Char Siu Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a mouthwatering dish bursting with savory-sweet flavor and irresistible caramelized edges, Char Siu Chicken is your ticket to weeknight dinner magic! This classic Cantonese-inspired favorite takes everything you love about sticky, glossy Chinese barbecue and brings it right to your kitchen, in the easiest way possible.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Char Siu Chicken is in its simple but powerful combination of ingredients. Each brings something essential—sweetness, spice, depth, or color—coming together to create those classic BBQ notes you know and love.

• Boneless skin-on chicken thighs (800g): Tender and juicy thighs soak up all the amazing marinade flavor—skin-on takes the crisp and caramelization to the next level!
• Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Adds a rich, molasses sweetness and helps the chicken glaze beautifully as it roasts.
• Chinese five spice powder (1 tsp): Perfumes the dish with warm, exotic complexity from star anise, cinnamon, and more.
• White pepper powder (½ tsp): Lends a gentle, aromatic heat without overpowering the other flavors.
• Hoisin sauce or oyster sauce (3 tbsp): A touch of either gives irresistible savoriness and sticky depth. Use hoisin for sweeter notes, oyster sauce for more umami.
• Shao Xing wine (1 tbsp): This Chinese rice wine brightens the dish, balancing the richness of the marinade (dry sherry is a tasty substitute if needed).
• Light soy sauce (1 tbsp): Brings deep, salty umami and gorgeous color to the sauce.
• Grated garlic (1 tsp): A little sharpness and zing finishes the marinade perfectly, fresh or paste both work.
• Ginger (1 tsp): Adds warmth and earthy aroma—use finely grated or paste for best results.
• Sesame oil (1 tsp): Just a drizzle enhances flavor and imparts a nutty backbone to each bite.
• Salt (½ tsp or to taste): Rounds out all the sweet and savory flavors.
• Red food coloring (½ tsp mixed with 1 tbsp water): The secret to that iconic ruby glow! Totally optional, but so fun and traditional.
• Honey (1 tbsp): Used for basting, this makes the final glaze sing with floral sweetness and sticky shine.
• Water (2 tbsp): Helps the basting sauce reach just the right brushable texture.
• Leftover sauce from the chicken marinade: Don’t toss those tasty dregs—this is your flavor-packed basting base for the ultimate finish!

Variations

The beauty of homemade Char Siu Chicken is how flexible it can be. With a simple swap here or a tweak there, you’re free to make it suit your pantry, dietary needs, or wildest flavor cravings.

• Chicken Breasts or Drumsticks: While thighs are classic, you can use boneless breasts for a leaner option or drumsticks for extra fun—all soak up the marinade beautifully.
• No Shao Xing Wine? Dry sherry or even apple juice will give you a touch of that depth and complexity if you’re out of the classic wine.
• Vegan Version: Try the marinade and basting sauce with firm tofu slabs or meaty mushrooms—the sweet-salty glaze works wonders on plant-based proteins.
• Spicy Kick: Add a spoonful of chili garlic sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper if you like a bit more heat with your sweet.

How to Make Char Siu Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together all the marinade ingredients—hoisin or oyster sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, Shao Xing wine, five spice, white pepper, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, salt, and (if using) the red food coloring with water—in a large mixing bowl. Once everything’s well combined and the sugar has dissolved, add your chicken thighs and turn them until they’re completely coated. Cover and let them soak in all that flavor for at least 2 hours, or, for truly unforgettable Char Siu Chicken, pop them in the fridge overnight.

Step 2: Prepare for Cooking

When you’re ready to cook, decide on your cooking method: Air fryer or oven. Preheat your air fryer for 2-3 minutes, or preheat your oven to 190–200°C for about 5 minutes. For either method, line your basket or baking tray with baking paper or foil—this keeps cleanup easy and ensures all those flavorful juices stay in the pan.

Step 3: Air Fry or Roast

Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up in your air fryer basket or on your baking tray. For air frying, cook at 190–200°C for 7–8 minutes. Baking in the oven? Go for 10–12 minutes at the same temperature. While your Char Siu Chicken is sizzling away, prepare the luscious basting sauce.

Step 4: Make the Basting Sauce

Pour the leftover marinade into a saucepan with the honey and water, then bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes until thickened and glossy—this concentrated sauce is what gives Char Siu Chicken its signature sticky-sweet finish. Set your basting brush at the ready!

Step 5: Glaze and Finish Cooking

After the initial cooking time, brush the chicken pieces generously with your basting sauce. Return to the air fryer for another 5–6 minutes or oven for 8–10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through, caramelized, and richly lacquered. If you like your Char Siu Chicken even more charred, give it an extra minute or two under the broiler at the end!

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let your chicken rest for about 5–6 minutes after cooking. This ensures every bite stays juicy and delicious. Slice into thick pieces and arrange on a platter, ready to soak up every last drop of glaze. Serve with fluffy rice and crisp, blanched veggies for the full Char Siu Chicken experience!

How to Serve Char Siu Chicken

Garnishes

Garnish your Char Siu Chicken with a shower of thinly sliced scallions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for crunch and color. For an extra pop, a scatter of fresh cilantro or a drizzle of chili crisp oil adds both aroma and visual flair. A few quick-pickled cucumbers or radishes can brighten the dish and give your plate a restaurant-worthy look!

Side Dishes

Classic steamed jasmine rice turns Char Siu Chicken into the ultimate comfort meal, happily soaking up every bit of glossy sauce. Add lightly blanched bok choy, steamed broccoli, or simple stir-fried greens on the side for a refreshing balance. For something extra, try folding slices into bao buns with crisp veggies or even atop a hearty noodle salad.

Creative Ways to Present

There’s more to Char Siu Chicken than the classic rice plate! Arrange bite-sized slices on a snack platter for game night, or pile into fluffy steamed buns for an easy party appetizer. You can also dice leftovers for a next-level fried rice or toss with crunchy salad greens for an unexpected Asian-inspired bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover Char Siu Chicken completely, then pack into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner even more irresistible!

Freezing

Char Siu Chicken freezes beautifully—simply slice or portion, place in freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm Char Siu Chicken slices in a covered dish in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water or reserved basting sauce to keep the glaze moist and shiny. Warm just until heated through to retain the best texture!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of homemade Char Siu Chicken wafting through the kitchen—sticky, savory, and just sweet enough to keep you coming back for another bite. I hope you’re inspired to give this recipe a try soon and share the joy (and gorgeous glaze) with friends and family. Happy cooking!

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