Char Siu Chicken Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Char Siu Chicken Recipe with you—it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together so easily. If you love those sweet, savory, slightly smoky flavors from Chinese BBQ, this recipe nails it without needing a grill or hours of marinating. Plus, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something quick but still packed with flavor.

What makes this Char Siu Chicken Recipe truly special to me is how the hoisin sauce and five-spice powder create that classic Chinese takeaway vibe at home. Every time I make it, the whole kitchen smells amazing, and I know dinner is going to be a hit. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, you’ll find this recipe just as satisfying and easy to customize.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference with this Char Siu Chicken Recipe. I always recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender. The combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder brings that authentic flavor you want.

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These cut into 1-inch pieces cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Hoisin sauce: Go for a good-quality brand; it adds the rich, slightly sweet and tangy flavor.
• Soy sauce: Provides the salty umami balance, essential in this dish.
• Honey: Adds that lovely caramelized sweetness when the chicken cooks.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds depth and a punch of aroma.
• Ginger: Freshly grated for a bright, zesty touch.
• Chinese five-spice powder: This is the secret ingredient that gives the dish its signature warmth.
• Vegetable oil: For cooking—neutral-flavored so it won’t overpower.
• Green onions: Thinly sliced, these add a fresh, crisp garnish at the end.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted for a nutty crunch on top.

Variations

I love how versatile this Char Siu Chicken Recipe is. Sometimes I like to tweak the flavor by adding a bit of chili paste for heat or swapping chicken thighs for breasts if I’m feeling lighter. You can totally make this recipe your own!

• Add a spicy kick: Toss in some chili garlic sauce or sriracha—my family really enjoys the heat.
• Use chicken breasts: If you prefer leaner cuts, just be careful not to overcook since breasts dry out faster.
• Vegetarian option: Try marinating and roasting thick tofu slices with the same marinade for a tasty swap.
• Oven vs. stovetop: I sometimes finish the chicken under the broiler for that slightly charred, caramelized edge.

How to Make Char Siu Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your boneless chicken thighs into even 1-inch pieces so they cook uniformly. Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder in a bowl. Toss the chicken in this marinade and let it soak up all those flavors for at least 30 minutes—I usually do 2 hours if I have time, but even a quick soak works wonders.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer—you might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until nicely caramelized and cooked through. You’ll want the edges slightly charred for that signature char siu look, so resist stirring too much.

Step 3: Garnish and Finish

Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle it with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a fresh contrast and texture. Serve it immediately while it’s juicy and hot—your kitchen will smell irresistible!

How to Serve Char Siu Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish with a scattering of thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. That pop of color and nutty crunch just elevates the dish perfectly. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of extra hoisin sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes if we want more heat.

Side Dishes

Char Siu Chicken goes wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice if you want to keep it classic. I also like serving it alongside stir-fried bok choy or sautéed snap peas to add a fresh, crisp side. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing cuts through the sweetness nicely, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Char Siu Chicken Recipe wrapped in lettuce cups with shredded carrots and a spritz of lime juice—super fresh and fun to eat! Another favorite is layering it over garlic noodles or incorporating it into bao buns for an easy appetizer that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually keeps well for 3-4 days. To avoid drying out, I pour any leftover marinade or a splash of water over the chicken before sealing it. This keeps it nice and moist on reheating.

Freezing

Freezing this recipe works great if you want to batch cook. Just lay the cooled chicken flat in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain its tender texture.

Reheating

I prefer reheating leftover Char Siu Chicken in a hot skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep things moist. Microwaving works when you’re in a hurry, but be sure to cover it and heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Char Siu Chicken Recipe is a real winner in my home—it’s quick, delicious, and has that wonderfully nostalgic Chinese BBQ flavor we all love. I hope you’ll give it a try and see just how simple it is to bring those restaurant tastes right into your kitchen. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become your go-to chicken dinner. Happy cooking!

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