WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Sticky, savory, and beautifully caramelized, this Char Siu Chicken brings the flavor of Chinese BBQ straight to your kitchen. The rich marinade features the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and umami, coating the chicken in a glossy glaze that’s utterly addictive. Every bite is tender, juicy, and bursting with bold aromatics that balance the traditional flavors of hoisin, honey, and Chinese five spice.

What makes this dish even more lovable is how easy it is to prepare at home. Whether you’re roasting it in the oven or tossing it on the grill, Char Siu Chicken transforms everyday ingredients into a stunning main course. You don’t need a trip to a Chinese BBQ shop to enjoy this classic—it’s weeknight-friendly and perfect for both meal prep or weekend feasts.

Why You’ll Love This Char Siu Chicken

The flavors in this dish are deep and complex, but the preparation is incredibly straightforward. The marinade does most of the heavy lifting while the cooking process locks in flavor and caramelization. It’s a meal that feels special but doesn’t take hours of labor.

This Char Siu Chicken also stores beautifully, making it ideal for batch cooking. It reheats like a dream and can be repurposed into rice bowls, salads, or sandwiches. If you enjoy bold Asian flavors, this one will earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation.

What Cut of Chicken Should I Use for Char Siu?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the most forgiving and flavorful option. They soak up the marinade well and remain juicy after roasting or grilling. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut, but watch the cook time to avoid dryness. If you want to go traditional and don’t mind a little more prep, bone-in thighs or even drumsticks work wonderfully.

Ingredients for the Char Siu Chicken

This marinade is all about balance—a harmony of salty, sweet, savory, and aromatic. You likely have most of these staples already in your pantry.

• Chicken thighs
• Hoisin sauce
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Chinese five spice powder
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Red food coloring (optional for that iconic red hue)

Each of these ingredients plays a key role in recreating the signature flavor of Char Siu. Don’t skip the hoisin or five spice—they’re what give the chicken its deep BBQ flavor. Honey and soy bring sweetness and salt, while garlic and ginger add warmth and depth.

How To Make the Char Siu Chicken

Step 1: Make the Marinade

Whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, five spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red food coloring if using. Mix until fully combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet or roasting pan. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is caramelized and cooked through.

Step 4: Broil for Char

To get that authentic charred edge, switch to broil for the final 2-3 minutes. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve over rice, noodles, or steamed greens.

Serving and Storing Your Char Siu Chicken

This Char Siu Chicken feeds about 4 to 6 people, depending on sides and appetite. It’s best served hot from the oven with a drizzle of extra marinade or sauce on top. Leftovers are just as tasty, making it a great make-ahead dish.

Store any extra chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave to keep the meat tender.

What to Serve With Char Siu Chicken?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

A fluffy, fragrant base that soaks up all the extra sauce.

Stir-Fried Bok Choy

A light, garlicky green to balance the sweet richness of the chicken.

Chinese Cucumber Salad

Cool, crisp, and a perfect contrast to the sticky glaze.

Sesame Noodles

Tossed in a light soy and sesame dressing, these add another layer of savory flavor.

Pineapple Fried Rice

A tropical twist that pairs well with the tangy-sweet marinade.

Asian Slaw

Crunchy and vibrant, with a light vinegar dressing to cut the richness.

Scallion Pancakes

Savory and chewy, these make a great companion to this dish.

Egg Drop Soup

A comforting and mild option that rounds out the meal without overpowering.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re hooked on this Char Siu Chicken, try exploring more flavorful chicken creations like these:

• Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl for a cozy yet refreshing twist.
• Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms if you love creamy comfort food.
• Parmesan Crusted Chicken when you’re craving a crispy, golden crust.
• Chicken Biscuit Casserole for ultimate cozy vibes.
• Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl when you want something bold and protein-packed.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest chicken dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go all in on the red coloring? Did you grill it or bake it?

I love hearing how others bring these flavors to life. If you have questions, drop them below—let’s help each other cook better every day.

Explore more flavorful chicken dinners and health-boosting favorites on Janet Dishes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Char Siu Chicken is one of those dishes that manages to feel both exotic and totally familiar. It’s bold yet balanced, easy yet impressive. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

Try it once and you’ll understand why this classic Chinese BBQ favorite is a beloved favorite across kitchens worldwide.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?