Name: Char Siu Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: PT-493423H30M19S
Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1/4 cup hoisin sauce; 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated; 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder; 1/2 teaspoon white pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring optional; 2 green onions sliced; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Juicy, glossy, and packed with that sweet-savory flavor people love in classic char siu, this Char Siu Chicken brings all the appeal of the takeout favorite into an easy homemade dinner. The marinade is rich with hoisin, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a touch of Chinese five spice, giving the chicken a deep color and caramelized edges that taste incredible straight from the oven.

What makes this version especially practical is that chicken cooks faster than traditional pork while still soaking up all that signature flavor. Serve it sliced over rice, tuck it into lettuce wraps, or pair it with crisp vegetables for a meal that feels bold, comforting, and completely worth repeating.

What Makes Char Siu Chicken So Delicious?

Char siu chicken stands out because it balances sweet, salty, savory, and aromatic flavors in one dish. Hoisin sauce gives the marinade body, soy sauce adds depth, honey brings shine and caramelization, and Chinese five spice adds that unmistakable warm flavor that makes the dish taste restaurant-style. Using chicken thighs keeps everything tender and juicy, while a quick baste near the end helps create that sticky finish.

If you like meals that taste complex without needing complicated steps, this is the kind of dinner to keep on rotation. It works well for weeknights, meal prep, or a casual dinner with friends when you want something that looks impressive but is easy to pull off.

Ingredients for the Char Siu Chicken

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon red food coloring, optional
2 green onions, sliced for garnish
1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish

How To Make the Char Siu Chicken

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, Chinese five spice, white pepper, and optional red food coloring until smooth.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Turn the chicken well so every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight will give the deepest flavor.

Step 3: Prep for Baking

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet or roasting pan with foil and place a wire rack on top if you have one. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Reserve a few tablespoons of marinade in a small saucepan only if it has not touched raw chicken, or make a fresh small batch for basting.

Step 4: Roast Until Glossy

Arrange the chicken in a single layer. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, depending on thickness, until the chicken is cooked through and the edges begin to darken.

Step 5: Baste for Extra Shine

Brush the tops with reserved sauce or a fresh bit of marinade mixture during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This helps build that sticky lacquered finish that makes char siu chicken so appealing.

Step 6: Broil Briefly

Switch the oven to broil for 2 to 4 minutes, watching closely, until the tops become slightly charred in spots and beautifully caramelized.

Step 7: Rest and Slice

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds, then serve warm.

How to Serve and Store Char Siu Chicken

Serve Char Siu Chicken over steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or fried rice for an easy dinner that feels complete. It is also excellent with stir-fried broccoli, bok choy, cucumber salad, or roasted green beans. For something lighter, slice it thin and serve it in lettuce cups or over shredded cabbage with extra sauce drizzled on top.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet with a splash of water to keep the chicken from drying out. You can also freeze cooked portions for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can. Chicken breast is leaner, so keep a close eye on the cooking time to avoid drying it out.

Do I need the red food coloring?

No, it is completely optional. It adds the traditional reddish look, but the flavor is still great without it.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 2 hours works well, but overnight gives the strongest flavor and the best overall result.

Can I grill Char Siu Chicken instead of baking it?

Yes. Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly charred.

What should I serve with Char Siu Chicken?

Rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, cucumber salad, or simple steamed greens all pair beautifully with it.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely. It reheats well and stays flavorful, which makes it a smart choice for lunches and easy dinners later in the week.

Want More Chicken Ideas?

If Char Siu Chicken earned a spot in your dinner rotation, you may want to try a few more comforting chicken favorites from Nina Dishes:

Marry Me Chicken when you want a creamy skillet dinner with rich flavor.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a quick stovetop option that feels extra cozy.
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles for an easy family-style meal with minimal cleanup.
Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken when you need a hands-off dinner idea.
Cajun White Chicken Chili for a hearty bowl packed with bold flavor.

📌 Save this Char Siu Chicken to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it whenever you need a flavorful chicken dinner that feels a little special.

And if you make it, share how it turned out for you. Did you bake it or grill it? Did you serve it over rice, noodles, or vegetables? Small changes can make a dish feel brand new, and it is always fun to hear how others bring their own style to the table.

For even more daily recipe inspiration, visit Nina Dishes on Pinterest.

Char Siu Chicken

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 40 minutes plus marinating
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Char Siu Chicken is a sweet-savory baked chicken dish with a glossy glaze, tender texture, and rich flavor from hoisin, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five spice. It is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but bold enough to feel like a special homemade takeout-style meal.

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, Chinese five spice, white pepper, and optional red food coloring until smooth.

2. Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

3. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top if available. Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer.

4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and beginning to caramelize around the edges.

5. Brush the chicken with extra sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking for a glossy finish.

6. Broil for 2 to 4 minutes, watching closely, until slightly charred in spots.

7. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.