Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken: A Flavorful Journey to the Heart of Chinese Cuisine

There’s something truly captivating about Char Siu Chicken. With its glossy, caramelized exterior and fragrant, savory-sweet marinade, this dish is an experience that transports you straight to your favorite Chinese restaurant—all from the comfort of your home kitchen. I remember the first time I made it; the house filled with enticing aromas, and I couldn’t help but serve it to family and friends who were thrilled. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight family dinner or celebrating a special occasion, this recipe shines in simplicity yet delivers bold flavors that delight the palate.

Reasons You’ll Love Making It

What truly sets this Char Siu Chicken apart from others is its balance of bold flavors and the ease of preparation. The marinade combines hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and honey to create a glossy, sticky coating that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. This dish is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly versatile, making it a perfect choice for weeknight meals, family gatherings, or even meal prep for the busy week ahead.

“My family couldn’t stop raving about this for days! The flavor is incredible, and it was so easy to make.” — A happy home cook

Preparing Char Siu Chicken

Making Char Siu Chicken is straightforward, and the dish can be prepared with minimal effort. You will want to allow time for marinating—this is key for achieving that rich, savory flavor. The process involves mixing your marinade, marinating the chicken, baking it, and finishing with a quick broil to achieve the signature charred look. Follow these steps closely for the best results!

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Feel free to substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, though thighs tend to remain juicier during the cooking process.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, blend the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for a more robust flavor. Store the remaining marinade in the fridge.
4. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
5. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange the chicken thighs on it.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
7. While the chicken is baking, transfer the reserved marinade to a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens.
8. Brush the cooked chicken with the thickened marinade. Broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
9. Once caramelized and slightly charred, remove from the oven, allow it to rest for a few minutes, slice, and serve.

Perfect Pairings for Char Siu Chicken

When serving Char Siu Chicken, consider pairing it with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy fried rice. Add a side of stir-fried vegetables to complete the meal and introduce vibrant colors and textures. You might even serve it with homemade bao buns for a fun twist or lay it atop a fresh salad for a lighter option.

Keeping Char Siu Chicken Fresh Longer

To store any leftovers, let the chicken cool down to room temperature first. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’d like to enjoy it later, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. When reheating, ensure that the chicken is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Expert Advice

For an even more intense flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavors become. If you fancy a spicier kick, a dash of red pepper flakes in the marinade can elevate the heat. Also, using a meat thermometer can help you avoid overcooking the chicken, keeping it juicy and tender.

Creative Twists

Want to switch things up a bit? Try adding chopped scallions or sesame seeds as a garnish for added texture. For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. If you’re feeling adventurous, grill the chicken instead of baking for that fresh, smoky flavor.

Your Questions Answered

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. However, marinating overnight will yield even better results.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but they may need a shorter cooking time to avoid drying out.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

Ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer can help confirm that it’s safely cooked.

This Char Siu Chicken recipe is an excellent addition to your culinary repertoire. It’s flavorful, versatile, and sure to impress—what’s stopping you from trying it today?

Char Siu Chicken

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• Total Time: 150 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A flavorful dish with a glossy, caramelized exterior and fragrant, savory-sweet marinade. It’s an easy recipe that delivers bold flavors perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, blend the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for a more robust flavor. Store the remaining marinade in the fridge.
4. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
5. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange the chicken thighs on it.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
7. While the chicken is baking, transfer the reserved marinade to a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens.
8. Brush the cooked chicken with the thickened marinade. Broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
9. Once caramelized and slightly charred, remove from the oven, allow it to rest for a few minutes, slice, and serve.

Notes

Marinate overnight for a deeper flavor. Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.

• Prep Time: 120 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Char Siu Chicken, Chinese Cuisine, Easy Chicken Recipes