If you’ve ever craved the perfect balance of sticky sweetness, savory depth, and that irresistible charred edge, you need to try this Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken Recipe. It’s a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a fragrant blend of hoisin, honey, soy, and five-spice that delivers punch after punch of flavor. Whether you’re new to Chinese BBQ at home or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises beautifully caramelized chicken that stays moist and juicy with every bite. It’s one of those recipes that’ll quickly become a weeknight favorite or your next dinner party showstopper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, yet bursting with flavor: these ingredients come together to create that classic char siu taste you love, each contributing something unique, from sweetness to umami, and even that gorgeous red color if you choose to add it.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chosen for their juiciness and tenderness, perfect for soaking up the marinade.
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds deep sweetness and complexity, a trademark flavor in char siu.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps with that beautiful caramelized glaze.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: For savory saltiness and a touch of umami magic.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Boosts richness and gives subtle depth to the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): A classic Chinese cooking wine that lifts the flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and balances savory tones.
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil: Infuses a gentle nutty aroma essential to authentic char siu chicken.
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder: The signature spice blend that brings warm complexity with star anise and cinnamon.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): For that punch of savory freshness in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds brightness and a little zing to cut through the richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (optional): Just a touch for that traditional red hue, completely optional but highly authentic.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish): These add fresh color, crunch, and a little extra flair when serving.
How to Make Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
First things first—get your marinade ready by whisking together hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, sesame oil, five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red food coloring if you’re going for that authentic look. This flavorful sauce is what transforms simple chicken thighs into something extraordinary.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Take time to massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring each piece soaks up all those rich flavors. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight will take the flavors to another level. This marinating step is crucial for keeping the chicken juicy and tender while packing it with flavor.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare for Roasting
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil—this makes cleanup easy—and set a wire rack on top so the chicken cooks evenly with air circulating underneath. This setup helps you achieve that perfectly roasted texture without sogginess.
Step 4: Roast the Chicken
Arrange the chicken thighs on the wire rack and let any excess marinade drip off—that’s your ticket to beautiful caramelization instead of steaming. Roast the chicken for 20 minutes, then flip each piece and baste with the remaining marinade. Continue roasting for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the edges look nicely charred.
Step 5: Final Broil for Extra Caramelization
If you love that rich, slightly crispy exterior, pop the chicken under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye while broiling to avoid burning—this step perfectly intensifies the flavors and deepens the color, sealing the deal on your Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken Recipe.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes so the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness. Slice it up and sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top to add freshness and a nutty crunch. Now you’re ready to dig in!
How to Serve Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Bright, fresh garnishes can elevate any dish. Here, chopped green onions add a pop of color and slight sharpness, while sesame seeds contribute a lovely nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sticky, tender chicken. Don’t skip these little touches—they bring instant charm to your plate.
Side Dishes
Char siu chicken pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fragrant coconut rice to soak up all the sauce. For veggies, try quick stir-fried bok choy or crisp cucumber salad to add lightness and contrast. If you want a heartier meal, garlic fried rice or steamed buns make fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to put a fun spin on your Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken Recipe? Slice the chicken thinly and serve it over ramen or soba noodles for an Asian-inspired bowl meal. Another great idea is to stuff it inside bao buns with pickled vegetables and hoisin sauce for a playful, handheld treat. You can even dice it into fried rice to brighten up leftovers the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed well preserves moisture and stops the flavors from fading.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze cooked char siu chicken. Slice it first, then flash freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen properly, it can maintain quality for up to 2 months. This is a great option for meal prepping or having ready-to-go flavorful chicken on hand.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra marinade to keep it moist. Microwaving works in a pinch but can sometimes dry out the meat, so try to avoid overcooking during reheating to keep your Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken Recipe tasting fresh.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work if you prefer leaner meat, but be mindful to reduce cooking time to prevent drying out since breasts cook faster and hold less moisture than thighs.
What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?
No worries! Dry sherry is a perfect substitute, and if neither is available, you can use a splash of rice vinegar or just omit it—the marinade will still be delicious.
Is the red food coloring necessary?
It’s completely optional. The red color gives that traditional vibrant char siu look, but it doesn’t affect the flavor one bit, so feel free to leave it out if you prefer.
Can I grill this instead of baking?
Definitely! Grilling over medium heat adds a wonderful smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the marinade. Just keep an eye on the chicken so it doesn’t burn and dry out.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
Final Thoughts
This Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken Recipe is one of those unforgettable dishes that’s both comforting and exciting, delivering bold flavors with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing friends, or simply treating yourself to some incredible homemade Chinese BBQ, this recipe checks every box. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen—you won’t regret it!
Print
Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes plus 4+ hours marinating time
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful Chinese BBQ dish featuring marinated boneless chicken thighs roasted to perfection with a sweet and savory hoisin-based glaze. This easy baked chicken recipe captures the traditional char siu taste with tender meat, caramelized edges, and a beautiful glaze, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, sesame oil, five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red food coloring if using to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade and toss until they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to infuse deeply.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Tray: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top to elevate the chicken, allowing excess marinade to drip off during roasting.
- Arrange and Roast the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack in a single layer. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes to begin cooking and caramelizing the glaze.
- Flip and Baste: Flip the chicken pieces over and baste them with any remaining marinade. Continue roasting for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the edges are slightly charred for that signature char siu look.
- Broil for Extra Caramelization (Optional): If you desire a more caramelized finish, broil the chicken on high for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Slice the chicken as desired, then garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, grill the chicken over medium heat instead of baking.
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but reduce the cooking time to avoid drying out the meat.
- Red food coloring is traditional to achieve the classic char siu red color but is completely optional.
