Char Siu Chicken Recipe Easy Sweet and Savory Chinese
If you’ve ever ordered Chinese BBQ and wondered how that glossy, sweet, savory chicken tastes so good, this char siu chicken recipe is about to become your new favorite. It delivers all the bold flavor, sticky glaze, and caramelized edges you love, without complicated steps or special equipment, making it a perfect option alongside light starters like Japanese Cucumber Salad when you want a balanced meal.
The marinade does most of the work, the oven handles the rest, and in under an hour you’ll have tender, juicy chicken that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. No stress, no mystery ingredients, just dependable results every time, similar to how reliable make-ahead dishes such as Asian Carrot Salad fit effortlessly into busy schedules.
Why You’ll Love This Char Siu Chicken Recipe
This recipe checks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and versatility. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:
- Big flavor payoff
Sweet, savory, and deeply aromatic with a glossy glaze that clings to every bite, especially satisfying when paired with fresh sides like Arugula Salad. - Beginner friendly
Simple steps and forgiving cooking time make this recipe hard to mess up. - Juicy and satisfying
Chicken thighs stay tender and flavorful, even after baking. - Great for meal prep
Tastes just as good the next day and reheats beautifully. - Better than takeout
You control the ingredients, salt level, and sweetness.
Ingredients for Char Siu Chicken
Using the right balance of pantry staples is what creates that signature char siu flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1½ pounds)
Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and maximum glaze coverage. - Honey
Adds sweetness and helps create that sticky, caramelized finish. - Soy sauce
Provides saltiness and depth. Low-sodium works well. - Hoisin sauce
Essential for authentic flavor with sweetness and umami. - Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
Enhances aroma and balances the sweetness. Extra soy sauce can substitute if needed. - Brown sugar
Adds richness and helps the glaze darken beautifully. - Five-spice powder
The signature warm spice blend that defines char siu. - Fresh garlic and ginger
Brings brightness and aroma to the marinade. - Optional red food coloring
Purely visual for classic color, not required for flavor.
How to Make Char Siu Chicken Step by Step
This method keeps things straightforward while delivering excellent results, just like oven-friendly recipes such as Roasted Carrots And Potatoes that cook evenly without constant attention.
Start by mixing the marinade in a bowl. Combine honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, five-spice powder, grated ginger, minced garlic, and optional food coloring. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss thoroughly until every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. For deeper flavor, overnight marinating is ideal.
When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking.
Arrange the chicken in a single layer, leaving space between pieces so they roast instead of steaming. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be fully cooked and lightly caramelized around the edges.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle and keeps the chicken moist.
Tips for the Best Char Siu Chicken
A few small details make a big difference, especially when serving it as part of a larger spread with dishes like Greek Orzo Salad.
- Marinate longer if possible
Time builds flavor. Overnight gives the best result. - Avoid overcrowding the pan
Use two trays if needed to ensure proper caramelization. - Watch closely near the end
The sugar in the glaze can darken quickly. - Brush with extra marinade halfway through
Adds shine and intensifies the glaze. - Rest before serving
Prevents dryness and improves texture.
Best Side Dishes to Serve With Char Siu Chicken
Char siu chicken pairs well with simple sides that balance its sweetness, especially refreshing options like Cucumber Caesar Salad.
- Steamed white or jasmine rice
- Fried rice or garlic noodles
- Steamed broccoli or bok choy
- Asian-style slaw or cucumber salad
- Lettuce wraps or bao buns
Char Siu Chicken Cooking Tips for Best Results
Small adjustments can take this dish from good to outstanding.
- Marinate as long as possible for deeper flavor
- Do not overcrowd the baking tray
- Flip halfway for even caramelization
- Watch closely near the end to avoid burning
- Rest before serving to lock in juices
Char Siu Chicken Variations You Can Try
This recipe is flexible and easy to customize, making it just as adaptable as creative meals like Grilled Chicken Sandwich when you want variety from the same protein.
- Spicy version
Add chili paste or chili oil to the marinade. - Air fryer char siu chicken
Cook at 375°F and flip halfway for crisp edges. - Low sugar option
Reduce honey slightly and balance with soy sauce. - Char siu chicken skewers
Thread marinated chicken onto skewers before baking or grilling.
Serving Suggestions
Char siu chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it over steamed white rice to soak up the extra glaze, or pair it with fried rice or noodles for a complete meal. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snow peas balance the sweetness nicely.
It also works well sliced into lettuce wraps, tucked into bao buns, or used as a topping for rice bowls with pickled vegetables.
How to Store and Reheat Char Siu Chicken
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and consider serving reheated portions with make-ahead sides like Lentil Salad for quick meals later in the week.
For reheating, a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of oil works best to revive the glaze. The microwave is convenient, but reheat gently to avoid drying the chicken. A low oven also works well if reheating a larger portion.
Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 600 g boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (or rice vinegar)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- ½ tsp five-spice powder
- ½ tsp red food coloring (optional, for authentic color)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Chinese cooking wine, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, and food coloring if using.
- Add chicken to the marinade and mix well until fully coated.
- Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best flavor).
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) or heat a grill pan over medium heat.
- Place marinated chicken on a lined baking tray or grill pan.
- Cook for 20–25 minutes, turning once and brushing with extra marinade, until cooked through and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes.
- Slice and serve hot with rice or noodles.
Notes
- Chicken thighs give juicier results, but chicken breast works well for a leaner option.
- You can cook this recipe in an air fryer at 180°C (356°F) for 15–18 minutes.
- Adjust honey according to your preferred sweetness level.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs are recommended for juiciness. If using breast meat, reduce cooking time slightly and monitor closely.
Can this be grilled instead of baked?
Absolutely. Grill over medium heat and turn frequently to prevent burning. Finish over indirect heat if needed.
What if I don’t have five-spice powder?
You can make a simple substitute using small amounts of cinnamon, fennel, cloves, star anise, and pepper.
How can I make the glaze thicker?
Simmer leftover marinade in a saucepan until slightly reduced, then brush over cooked chicken.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Nutritional values will vary depending on ingredient brands and portion size. This recipe is intended as a general guide rather than a precise calculation.
Tried This Char Siu Chicken Recipe?
If you make this recipe, share your experience and any tweaks you enjoyed. Whether you served it with rice, noodles, or wraps, this char siu chicken recipe is designed to be flexible, reliable, and packed with flavor every single time.
