Once you catch a whiff of Char Siu Chicken, your taste buds will be doing a happy dance. This dish is a marvelous blend of sweet, savory, and sticky goodness that can elevate any weeknight dinner into a culinary fiesta. Zesty Thai Chicken Salad The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking, “What is that magical smell?” Vibrant Thai Chicken Salad. Cucumber Strawberry Salad.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use any type of chicken?
- How long should I marinate the chicken?
- What side dishes pair well with char siu chicken?
- 📖 Recipe Card
As I recall the first time I laid eyes on Char Siu Chicken at my friend’s Chinese New Year celebration, I couldn’t help but feel like I’d stumbled upon the Holy Grail of chicken dishes. The vibrant red hue and glossy glaze made it impossible to resist. It was love at first bite, and now, I’m excited to share this delightful recipe that’s perfect for family gatherings or just a cozy night in. For more inspiration, check out this creamy chicken marsala pasta recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Char Siu Chicken is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor
- The vibrant colors make it a showstopper on any plate
- It’s versatile enough for stir-frying or grilling
- Perfect for meal prep or special occasions, it never disappoints!
I still remember how my family raved about this dish the first time I prepared it at home.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These are juicy and tender; they soak up the marinade beautifully.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and helps create that irresistible glaze.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
- Chinese Five Spice Powder: This spice blend brings warmth and complexity to the dish.
- Rice Vinegar: A splash of acidity balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced for an aromatic kick that elevates every bite.
- Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle adds depth and enhances flavor.
- Green Onions & Sesame Seeds (for garnish): They add freshness and visual appeal when serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, Chinese five spice powder, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk until smooth—this concoction should smell heavenly!
Marinate the Chicken: Place your chicken thighs in a resealable bag or container and pour the marinade over them. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
Preheat Your Oven or Grill: If using an oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). If grilling, prepare your grill for medium-high heat. Get those cooking surfaces ready!
Cook the Chicken: For oven cooking, place marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil (easier cleanup!). Bake for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For grilling, cook each side for about 6-7 minutes until juicy perfection.
Glaze Time!: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush some reserved marinade over the chicken for that shiny glaze we all crave. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Garnish & Serve!: Once done cooking, let rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flair before serving hot over rice or noodles.
Now you’re ready to impress friends and family with this Char Siu Chicken masterpiece! Enjoy every last morsel as you bask in compliments!
You Must Know
- This char siu chicken recipe is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors
- The marinade caramelizes beautifully, creating a sticky glaze that’s simply irresistible
- It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep, ensuring delicious leftovers to savor throughout the week
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your chicken for at least four hours for maximum flavor. Sear it in a hot pan before finishing in the oven, ensuring a juicy inside with crispy skin.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness or add chili flakes for heat. You can also use tofu or pork instead of chicken for variety.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover char siu chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, maintaining its juicy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always allow your chicken to rest after cooking for juicier bites
- Using dark meat enhances flavor and tenderness
- For extra glaze, reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken
Cooking char siu chicken has become a family favorite! My kids devour it, and I’ve even received requests from neighbors to share my secret recipe.
FAQ
Can I use any type of chicken?
Yes, both thighs and breasts work well, but thighs are juicier.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate for at least four hours, but overnight gives better flavor.
What side dishes pair well with char siu chicken?
Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Skillet.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Char Siu Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Char Siu Chicken is a delectable dish that combines sweet, savory, and sticky flavors, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Its vibrant red color and glossy glaze not only entice the eyes but also promise an explosion of flavor in every bite. This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to create restaurant-quality Char Siu Chicken at home, ideal for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp Chinese five spice powder
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, Chinese five spice powder, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil until smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag or container and pour marinade over them. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
- Preheat Oven or Grill: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or prepare your grill for medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Bake on a lined baking sheet for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If grilling, cook each side for about 6-7 minutes.
- Glaze & Serve: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush reserved marinade over the chicken. Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
