Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken – Sweet, Sticky, and Chinese BBQ Perfection

Char Siu Chicken is one of the most beloved Chinese BBQ dishes, known for its irresistible sweet and savory glaze and tender roasted chicken. With just a few pantry staples, you can recreate this restaurant-style classic right at home!

For more Asian-inspired ideas, check out our Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas or this tangy Pickled Beets Recipe on tinsuf.com.

 Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 300 grams chicken thighs (skin-on, boneless recommended)

For the marinade:

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp light soy sauce

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

  ADVERTISEMENT

• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce

• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

• ½ tsp five-spice powder

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Few drops red food coloring (optional for authentic red hue)

  ADVERTISEMENT

 How to Make Char Siu Chicken

1. Prepare the marinade:
   In a bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients until smooth and well combined.

2. Marinate the chicken:
   Add the chicken thighs, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

3. Preheat and prepare the oven:
   Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top.

4. Bake:
   Arrange the marinated chicken on the rack and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

5. Glaze:
   In the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the chicken with leftover marinade to get a glossy, sticky finish.

   ADVERTISEMENT

6. Broil for char:
   Broil for 1–2 minutes until lightly charred on the edges.

7. Rest and serve:
   Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve hot with rice, noodles, or steamed greens.

 Storage

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Warm gently in a covered pan or microwave.

 Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

  ADVERTISEMENT

• Marinate Time: 4+ hours

• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

• Total Time: ~5 hours (including marination)

• Servings: 2–3 portions

 Tools Used

• Mixing bowl

• Whisk

• Baking tray + wire rack

• Pastry brush

• Oven + broiler

  ADVERTISEMENT

 Discover More Recipes:

• Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

• Sweet Hawaiian Chicken

• Cold Coconut Cake

 Explore More Authentic Char Siu Recipes

If you’re curious to dive deeper into traditional Chinese BBQ, this easy Char Siu Chicken is just the start! The flavors in this recipe are inspired by classic Cantonese cooking styles—sticky, sweet, and umami-rich.

 For another version with authentic flavors and cooking tips, check out this well-rated Char Siu Chicken recipe on AllRecipes. It’s a great source if you want to compare techniques or adapt the dish to your own taste.