Are you craving that mouthwatering, sticky-sweet glaze that makes Chinese BBQ so irresistible? The secret lies in the perfect char siu marinade! This incredible flavor base transforms ordinary chicken into a spectacular Asian-inspired feast that will have your family begging for seconds. Today, I’m sharing my favorite char siu chicken recipe that brings authentic Chinese BBQ flavors right to your kitchen with minimal effort but maximum flavor!
The Magic of Char Siu Marinade
The char siu marinade is truly the heart and soul of this dish. This sweet and savory mixture creates that signature red glaze we all love about Chinese BBQ. Traditional char siu uses pork, but I’ve discovered that chicken thighs work beautifully with this marinade too! The chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy, while still capturing that authentic taste that makes you feel like you’re dining at your favorite Chinatown restaurant.
The beauty of this char siu marinade lies in its perfect balance of ingredients. The hoisin sauce provides depth, soy sauce adds saltiness, honey brings sweetness, and the five-spice powder contributes that distinct Chinese flavor profile. When these elements come together, they create pure culinary magic that transforms ordinary chicken into something truly special.
Why You’ll Love This Char Siu Chicken Recipe
This recipe has quickly become one of my family’s favorites for so many reasons:
- Incredibly flavorful: The char siu marinade infuses the chicken with sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes that are simply irresistible.
- Easy preparation: Most of the work happens during marination, making this perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, in noodle bowls, or even stuffed in buns for an amazing sandwich.
- Impressive presentation: The gorgeous reddish-brown glaze makes this dish look like you spent hours in the kitchen!
- Make-ahead friendly: You can marinate the chicken overnight for even deeper flavor.
When I first tried this at home, the smell when this was in the oven was incredible!! My kitchen instantly transported me to the streets of Hong Kong, and I couldn’t wait to share this recipe with all of you.
Ingredients for Perfect Char Siu Chicken
For the star of the show – the char siu marinade:
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, but adds that authentic look)
For the chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Ziplock bag for marinating
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Wire rack
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
- Chicken: While thighs work best due to their higher fat content, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook them!
- Sweetener: Swap honey for maple syrup or even more brown sugar.
- Five spice powder: If you can’t find this, make your own with a mixture of cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns.
- Dry sherry: Apple juice or chicken broth can work in a pinch.
- Food coloring: This is completely optional! Traditional char siu gets its red color from red fermented bean curd, but food coloring is an easy alternative. For a natural approach, you can try a bit of beet powder.
Want to add some heat? A teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinade creates a delicious spicy variation!
How to Make Char Siu Chicken
Preparing the Marinade
- In a medium bowl, combine all marinade ingredients: hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, five spice powder, minced garlic, dry sherry, sesame oil, brown sugar, and red food coloring (if using).
- Whisk everything together until well combined and the sugar has dissolved. The marinade should have a thick, glossy consistency.
Marinating the Chicken
- Place chicken thighs in a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them.
- Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, then massage the marinade into the chicken to ensure even coating.
- Place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful your chicken will be!
- If possible, flip the bag occasionally to ensure even distribution of the marinade.
Cooking the Char Siu Chicken
- When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil (for easy cleanup) and place a wire rack on top. This elevation allows hot air to circulate around the chicken.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, but don’t discard the remaining sauce! Place chicken pieces on the wire rack.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, brushing with reserved marinade halfway through cooking.
- For the perfect finish, broil for the final 2-3 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and slightly charred in spots.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
What to Serve with Char Siu Chicken
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with so many sides! Here are my favorite serving suggestions:
- Steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried bok choy
- Sautéed mushrooms with a touch of soy sauce
- Cold sesame noodles with julienned vegetables
- In steamed bao buns with pickled vegetables and fresh herbs
- Alongside a refreshing cucumber salad
- With Mexican street corn for a delicious fusion meal
For a complete feast, serve with some hot and sour soup as a starter and white sheet cake for dessert!
Pro Tips for Perfect Char Siu Chicken
- Boneless thighs work best: They have enough fat to stay juicy while absorbing all that wonderful flavor.
- Don’t rush the marination: The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavor will penetrate.
- Save some marinade: Before adding raw chicken, set aside some marinade to use as a dipping sauce or to drizzle on rice.
- Watch carefully during broiling: That beautiful caramelization can quickly turn to burning if not monitored.
- Let it rest: Those 5 minutes of resting time might seem skippable, but they’re crucial for juicy chicken!
- Slice against the grain: For the most tender bite, cut chicken thighs against the muscle fibers.
Storage Instructions
This char siu chicken stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep!
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. You can also microwave, but the texture won’t be quite as good.
Pro tip: Slice before storing for easy reheating and quick additions to salads, stir-fries, or rice bowls!
The History Behind Char Siu
Char siu (叉烧) literally translates to “fork roasted” and originated in Cantonese cuisine. Traditionally, strips of seasoned pork are skewered with long forks and roasted over an open fire, creating that signature sweet exterior with juicy interior. The dish has evolved over centuries but maintains its status as one of the most beloved items in Chinese BBQ shops worldwide.
While my chicken version is a modern adaptation, it captures the essence of what makes char siu so special – that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors that have delighted generations of food lovers.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 chicken thigh with marinade):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 17g
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 680mg
Your Turn to Create!
I’d absolutely love to see your version of this char siu chicken! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and share your photos on Pinterest. Did you make any interesting tweaks to the marinade? Let me know how it turned out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this char siu marinade on other meats?
Absolutely! This marinade works wonderfully with pork tenderloin, beef short ribs, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Is char siu sauce the same as char siu marinade?
Char siu sauce is typically thicker and used as a glaze or dipping sauce, while the marinade is similar but formulated to penetrate the meat during marination. They share many ingredients but serve different purposes.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 370°F for about 15-18 minutes, brushing with marinade halfway through.
Why is my char siu not as red as restaurant versions?
Traditional Chinese BBQ shops often use red fermented bean curd or more food coloring than called for in home recipes. The color doesn’t affect the flavor, so don’t worry if yours is more burgundy than bright red!
How can I make this dish less sweet?
Simply reduce the honey and brown sugar by half for a more savory version.
Bringing Chinese BBQ Home
There’s something truly special about recreating restaurant favorites at home, and this char siu chicken does exactly that! With its irresistible sweet-savory glaze and tender, juicy meat, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. The char siu marinade is the real star here, transforming simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary.
Next time you’re craving Chinese BBQ, skip the takeout and give this recipe a try. I promise it’ll transport your taste buds straight to your favorite Chinatown restaurant!