Char Siu Chicken


This Char Siu Chicken puts a delicious spin on the classic Chinese BBQ pork (Char Siu) by using chicken as the star ingredient. Marinated in a rich, flavorful blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, and five-spice powder, this dish is sweet, savory, and slightly smoky—perfect for grilling, roasting, or even pan-searing. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Let’s bring the magic of Char Siu into your kitchen and enjoy every juicy, caramelized bite!


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavor-Packed Marinade: Sweet, salty, tangy, and aromatic—every bite is a flavor explosion.
  • Versatile Protein: Chicken thighs or breasts work beautifully, making it adaptable to your preference.
  • Quick & Easy: Minimal prep with big results—perfect for busy nights or entertaining.
  • Customizable: Adjust sweetness, spice, or cooking method to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Marinade:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey (or brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, but adds umami depth)
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry as a substitute)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
  • 1/4 tsp red food coloring (optional, for authentic color)
  • Pinch of white pepper

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1–2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)

Optional Garnish:

  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions
  • Cucumber slices

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, food coloring (if using), and white pepper until smooth.
  2. Taste the marinade and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your liking—you can add more honey or soy sauce as needed.

2. Marinate the Chicken

  1. Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
  2. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  3. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for maximum flavor).