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Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Char Siu Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish inspired by the popular Chinese BBQ pork, Char Siu. It features tender chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made from hoisin, soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder. The result is a slightly caramelized, glossy coating with a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal or to impress guests with its bold taste!

Ingredients

Char Siu Chicken this Recipe

Chicken breasts or thighs
Soy sauce
Hoisin sauce
Honey
Chinese five-spice powder
Garlic (minced)
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Red food coloring (optional)
Green onions (for garnish)

Directions

  1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add a few drops of red food coloring if you prefer the traditional Char Siu appearance.
  2. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  4. Place the marinated chicken on the baking sheet and reserve the remaining marinade.
  5. Roast the chicken for 25-30 minutes, basting with the reserved marinade every 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has a glossy finish.
  6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
  7. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with steamed rice or vegetables.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 2 hours to overnight
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 35 minutes to overnight

Variations

  • Use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
  • Add a teaspoon of Sriracha for a touch of heat.
  • Swap honey for brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
  • Grill the chicken for a smoky flavor instead of roasting.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply warm the chicken in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. For best results, drizzle a bit of water over the chicken while reheating to keep it moist.

Char Siu Chicken

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs will be juicier and more flavorful.

Can I make this recipe without the red food coloring?
Yes, the red food coloring is optional and purely for visual appeal.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a bit of Sriracha or chili paste to the marinade for some heat.

Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Yes, this marinade works great with pork, beef, or tofu as well.

Do I need to grill the chicken?
No, roasting in the oven works just fine for a crispy, glossy finish.

Conclusion

Char Siu Chicken offers a flavorful and easy-to-make version of the iconic Chinese BBQ dish. Its perfect balance of sweetness and savory depth makes it a standout on any dinner table. Whether served with rice or vegetables, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken

  • Author: simplemealsbykim
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 4 hours marinating)
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Low Fat
Print Recipe

Description

Juicy and flavorful Chinese-style barbecue chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then oven-roasted to perfection.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1.5 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 tsp red food coloring (optional)
  • Scallions or sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red food coloring if using.
  2. Add chicken thighs and coat well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack over it.
  4. Arrange marinated chicken on the rack. Reserve the marinade.
  5. Roast for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, simmer the reserved marinade in a saucepan until slightly thickened.
  6. Brush chicken with the thickened marinade, flip, and brush the other side. Roast for another 10 minutes until caramelized and cooked through.
  7. Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes for a charred finish.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish, and serve.

Notes

  • Chicken breast can be used but may be drier than thighs.
  • Marinate overnight for best flavor.
  • Leftovers can be used in stir-fries or sandwiches.
  • Food coloring is optional and only affects appearance.
  • Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.