Char Siu Chicken Recipe

Char Siu Chicken is a mouthwatering, flavorful dish inspired by the classic Chinese Char Siu pork. This recipe uses boneless chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a rich, aromatic sauce made with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese rice wine, sesame oil, garlic, and a blend of spices. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a glossy, slightly sweet glaze and a touch of savory flavor that makes it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, Char Siu Chicken is a fantastic option that packs both flavor and simplicity into every bite. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even in a warm wrap. Let’s explore how you can create this delicious dish in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold and Savory Flavors

The combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil gives the chicken an irresistible depth of flavor that’s both savory and slightly sweet.

2. Simple Ingredients

You don’t need a long list of ingredients to make this recipe. The pantry-friendly items like soy sauce, honey, and garlic create an outstanding marinade that’s easy to make.

3. Quick to Prepare

Char Siu Chicken doesn’t require hours of marinating or complicated cooking techniques. It’s a simple and quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

4. Tender, Juicy Chicken

Marinating the chicken in this flavorful mixture ensures it stays moist and tender, while the glaze forms a delicious caramelized coating.

5. Versatile Dish

Serve Char Siu Chicken on its own, over rice, or in wraps. It’s a versatile dish that can be incorporated into a variety of meals for different occasions.

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Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sliced green onions, for garnish

Variations

• Spicy Char Siu Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the marinade to give the dish an extra spicy kick.
• Char Siu Pork: For a more traditional Char Siu experience, swap the chicken for pork tenderloin or pork shoulder.
• Char Siu Tofu: For a vegetarian version, use tofu as a protein base, marinating and baking it in the same sauce for a delicious meatless option.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry), sesame oil, minced garlic, five-spice powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the ingredients are fully mixed and the marinade is smooth.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the boneless chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill or Oven

If you’re grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

For grilling: Grill the marinated chicken on each side for 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is nicely caramelized. For baking: Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and has a golden, slightly charred finish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill or oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with your favorite sides.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will give you good results.
• Grilling Option: If you’re grilling, you can also brush the chicken with additional marinade while it’s cooking to enhance the flavor and glaze.
• Avoid Overcooking: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
• Customizing the Marinade: You can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or balance the flavors with a bit more soy sauce or sesame oil if needed.

How to Serve

Char Siu Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple Asian slaw for a complete meal. You can also slice the chicken and serve it in a wrap or lettuce cups for a lighter meal. For an extra boost of flavor, drizzle with some extra hoisin sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Char Siu Chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Freezing

Char Siu Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave for a quick option.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

While boneless, skinless chicken works best for this recipe, you can use bone-in chicken, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.

2. What if I don’t have Chinese rice wine?

You can substitute Chinese rice wine with dry sherry or even white wine if necessary.

3. Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe because they’re juicier, but you can also use chicken breasts.

4. Can I make this recipe without honey?

If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or omit it altogether for a more savory version.

5. Can I grill the chicken if it’s been marinated overnight?

Yes, marinating the chicken overnight can intensify the flavor. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before grilling.

6. What is five-spice powder?

Five-spice powder is a Chinese spice blend typically made from star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. It’s essential for this recipe’s flavor.

7. Can I make this dish with pork?

Yes, Char Siu is traditionally made with pork, so feel free to swap out the chicken for pork tenderloin or pork belly.

8. How do I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

To add some heat, you can include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.

9. Can I cook this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the marinated chicken in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours until it’s tender and juicy.

10. Can I serve Char Siu Chicken cold?

Yes, Char Siu Chicken can be enjoyed cold in salads or wraps for a refreshing and light meal.

Conclusion

Char Siu Chicken brings the bold flavors of Chinese barbecue into your kitchen with minimal effort. The sweet and savory marinade infuses the chicken with a rich taste, and whether you grill or bake it, the result is tender, juicy, and perfectly caramelized chicken. This recipe is not only quick and simple but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to serve it in many different ways. Whether paired with rice, vegetables, or wrapped in lettuce, Char Siu Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your home.

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