Char Siu Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Authentic Flavor: The combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and five-spice powder delivers a rich, sweet-savory taste.
2. Caramelized Coating: The marinade caramelizes beautifully on the grill or in the oven, giving the chicken a glossy finish.
3. Tender and Juicy: Chicken thighs stay moist and flavorful even after cooking.
4. Quick and Easy: Simple marinade and straightforward cooking process make this recipe easy.
5. Versatile: Serve with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal.
6. Grilled or Roasted: You can choose your preferred cooking method.
7. Great for Meal Prep: Keeps well for reheating throughout the week.
8. Suitable for Any Occasion: Perfect for family dinners or special celebrations.
9. Customizable Marinade: Adjust sweetness or spice to suit your taste.
10. Easy to Scale: Double or triple the recipe for larger groups.

Ingredients

For the Char Siu Marinade:

• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (ensure halal-certified)
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional, for authentic color)

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless if preferred)

Optional Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Marinade:

1. In a bowl, mix hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, oyster sauce, five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, and red food coloring if using.
2. Place chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal or cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.

Cook the Chicken:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat or oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. For grilling: Grill chicken for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with extra marinade until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
3. For roasting: Place chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally, until golden and cooked through.

Serve:

Slice the chicken, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Marinating Time: 2-3 hours
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: About 3 hours

Variations

• Use turkey tenderloin or beef cuts for a similar marinade experience.
• Add a teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Use tofu or seitan for a vegan version.
• Cook in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours for a hands-off approach.
• Add diced pineapple to the marinade for a tropical sweetness.
• Add lemon zest or juice for a citrus twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but breasts may dry out faster, so watch cooking time carefully.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.

How long should I cook chicken on a rotisserie?

About 40-45 minutes on medium heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it a day in advance and store in the fridge.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, due to soy sauce. Substitute with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I marinate vegetables with this sauce?

Yes, mushrooms, bell peppers, or eggplant work well.

How do I prevent the chicken from burning on the grill?

Cook on medium heat and turn frequently to avoid burning.

How should I store leftover Char Siu Chicken?

In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can the marinade be used as a sauce?

Yes, boil to thicken and serve as a dipping sauce.

Can I use chicken wings instead of thighs?

Yes, wings are a great alternative but will require less cooking time.

Conclusion

Char Siu Chicken is a delicious Asian-inspired dish combining tender chicken with a sweet and savory marinade. This recipe offers a flavorful and halal-friendly alternative with a caramelized glaze that’s perfect for grilling or roasting. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and ideal for any occasion.

Char Siu Chicken

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: About 3 hours (including marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling or Roasting
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful Chinese BBQ-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory blend of hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, five-spice powder, and garlic, then grilled or roasted to achieve a crispy, caramelized glaze.

---

Ingredients

¼ cup hoisin sauce

¼ cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon oyster sauce (ensure halal-certified)

1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon minced ginger

1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional, for authentic color)

4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless if preferred)

Optional garnish: sliced green onions

Optional garnish: sesame seeds

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, oyster sauce, five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, and red food coloring if using.
2. Place chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal or cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat or oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. For grilling: Grill chicken for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with extra marinade until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
5. For roasting: Place chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
6. Slice the chicken, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables.

---

Notes

Use turkey tenderloin or beef cuts as alternative proteins with the marinade.

Add a teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha for spice.

Try tofu or seitan for a vegan version.

Cook in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours for hands-off preparation.

Add diced pineapple to marinade for tropical sweetness.

Add lemon zest or juice for a citrus twist.

Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days; reheat in oven or microwave.

Freeze marinated chicken for up to 3 months; thaw before cooking.

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.

Marinate vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or eggplant with the sauce.

Cook on medium heat and turn frequently on grill to prevent burning.

Boil leftover marinade to use as dipping sauce.

Chicken wings can be used instead of thighs but require less cooking time.

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
• Calories: approx. 250-300 kcal
• Sugar: 6-8 g
• Sodium: 600-800 mg
• Fat: 10-15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3-5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5-8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10-12 g
• Fiber: 0-1 g
• Protein: 25-30 g
• Cholesterol: 70-90 mg