Char Siu Chicken is a mouthwatering twist on traditional Cantonese barbecue, bringing together sweet, savory, and smoky flavors in every bite. The marinade combines classic Chinese ingredients like hoisin, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and five-spice powder for a complex, aromatic flavor.
This dish is incredibly easy to prepare and yields juicy, tender chicken with a shiny caramelized glaze. It’s ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. Serve it alongside rice and steamed greens for a balanced and irresistible meal.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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Optional: 5 drops red food coloring (for traditional red hue)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, sesame oil, and red food coloring (if using).
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Place chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Remove chicken from marinade and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, basting with remaining marinade halfway through, until chicken is fully cooked and caramelized.
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Let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal
Servings: 4
Origins and Cultural Significance of Char Siu Chicken
Char Siu is one of the most iconic dishes in Cantonese cuisine, originally referring to pork that’s marinated in a sweet and savory glaze, then roasted or grilled until tender with beautifully caramelized edges. The term “Char Siu” literally translates to “fork roasted,” a nod to the traditional method of skewering meat with long forks and cooking it over an open flame.
While pork is the most traditional protein used in Char Siu, modern adaptations have expanded the method to include other meats, especially chicken, which offers a leaner and more accessible alternative while still maintaining the same depth of flavor. Char Siu Chicken combines the heritage of Chinese barbecue with the global love for chicken, making it a perfect dish to showcase both tradition and innovation.
Why Char Siu Chicken Stands Out
Char Siu Chicken delivers an unmistakable flavor profile that combines sweetness, saltiness, and umami in a way that few other marinades achieve. The unique blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder penetrates the chicken, infusing every bite with bold, aromatic richness. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a slightly sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
This dish is incredibly versatile. It can be baked, roasted, or grilled depending on your preference or available cooking tools. You can serve it as a main course with a side of steamed rice, slice it and toss into stir-fried noodles, or even use leftovers in wraps and salads. Its adaptability and ease of preparation make Char Siu Chicken a reliable option for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.
Flavor Profile and Marinade Magic
The magic of Char Siu Chicken lies in the marinade. It’s a masterful balance of savory and sweet, elevated with hints of spice and tanginess. Hoisin sauce adds depth and complexity with its mix of fermented soybeans, garlic, and spices. Soy sauce delivers salty umami, while oyster sauce provides richness. Honey introduces a natural sweetness that helps achieve that signature glossy finish when the chicken is cooked.
Chinese five-spice powder brings a warm aromatic element, typically made from star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds. This blend gives Char Siu Chicken its subtle complexity, elevating the taste beyond standard barbecue flavors. Some traditional recipes even include red food coloring to mimic the bright red hue seen in Chinese restaurants, though it’s completely optional for home cooks.
Health and Nutritional Aspects
Char Siu Chicken offers a healthier twist on the classic pork version. Chicken thighs, while still juicy and flavorful, contain less fat than pork shoulder, making this a more balanced option for health-conscious diners. It also offers a good amount of protein, making it suitable for muscle repair, satiety, and overall wellness.
If you’re mindful about sugar intake, you can reduce the amount of honey or use a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit or stevia. For those watching their sodium, using low-sodium soy sauce or tamari can make a big difference. The beauty of homemade Char Siu Chicken is the control you have over ingredients, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Char Siu Chicken is best served hot and fresh, right out of the oven or grill, with a slightly sticky glaze still shimmering. One of the most classic accompaniments is steamed jasmine rice or garlic fried rice. The neutral flavor of rice complements the richness of the marinade and helps balance out the bold flavors.
For vegetables, try serving it with lightly stir-fried bok choy, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), or a simple cucumber salad to add freshness and crunch. If you’re preparing a more elaborate meal, consider adding egg drop soup, wonton soup, or vegetable spring rolls to complete the spread. For a low-carb option, serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also slice the cooked chicken thin and use it in bao buns, sandwiches, or Asian-inspired tacos. The leftovers are just as delicious and make for incredible lunchbox options the next day.
Tips for the Perfect Char Siu Chicken
Marinate Overnight: One of the most important tips for getting restaurant-quality Char Siu Chicken at home is giving it time to marinate. Overnight marination allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Baste During Cooking: Don’t forget to baste the chicken while it cooks. Brushing it with the remaining marinade halfway through baking or grilling helps achieve that glossy, lacquered look and intensified flavor.
Use Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they remain juicy and tender under high heat. However, if you prefer white meat, chicken breasts can work too—just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more quickly.
Avoid Overcrowding: When baking or grilling, space the chicken pieces apart to allow for even caramelization. Crowded pans can cause the chicken to steam rather than roast.
Make It Your Own: Customizing Char Siu Chicken
The beauty of Char Siu Chicken is how customizable it is. Want it spicier? Add a bit of chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the marinade. Prefer it tangier? A squeeze of lime juice can brighten up the overall flavor. You can even play around with the type of sweetener—swap honey for brown sugar or maple syrup for a different depth of sweetness.
Vegan or vegetarian? Use tofu or seitan instead of chicken, and marinate as you would the meat. These alternatives soak up the marinade well and taste amazing when grilled or baked until crispy.
The dish also works beautifully in meal prep. Cook a double batch and use it in multiple meals throughout the week—from rice bowls and wraps to Asian-style salads.
Conclusion
Char Siu Chicken is more than just a flavorful dish—it’s a celebration of cultural tradition, culinary fusion, and cooking versatility. Whether you’re new to Chinese cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe offers an accessible and satisfying way to enjoy bold Asian flavors with ingredients you likely already have at home.
It’s fast enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. The marinade brings out the best in chicken, and the result is tender, juicy meat with a glossy, caramelized finish that’s hard to resist. It’s also easily adaptable to fit various dietary needs and creative spins, making it a favorite across the globe.
If you’re looking to add an exciting new flavor to your dinner rotation or want to explore the delicious world of Cantonese BBQ, Char Siu Chicken is the perfect place to start. Bold, beautiful, and downright delicious—it’s a dish that never disappoints.