Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken is a mouthwatering dish inspired by traditional Chinese barbecue pork, known as “Char Siu.” The recipe features tender, juicy chicken marinated in a flavorful mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and a blend of aromatic spices. After marinating, the chicken is either roasted or grilled to perfection, resulting in a beautifully caramelized and slightly smoky flavor that’s both savory and sweet. The tender texture and vibrant color of the chicken make it not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a perfect addition to any meal.

Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a special gathering, or just craving something flavorful, Char Siu Chicken is a simple yet elegant dish that brings the best of Chinese cooking to your table. The marinade can be made ahead of time, allowing for easy preparation and convenience, while the chicken itself cooks quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Served with rice, vegetables, or even in a wrap, this dish offers a versatile way to enjoy the delightful flavors of Char Siu.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Flavorful Marinade

The marinade for Char Siu Chicken combines hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors that penetrate the chicken, making it incredibly flavorful.

2. Quick and Easy

This recipe is quick to prepare with minimal active cooking time. Marinate the chicken, and then let it roast or grill while you focus on preparing other parts of your meal.

3. Juicy and Tender Chicken

The marinade ensures that the chicken stays juicy and tender, while the slow roasting process allows the flavors to intensify, creating the perfect texture.

4. Versatile Dish

Char Siu Chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or in a stir-fry. It can also be used in sandwiches, wraps, or salads for a quick lunch.

5. Impressive Presentation

With its glossy finish and rich red hue, this dish looks impressive on any dinner table. It’s a great option for family gatherings, parties, or a simple weeknight meal.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in or boneless)
• Hoisin sauce
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Chinese five-spice powder
• Rice vinegar
• Garlic (minced)
• Ginger (minced)
• Red food coloring (optional, for traditional Char Siu look)
• Sesame oil
• Spring onions (for garnish)

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with tofu or seitan for a plant-based alternative that still captures the sweet, savory flavor of Char Siu.
• Different Meat: While traditional Char Siu uses pork, you can use the same marinade for pork, beef, or even lamb for a twist on the classic recipe.
• Spicy Char Siu: Add a little chili paste or Sriracha to the marinade for an extra kick of heat.
• Char Siu Stir-fry: Once the chicken is cooked, slice it up and toss it with vegetables and noodles to make a quick and tasty stir-fry.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, Chinese five-spice powder, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. If you’re aiming for the traditional red color, add a few drops of red food coloring to the marinade. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for more intense flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven or Grill

• For Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
• For Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F or 190°C).

Step 4: Roast or Grill the Chicken

• For Oven: Place the marinated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra color and a slightly caramelized finish, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
• For Grill: Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the leftover marinade, until fully cooked and charred around the edges.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. Slice the chicken into thin strips or serve whole, depending on your preference.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish the chicken with chopped spring onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or any side of your choice.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Marinate for Longer Flavor: While 2 hours of marinating is sufficient, letting the chicken marinate overnight allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it even more flavorful.
• Use Bone-in Chicken: Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts will yield even more juicy and flavorful results, but boneless chicken works well too.
• Grill for Extra Smokiness: Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that enhances the dish, but oven-roasting works just as well if you don’t have a grill.
• Baste While Cooking: To keep the chicken moist and flavorful, baste it with the marinade every 10 minutes during roasting or grilling.
• Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking. Once the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), it’s done!

How to Serve

Char Siu Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple side salad. You can also serve it in wraps or tacos with fresh toppings like cilantro, cucumber, and a squeeze of lime. For a more traditional meal, serve it alongside Chinese broccoli or bok choy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Char Siu Chicken for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it in the oven or on the stovetop.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out.

2. Is Char Siu Chicken spicy?

Char Siu Chicken is not inherently spicy, but you can add chili paste or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy variation.

3. Can I make Char Siu Chicken without food coloring?

Yes, the food coloring is optional. It’s traditionally used for the vibrant red color, but it doesn’t affect the flavor.

4. Can I grill Char Siu Chicken instead of roasting it?

Yes, grilling adds a smoky flavor and works great with this recipe. Just make sure the grill is preheated, and baste the chicken with the marinade as it cooks.

5. What should I serve with Char Siu Chicken?

Char Siu Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even in wraps with fresh greens and a drizzle of hoisin sauce.

6. How do I make the chicken crispy on the outside?

For a crispy exterior, you can broil the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking or cook it on high heat in a grill pan.

7. How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal.

8. Can I use the marinade as a sauce?

You can! Just make sure to cook the marinade before using it as a sauce to eliminate any bacteria from the raw chicken.

9. Can I make Char Siu Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the chicken ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors will only improve the longer it sits.

10. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

Conclusion

Char Siu Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to. Whether you roast or grill it, this recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will leave you craving more. Easy to make, customizable, and versatile, Char Siu Chicken is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping for the week. Try it once, and it will surely become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

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