Description
This Char Siu Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and traditional Chinese spices. The chicken is roasted to perfection, achieving a slightly charred exterior with a juicy interior, embodying the classic sweet and savory Chinese BBQ flavors. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it’s perfect served with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 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)
Garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, sesame oil, five spice powder, minced garlic, and red food coloring if using. This creates the rich, flavorful marinade that defines char siu chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Setup: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack over the baking sheet so the chicken can roast evenly and any excess marinade can drip away.
- Roast the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack in a single layer. Reserve the leftover marinade for basting. Roast the chicken for 25 minutes, then carefully baste the pieces once or twice with the reserved marinade to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Increase Heat for Finishing: Raise the oven temperature to 425°F (218°C) and continue roasting the chicken for another 10 to 15 minutes. This high heat step helps develop a slightly charred, caramelized edge typical of authentic char siu chicken, ensuring the meat is cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice the chicken and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Red food coloring gives the chicken its traditional vibrant red appearance but is optional.
- You can grill the chicken instead of roasting for a smokier flavor.
- Perfect served with steamed rice or noodles and stir-fried vegetables.
