adjust to your dietary needs.
- Homemade Goodness: No preservatives or artificial ingredients like in some restaurant versions.
FAQs
- Can I grill Char Siu Chicken instead of baking?
Yes! Grill over medium heat, basting frequently, until cooked through and caramelized. - Is red food coloring necessary?
No, it’s purely traditional for color. Skip it if you prefer natural ingredients. - Can I use chicken wings for Char Siu?
Absolutely! Char Siu chicken wings are incredibly delicious. Adjust cooking time as wings cook faster. - Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Marinate up to 24 hours ahead. You can also bake it and reheat gently before serving. - Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Definitely! Freeze chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking. - What’s a substitute for Shaoxing wine?
Dry sherry is a great substitute. Or use mirin for a sweeter flavor, but reduce the added sugar. - Can I make Char Siu Chicken spicy?
Yes! Add a little sriracha, chili paste, or red pepper flakes to the marinade for heat. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. - Is Char Siu traditionally made with chicken?
Traditionally it’s made with pork, but chicken is a delicious, lighter alternative. - What sides go well with Char Siu Chicken?
Rice, stir-fried vegetables, Asian slaw, sesame noodles, or even steamed buns are all fantastic choices!
Char Siu Chicken is sweet, sticky, savory perfection — a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for a family dinner or a fun weekend treat, this flavorful chicken will have everyone asking for seconds!