Description
This Delicious Char Siu Chicken recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Chinese Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, sesame oil, five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red food coloring if you want that classic Char Siu look. Whisk these ingredients together until thoroughly blended and smooth, creating a luscious marinade that will coat your chicken beautifully.
- Once your marinade is ready, add the boneless chicken thighs to the bowl. Ensure each piece is evenly coated in the marinade. This step is crucial; the longer you marinate, the more flavorful and tender your chicken will become. Ideally, allow it to marinate for at least 3 hours, or for a richer flavor, leave it overnight in a sealed container or plastic bag in the fridge.
- When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, line a baking tray with aluminum foil – this will minimize the mess during cooking and simplify cleanup. Place a wire rack on top; this allows hot air to circulate around the chicken while it cooks, ensuring a perfectly crispy exterior.
- Take your chicken thighs out of the marinade and shake off any excess before placing them on the wire rack. Reserve the leftover marinade for basting later. Roast the chicken in the oven for 15 minutes. This initial roast helps to set the marinade and starts the cooking process.
- After the first roasting period, it’s time to baste! Use the reserved marinade to brush the chicken, flipping it over and basting the other side. Return to the oven and keep cooking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- To achieve that coveted caramelized glaze, switch your oven setting to broil. Broil the chicken for an additional 2–3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as this step can quickly go from perfectly caramelized to burnt. The broiling adds that rich color and enhances the flavors.
- Once the chicken is done, let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender bite. After resting, slice the chicken into pieces and serve it with your favorite accompaniments, such as rice, steamed buns, or noodles.
Notes
Marinate overnight if possible; it significantly enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 25 g