Description
This Char Siu Chicken is a sticky, sweet, and savory dish inspired by classic Cantonese barbecue. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in hoisin, soy, honey, and five-spice, then baked or grilled to perfection with caramelized edges. It’s versatile, better than takeout, and perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine (or apple juice)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: Whisk together hoisin, soy, oyster sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice wine, sesame oil, five-spice, garlic, ginger, and food coloring (if using).
- Marinate Chicken: Coat chicken thighs in marinade. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
- Cook: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat grill to medium-high. Place chicken on tray or grill, reserving marinade for basting. Bake 20–25 minutes or grill 6–7 minutes per side.
- Caramelize: Broil or grill on high for the last 2 minutes for charred edges.
- Rest and Garnish: Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts to avoid dryness.
- Marinate for at least 4 hours for deep flavor.
- Always broil or grill at the end for caramelization.
- Boil any leftover marinade before using it for basting.
- Can be cooked in the oven, on the grill, or in a slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Dinner
- Method: Oven / Grill / Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Chinese (Cantonese)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
Keywords: Char Siu Chicken, Chinese BBQ Chicken, Sticky Chicken Recipe, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Better Than Takeout, Cantonese Chicken, Asian Chicken Marinade, Grilled Char Siu Chicken, Oven Baked Char Siu Chicken