Char Siu Chicken

Name: Char Siu Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 2 teaspoons five-spice powder; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; Optional: chopped green onions for garnish

Sarah

Writer & Blogger

Chicken Recipes
July 17, 2025

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Char Siu Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Feast for the Senses 🍗✨🌿

1. Introduction: Discover the Magic of Homemade Char Siu Chicken

Welcome to our delicious journey of making authentic Char Siu Chicken, a beloved dish from Chinese cuisine that combines sweet and savory flavors into tender, succulent chicken. If you are seeking an easy weeknight dinner, explore our chicken recipes. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this mouthwatering “Chinese BBQ Chicken” that is perfect for dinner or special occasions. The signature glaze, a symphony of soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder, adds a unique flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. Serve your homemade Char Siu Chicken with a generous helping of rice and your favorite steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal that your family will absolutely love! You might also like Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken!

Deliciously glazed Char Siu Chicken served on a plate with rice and vegetables, showcasing a mouthwatering meal.

2. Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Perfect Char Siu Chicken

To make the most delectable Char Siu Chicken, often called “Chinese BBQ Chicken,” you will need the following fresh and flavorful ingredients. Quality ingredients ensure the best taste!

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (ensure they are of equal size for even cooking)
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium is a great option to control saltiness)
1/4 cup honey (adds sweetness and helps with caramelization)
2 teaspoons five-spice powder (essential for that authentic Char Siu Chicken flavor)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (brings a tangy balance to the marinade)
2 cloves garlic, minced (freshly minced is best for robust flavor)
1 tablespoon sesame oil (adds a nutty aroma and rich flavor)
Optional: chopped green onions for garnish (adds a fresh, vibrant touch)

3. Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Own Delicious Char Siu Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade – The Heart of Great Char Siu Chicken

Start by preparing the marinade, the very foundation of your Char Siu Chicken masterpiece. In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, five-spice powder, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Whisk well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed, creating a smooth and aromatic blend. This marinade not only flavors the chicken but also tenderizes it.

Char Siu Chicken marinade preparation with soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder in a home kitchen.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken – Infusing Flavor Deep Within

Next, place the chicken thighs in a zip-lock bag or a shallow dish, ensuring they fit snugly. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is generously and evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For the most intense and deeply infused flavor, marinate overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful your Char Siu Chicken will be!

Marinating chicken for Char Siu with a flavorful sauce in a vibrant kitchen setting.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken – Achieving Perfect Tenderness and Caramelization

After marinating, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it’s fully heated for even cooking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place it in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and registers an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Once cooked try our fresh blueberry zucchini bread. For a beautiful caramelized effect, crucial for authentic Char Siu Chicken, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning. Check also this Char Siu Chicken Recipe.

Marinated Char Siu Chicken cooking in the oven, capturing the delicious golden color of the meat.

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken – Adding the Final Touch of Flavor

During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken generously with the remaining marinade for an extra layer of flavor and that signature Char Siu Chicken shine. This will create a delightful, glossy glaze on the chicken, enhancing both the taste and the visual presentation of your dish. The honey in the marinade will caramelize beautifully under the broiler.

Glazing Char Siu Chicken with marinade for extra flavor in the kitchen.

4. Storage Tips: Keeping Your Char Siu Chicken Fresh

You can store any tasty leftovers of your homemade Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. To avoid food waste try our foil pack ravioli dinner. This dish also freezes exceptionally well; just ensure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container for longer storage.

5. Serving Suggestions: Plating and Enjoying Your Char Siu Chicken

Serve your flavorful Char Siu Chicken with a bed of fluffy steamed rice and a vibrant side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. For an alternative, slice the chicken thinly and use it in fresh, crisp wraps or salads for a delicious and convenient lunch option. Garnish generously with chopped green onions for added freshness and a pop of color. For another dinner idea, check out our dinner recipes!

6. FAQs: Your Questions About Char Siu Chicken Answered

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Char Siu Chicken?

A1: Yes, you can certainly use chicken breasts for your Char Siu Chicken; however, keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to dry out faster than thighs. It’s crucial to monitor the cooking time closely and consider brining the breasts beforehand to retain moisture.

Q2: Is it possible to make a vegetarian or vegan version of Char Siu?

A2: Absolutely! You can creatively substitute the chicken with firm or extra-firm tofu or seitan for a delicious vegetarian or vegan alternative. Simply follow the same marinade and cooking instructions, adjusting the cooking time as needed to suit the texture of your chosen substitute. If you love tofu, try this easy mediterranean ground beef stir fry recipe.

Q3: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat?

A3: The most reliable way to ensure that your Char Siu Chicken is properly cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone. Look for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that the chicken is not only cooked through but also safe to consume.

7. Conclusion: Embrace the Joy of Homemade Char Siu Chicken

Making authentic Char Siu Chicken at home is much simpler and more rewarding than you might think! With its beautiful, glossy glaze and its irresistibly delightful flavor, this dish is destined to become a cherished favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or presenting it at a special gathering, it promises a fulfilling and tasty culinary experience. So, embrace your cooking adventure, savor every morsel of this enchanting dish, and enjoy!

Char Siu Chicken

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Print Recipe

Char Siu Chicken is a delightful dish from Chinese cuisine, characterized by its sweet and savory flavors, tender chicken, and unique glaze made from soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder. Perfect for dinner or special occasions.

Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

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4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 teaspoons five-spice powder
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Optional: chopped green onions for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the marinade by combining soy sauce, honey, five-spice powder, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl. Whisk well.
Place chicken thighs in a zip-lock bag or shallow dish, pour marinade over, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove chicken from marinade and place in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush chicken with remaining marinade for extra glaze.