Char Siu Chicken

Why Make This Recipe

Char Siu Chicken is a delicious and sweet dish that brings a taste of Chinese cuisine to your home. It’s simple to make and has a rich flavor that impresses anyone who tries it. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a casual meal with friends. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with rice or in buns, making it versatile and satisfying!

How to Make Char Siu Chicken

Ingredients

• 500g chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) or boneless if preferred
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp five-spice powder
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (optional, dry sherry can be used)

Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, brown sugar, five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and Shaoxing wine until everything is well combined. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade, making sure it is evenly coated. Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight in the fridge.
3. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
4. Arrange the chicken skin-side up in a single layer on the baking sheet. Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat well.
5. Roast the chicken for 10 minutes, then baste with the pan juices. Continue roasting, basting every 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through, about 20–25 minutes total.
6. For extra glaze, switch the oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
7. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Skim any fat from the pan juices and drizzle the glossy sauce over the sliced chicken.
8. Serve with steamed rice, in buns, or save extra sauce for noodles or fried rice.

How to Serve Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken is best enjoyed with a side of steamed rice. You can also serve it in soft buns for a tasty sandwich-style meal. Drizzling extra sauce on top adds even more flavor. It’s a great dish for gatherings or family meals.

How to Store Char Siu Chicken

If you have any leftovers, let the chicken cool down completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for later use. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Char Siu Chicken

• Pat the chicken dry before marinating for a more intense flavor.
• Marinate overnight if you can; this helps the flavors soak in deeply.
• Keep an eye on the chicken while broiling to avoid burning.

Variation

For a different twist, try using other meats like pork or beef. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey and sugar according to your taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but keep in mind they may dry out faster than thighs.

2. What can I use instead of Shaoxing wine?
If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry or a splash of rice vinegar can be good substitutes.

3. How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate it for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, marinate overnight in the fridge.