Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken brings the bold, sweet-savory flavors of Chinese BBQ straight to your kitchen. Marinated in a mixture of hoisin, soy, garlic, and five-spice powder, this dish is a sticky, glazed dream with a perfectly charred finish. It’s deeply aromatic, full of umami, and incredibly easy to prepare in the oven.

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal or something to impress your guests, this Char Siu Chicken checks all the boxes. Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice or tuck it into bao buns with crisp veggies for a restaurant-quality meal at home. The sauce caramelizes as it roasts, giving you that signature glossy finish and irresistible flavor in every bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs

• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 2 teaspoons brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• Red food coloring (optional, for traditional look)

• Sesame seeds, for garnish

• Chopped green onions, for garnish

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, honey, brown sugar, five-spice powder, garlic, and ginger until well combined. Add a few drops of red food coloring if using.

2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor.

3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.

4. Arrange marinated chicken on the wire rack, shaking off excess marinade (reserve remaining marinade).

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway and basting with reserved marinade.

6. During the last 5 minutes, switch oven to broil for a charred, sticky glaze. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.

8. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Ultimate Char Siu Chicken: Chinese BBQ at Home

Char Siu Chicken is a mouthwatering adaptation of the traditional Cantonese Char Siu (叉烧), typically made with pork. This beloved Chinese barbecue dish is known for its iconic sweet, savory, and smoky glaze that coats the meat in a brilliant reddish hue. With roots that go back centuries, Char Siu holds a special place in Chinese cuisine and street food culture, and its flavors are unmistakably rich and complex.

When recreated with chicken, especially boneless skinless thighs, you retain all the saucy intensity of the original while offering a quicker-cooking, leaner protein option that’s incredibly juicy and flavorful. It’s perfect for anyone who loves bold Asian flavors but wants to skip the pork or simply prefers chicken for everyday meals.

From the bustling night markets of Hong Kong to Chinese-American takeout spots, Char Siu has traveled and transformed across cultures, yet it always remains a symbol of comfort, nostalgia, and celebration. And now, with this recipe, you can capture that magic in your own kitchen using pantry-friendly ingredients and a simple roasting technique that ensures juicy, caramelized chicken every time.

The History and Heritage of Char Siu

The name “Char Siu” translates to “fork roasted,” referencing the traditional method of cooking skewered strips of seasoned pork over an open flame or in a covered oven. In its original Cantonese form, Char Siu is marinated in a sweet-savory mix of honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, and fermented bean curd, which gives the meat its signature flavor and glossy red color.

Traditionally served at dim sum restaurants, Chinese banquets, and during special festivals, Char Siu is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural icon. It represents joy, indulgence, and homecoming. Over time, home cooks and chefs around the world have innovated on the recipe, using everything from tofu to turkey to recreate its classic flavor profile.

This chicken version keeps all the hallmarks of the original: the dark, lacquered crust, the aromatic spices, and the addictive balance of sweet and savory—while cutting down on cooking time and using more accessible ingredients.

Ingredients: What Makes Char Siu Chicken So Irresistible?

What sets Char Siu apart is its signature marinad, a perfect balance of salty, sweet, umami, and spice. Each ingredient plays a specific role:

• Hoisin Sauce: Thick and fragrant, this Chinese condiment provides the rich, sweet umami base of the marinade. It’s like a concentrated blend of fermented soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and sugar.

• Soy Sauce: Both light and dark soy sauces can be used, but a standard light soy sauce is ideal for this recipe. It brings saltiness and deepens the umami without overwhelming the sweetness.

• Oyster Sauce: Adds a unique briny depth and enhances the savory flavor of the dish.

• Shaoxing Wine: A type of Chinese cooking wine that adds complexity and aromatic depth. If you can’t find it, dry sherry is an excellent substitute.

• Honey and Brown Sugar: These add caramelization and shine when the chicken is roasted. They help create that beautiful sticky glaze that Char Siu is famous for.

• Garlic and Ginger: Fresh, pungent, and aromatic, these two staples bring heat and earthiness.

• Chinese Five-Spice Powder: A blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. This is the soul of the dish, it offers warmth and a subtle licorice-like note that lingers on the palate.

• Red Food Coloring (Optional): While purely aesthetic, the red hue is a signature of traditional Char Siu. If you want to replicate that classic look, a few drops of food coloring will do the trick, though it’s completely optional.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Char Siu Chicken

Making Char Siu Chicken at home is surprisingly simple, but a few pro tips can help elevate your final dish:

1. Marinate Overnight If Possible

While 3 hours of marinating is enough, letting the chicken rest overnight ensures it soaks up all the deep flavors. Use a ziplock bag or airtight container and turn it occasionally for even distribution.

2. Use a Wire Rack

Roasting the chicken on a rack allows the heat to circulate evenly, helping the marinade glaze without the chicken sitting in excess liquid.

3. Reserve Marinade for Basting

Don’t throw away the leftover marinade! Simmer it on the stove for a few minutes to kill bacteria, then use it to baste the chicken midway through baking. This deepens the flavor and enhances the glossy finish.

4. Finish Under the Broiler

Char Siu is known for its slightly charred edges. Turning on the broiler for the last few minutes adds that restaurant-style finish, watch closely to avoid burning!

5. Rest Before Slicing

Letting the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Char Siu Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous delicious ways:

• With Rice: A simple bed of steamed jasmine or sticky rice allows the bold flavors of the chicken to shine.

• In Noodle Bowls: Add it to ramen, soba, or stir-fried lo mein noodles for a hearty bowl meal.

• As a Bao Filling: Tuck slices of the chicken into steamed bao buns with pickled vegetables and fresh herbs.

• Over Fried Rice: Combine with scrambled eggs, peas, and scallions for a quick and satisfying fried rice.

• Meal Prep Friendly: It stores well in the fridge and makes a great protein for weekday lunches or dinner bowls.

Pair it with sautéed bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas for a complete meal packed with flavor and color.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold, Authentic Flavor: The marinade is a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and aromatic ingredients that replicate restaurant-style Chinese BBQ.

• Simple and Accessible: All ingredients can be found in most grocery stores or Asian markets, and the method is oven-friendly, no fancy equipment needed.

• Meal-Prep Ready: This dish holds up well in the fridge and even better when reheated, making it great for batch cooking or lunch boxes.

• Healthier Take: By using chicken thighs, you get a leaner alternative to pork without sacrificing juiciness or flavor.

• Customizable: Easily swap chicken thighs for breast meat, tofu, or even cauliflower for vegetarian variations.

Conclusion

Char Siu Chicken is the perfect bridge between traditional Chinese flavors and modern home cooking convenience. With its glossy, sticky glaze, mouthwatering aroma, and rich blend of spices and sweetness, this dish is more than just a chicken recipe, it’s a culinary experience that captures the essence of Chinese BBQ.

Whether you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, love trying new flavors, or want a reliable recipe for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike, this Char Siu Chicken is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Serve it up with a side of rice, a handful of fresh veggies, and enjoy a comforting meal that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home table.