Name: Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry); 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1 teaspoon five spice powder; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for traditional appearance); Sliced green onions; Sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.2 from 49 reviews

If you’ve ever craved the irresistible flavors of Chinese BBQ but thought it was too hard to make at home, this Char Siu Chicken Recipe is here to change all that. With its luscious glaze of hoisin, honey, and aromatic five spice, tender roasted chicken thighs transform into a feast bursting with sweet, savory, and just the right hint of smokiness. It’s a dish that’s as vibrant as it is comforting, perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends at your next dinner. Trust me, once you try this Char Siu Chicken Recipe, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing something wonderful to the Char Siu Chicken experience, from savory depth to a touch of sweetness and a beautiful, glossy finish.

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy tenderness and soak up the marinade beautifully.
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet and tangy base for the marinade.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings salty umami notes and color.
2 tablespoons honey: Gives a natural sweetness and helps achieve that sticky, caramelized crust.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Boosts savory, slightly briny complexity.
1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): Adds depth and a subtle fruity aroma.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Enhances caramelization and balances the savory flavors.
2 teaspoons sesame oil: Offers a toasty fragrance and richness.
1 teaspoon five spice powder: Delivers distinctive warm, sweet, and slightly licorice notes.
2 garlic cloves (minced): Adds a fresh pungency that cuts through the sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional): For the traditional vibrant red color but not necessary for amazing taste.
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional for garnish): For a fresh crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Char Siu Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, sesame oil, five spice powder, minced garlic, and red food coloring if you’re using it. This marinade is the heartbeat of the recipe, layering complex flavors that soak deep into the chicken thighs. Toss the chicken in this marinade until every piece is luxuriously coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours — overnight is even better to maximize flavor.

Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Setup

Set your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack over the sheet — this setup ensures the chicken cooks evenly with heat circulating around it, allowing the skin to crisp up without sitting in excess marinade.

Step 3: Roast the Chicken and Baste

Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack, reserving the leftover marinade for basting. Roast for about 25 minutes, basting the chicken with the reserved marinade once or twice. This step builds layers of glossy flavor and keeps the chicken moist with that signature char siu glaze.

Step 4: Increase Heat for Final Roasting

Turn the oven up to 425°F and continue roasting for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This higher heat helps the chicken develop beautiful slightly charred edges that elevate the dish’s flavor, mimicking that classic BBQ effect. Once cooked through and caramelized, let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing.

How to Serve Char Siu Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top add a lovely crunch and a burst of freshness that perfectly contrasts the rich, sticky chicken. They also make your plate look like it came straight from a fancy Chinese restaurant.

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine rice or simple fried rice is a go-to pairing, soaking up every drop of that luscious char siu sauce. Stir-fried greens like bok choy or snap peas add a crisp texture and vibrant color to round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Take this Char Siu Chicken Recipe beyond the plate by serving it over noodles tossed with scallions and sesame oil, or slice it thinly for bao buns with crunchy pickled vegetables. It’s a fantastic filling for lettuce wraps to add a refreshing crunch and a lighter twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop your leftover Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen as it rests, making it perfect for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Char Siu Chicken for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing tightly in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or reserved sauce to keep it moist. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, covering to avoid drying out. This ensures the chicken stays tender and sticky, just like when freshly cooked.

FAQs

What cut of chicken works best for this Char Siu Chicken Recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy and tender when roasted. Chicken breasts can dry out, so thighs offer the best texture and flavor absorption.

Can I make this recipe without Shaoxing wine?

Yes, if you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry is a great substitute. You can also skip it, but the wine adds a subtle complexity that’s worth including if possible.

Is the red food coloring necessary for this dish?

Nope! The food coloring is completely optional and mainly for appearance to mimic traditional restaurant-style char siu. The taste is just as incredible without it.

Can I grill the chicken instead of roasting?

Absolutely! Grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor that complements the marinade beautifully. Just be sure to manage the heat to prevent burning the sugars in the sauce.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 2 hours will give you good flavor, but for the best results marinate overnight. This gives the chicken time to soak in all those delicious layers of the marinade.

Final Thoughts

This Char Siu Chicken Recipe is a delightful way to bring restaurant-quality Chinese BBQ right into your own kitchen with minimal fuss. The balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic spices makes each bite an absolute joy. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Don’t wait to try making it yourself — once you do, it might just become your go-to weeknight craving!