Char Siu Chicken

The sweet and smoky allure of Char Siu Chicken is irresistible, thanks to its deeply flavored marinade and glistening, caramelized glaze. This classic Cantonese-inspired dish brings the bold and balanced flavors of Chinese BBQ right to your kitchen.

Char Siu, traditionally made with pork, gets a delicious twist here using juicy chicken thighs. The marinade, rich with hoisin, soy, honey, five-spice, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil, infuses each bite with sweet, salty, and umami layers. Whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared, it’s a show-stopping meal served over rice, noodles, or even tucked into bao buns for a modern take.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs

• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

• 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for classic appearance)

• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for grilling or pan-searing)

• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, and food coloring if using.

2. Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or container. Marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor.

3. Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface.

4. Remove chicken from marinade and grill/sear for 5–7 minutes per side or until caramelized and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/75°C).

5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Marinating Time: 4 hours | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Char Siu Chicken – A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Chinese Favorite

Char Siu Chicken is a dish that captures the heart and soul of traditional Chinese BBQ cuisine. While most people associate “Char Siu” with pork, this chicken version offers a leaner yet equally flavorful alternative that’s just as sticky, sweet, savory, and satisfying. The name “Char Siu” itself translates to “fork roast,” referring to the traditional method of cooking skewered meats over open flames. But don’t worry, you don’t need a spit-roaster to enjoy this at home. With the right marinade and cooking method, you can replicate those classic Cantonese BBQ flavors using just your stovetop, oven, or grill.

This version of Char Siu uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs as the main protein. Chicken thighs are especially suited to this preparation due to their higher fat content, which keeps them juicy and flavorful during high-heat cooking. The marinade is the true star of the show, a glossy, umami-rich mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and the all-important five-spice powder. Optional red food coloring is often used for an authentic appearance, mirroring what you’d see in Chinese BBQ shops, but it’s completely optional if you prefer to go all-natural.

The Secret Behind the Marinade

The depth of flavor in Char Siu Chicken comes from the marinade, and each ingredient plays a specific role in achieving that balance.

• Hoisin Sauce gives the dish its thick, sticky body and hints of sweetness with a fermented soybean base.

• Soy Sauce adds that essential saltiness and umami depth.

• Oyster Sauce boosts the richness and complexity of the marinade with its unique savory character.

• Honey and Brown Sugar help create that shiny caramelized coating and counterbalance the saltiness.

• Shaoxing Wine or dry sherry adds acidity and depth, bringing all the flavors together.

• Five-Spice Powder, a blend of cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns, delivers that signature warm, fragrant aroma.

• Garlic and Ginger add pungency and heat, essential for that authentic Chinese profile.

When combined and allowed to marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, these ingredients transform ordinary chicken into a dish that’s nothing short of spectacular.

Cooking Methods and Tips

Char Siu Chicken can be cooked in several ways depending on your equipment and preference:

• Grilling is ideal for that smoky char and caramelized finish, closely mimicking traditional BBQ preparation.

• Oven roasting works well if you want a low-effort, high-reward method with evenly cooked, juicy chicken and minimal hands-on time.

• Pan-searing is a great option for a quick stovetop version that still delivers on flavor and texture.

Regardless of the cooking method, make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

For extra gloss and flavor, you can simmer the leftover marinade (after removing the raw chicken) and brush it on as a glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

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

• Over Steamed Jasmine or White Rice: A classic pairing that lets the rich flavors shine.

• With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add some crunchy greens like bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas for a full, balanced meal.

• In Noodles or Fried Rice: Slice the cooked chicken and toss into your favorite noodle stir-fry or fried rice.

• Bao Buns or Lettuce Wraps: Create a fun, hand-held dish perfect for appetizers or light dinners.

• Meal Prep Bowls: Combine with grains and veggies for a week’s worth of delicious lunches.

Garnishing with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds adds visual appeal and an extra burst of flavor and texture.

Nutritional Highlights

One of the great things about Char Siu Chicken is that it strikes a good balance between indulgent and nutritious. Thanks to lean chicken thighs, it contains healthy fats and plenty of protein while remaining juicy. You can also adapt the recipe to be lower in sugar or sodium by adjusting the sauces and using low-sodium alternatives. It’s easy to customize for keto or paleo diets by swapping honey with a low-carb sweetener and using compliant sauces.

For those avoiding food coloring or additives, simply skip the red dye and let the natural caramelization give your chicken its golden-brown glow. The taste remains phenomenal with or without the color.

Cultural Context of Char Siu

Char Siu is a staple in Cantonese cuisine, traditionally found hanging in the windows of Chinese BBQ shops. It’s often paired with roast duck, soy sauce chicken, and crispy pork belly. The red hue, glossy exterior, and slightly charred edges are all part of its visual and flavor appeal.

While pork is the classic protein for Char Siu, the adaptation to chicken not only makes it more accessible to a wider range of diets but also allows for faster cooking times and leaner meals. It’s a perfect example of how traditional recipes can evolve while staying true to their roots.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The marinade does most of the work for you. Once you’ve prepped it, just let the flavors infuse and then cook.

• Bold Flavors: Each bite is sweet, savory, slightly smoky, and full of umami.

• Flexible Cooking Methods: Grill, roast, or pan-sear, choose your favorite.

• Meal-Prep Friendly: Cook in batches and enjoy throughout the week.

• Crowd-Pleaser: From kids to adults, everyone loves this sticky, flavorful chicken.

Make It Your Own

Char Siu Chicken is endlessly customizable. Here are some easy tweaks:

• Use chicken breast for a leaner option (though keep an eye on overcooking).

• Add chili paste or sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.

• Make it gluten-free by using tamari and gluten-free hoisin/oyster sauce.

• Try different proteins like tofu, tempeh, or pork tenderloin with the same marinade.

You can even double the marinade and use it on vegetables or tofu for a meatless option that still hits all the flavor notes.

Conclusion

Char Siu Chicken brings the rich tradition of Chinese BBQ straight to your kitchen in an easy, approachable format. It’s a recipe that’s full of personality, sweet, salty, smoky, and sticky, all balanced in perfect harmony. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner idea, meal-prep inspiration, or something impressive to serve guests, this dish checks every box. It’s simple enough for beginners, yet flavorful enough to satisfy seasoned cooks and picky eaters alike.

By mastering this dish, you open the door to countless Asian-inspired meals that deliver on taste and comfort. So, fire up your grill, preheat your oven, or grab your skillet, this Char Siu Chicken is ready to become your new go-to favorite.