Name: Delicious Char Siu Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs 3 tbsp hoisin sauce 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp honey 1 tbsp oyster sauce 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry 2 tsp sesame oil 1 tsp Chinese five spice powder 2 garlic cloves, minced; 0.5 tsp red food coloring (optional); 0.5 tsp white pepper 1 tbsp brown sugar

If you’re craving the sweet, smoky, and savory flavor of Chinese BBQ pork but want something a little quicker and made with easy-to-find ingredients, Char Siu Chicken is the answer. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a glossy, umami-packed sauce that caramelizes beautifully when roasted or grilled. The result? A sticky, irresistible dish with deep flavor and gorgeous color that works perfectly for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

What makes this dish shine is the marinade—a harmonious blend of hoisin, soy sauce, honey, Chinese five spice, and garlic. Each bite delivers layers of flavor, from slightly charred edges to sweet-savory richness. Serve it sliced over jasmine rice or wrapped in steamed buns for an elevated homemade takeout experience.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They soak up the marinade beautifully and stay tender during cooking. Chicken breasts can also be used, but keep an eye on cook time to avoid dryness.

Ingredients for the Char Siu Chicken

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
2 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp Chinese five spice powder
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp red food coloring (optional, for traditional red hue)
1/2 tsp white pepper
1 tbsp brown sugar

How To Make the Char Siu Chicken

Step 1: Make the Marinade

Whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, Chinese five spice, minced garlic, red food coloring (if using), white pepper, and brown sugar in a medium bowl.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour in the marinade and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the deepest flavor.

Step 3: Bake or Grill

Preheat oven to 400°F (or preheat a grill to medium-high heat). Remove chicken from marinade (reserving excess marinade) and arrange on a foil-lined baking sheet or grill. Bake for 25-30 minutes, basting with reserved marinade halfway through, until the chicken is caramelized and cooked through.

Step 4: Broil for Char

To get those irresistible charred edges, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or inside bao buns.

Serving and Storing This Flavorful Chicken

Char Siu Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It’s delicious sliced and served over jasmine or coconut rice with some stir-fried bok choy or steamed broccoli. It also makes a standout filling for bao buns, lettuce wraps, or even a bold addition to a salad bowl.

To store, place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months—just slice it first for easier reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but keep in mind that breasts cook faster and can dry out. Reduce the cooking time slightly and watch for doneness.

Do I need red food coloring?

Not at all! It’s optional and used mostly for aesthetic purposes to mimic traditional Char Siu’s red color.

Can I cook this in the air fryer?

Absolutely. Cook at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for doneness with a thermometer.

What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?

Dry sherry or even mirin works well. If you prefer non-alcoholic, try unsweetened apple juice with a dash of vinegar.

Is this dish spicy?

No, Char Siu Chicken is more sweet and savory than spicy. Feel free to add a bit of chili garlic sauce to the marinade if you want some heat.

Can I prep this ahead?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and even freeze it in the marinade for later use.

Want More Chicken Ideas with Asian Flair?

If Char Siu Chicken has you craving bold, comforting flavors, check out these favorites next:

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

And I’d love to hear how your Char Siu Chicken turned out! Did you grill or bake? Add any spicy twists? Share your experience or questions in the comments below.

You can find more daily recipes and flavor-packed ideas on my Pinterest page: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

Delicious Char Siu Chicken

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

Print Recipe

Description

Sweet, sticky, and savory, this Char Siu Chicken is a simplified version of the beloved Chinese BBQ pork—made with chicken thighs and a bold marinade that caramelizes beautifully. Perfect for rice bowls, bao buns, or meal prep.

Instructions

1. Whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, Chinese five spice, minced garlic, red food coloring (if using), white pepper, and brown sugar in a medium bowl.

2. Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour in the marinade and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

3. Preheat oven to 400°F or preheat grill to medium-high. Remove chicken from marinade (reserving marinade) and place on foil-lined baking sheet or grill.

4. Bake or grill for 25–30 minutes, basting halfway through with reserved marinade until chicken is fully cooked and caramelized.

5. For charred edges, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

6. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve hot.