Char Siu Chicken

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Update : January 27, 2026

Delicious Char Siu Chicken glazed with a sweet and savory marinade

why make this recipe

Char Siu Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that brings a touch of Asian cuisine to your table. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also gives you juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory marinade. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Plus, you can enjoy the satisfaction of making a popular dish right in your kitchen!

how to make Char Siu Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 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

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine 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 large resealable plastic bag.
  4. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight).
  5. Cover and refrigerate the remaining marinade separately.
  6. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  7. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  9. While the chicken is cooking, transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.
  10. Brush the cooked chicken with the thickened marinade.
  11. Broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  12. Once the chicken is caramelized and slightly charred, remove it from the oven.
  13. Let the char siu chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
  14. Enjoy your homemade char siu chicken!

how to serve Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken goes well with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh cucumber salad. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish it with sesame seeds or chopped green onions to give it an extra touch!

how to store Char Siu Chicken

If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

tips to make Char Siu Chicken

  • For best flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight.
  • Make sure not to skip the broiling step; it adds a wonderful charred flavor.
  • If you like it spicier, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.

variation

You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Also, try adding some sliced bell peppers or onions to the baking sheet for extra flavor and nutrition!

FAQs

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but the cooking time may be longer.

Q: What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
A: You can make a homemade version by mixing soy sauce, peanut butter, and a bit of sugar.

Q: Is Char Siu Chicken spicy?
A: No, it’s not spicy. It has a sweet and savory flavor, but you can add spices if you prefer some heat.

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Char Siu Chicken

A delicious Asian-inspired dish featuring juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory marinade.

  • Total Time: 150 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil.
  3. Place chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag.
  4. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight).
  5. Cover and refrigerate the remaining marinade separately.
  6. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  7. Place chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
  9. While chicken is cooking, transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan, bring to a boil, and simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.
  10. Brush the cooked chicken with the thickened marinade.
  11. Broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  12. Once caramelized and slightly charred, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight. Add red pepper flakes for extra spice if desired.

  • Author: jessica-baker
  • Prep Time: 120 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: None

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 13g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Char Siu, chicken, Asian cuisine, marinade, family dinner

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