The sweet and savory aroma of char siu chicken wafts through the air, tickling your nostrils and making your mouth water. This delightful dish boasts tender, juicy chicken glazed with a glossy, sticky sauce that dances between sweet and umami flavors. Zesty Lemon Chicken Soup It’s like a culinary hug that promises to elevate any gathering into a feast of flavor.
When I first tried making char siu chicken at home, I was a bit skeptical. Would it taste as good as the restaurant version? Spoiler alert: it did, and my dinner guests were all praising my culinary skills. Refreshing Cucumber Chicken Salad Perfect for family dinners or a casual get-together with friends, this dish is sure to impress while keeping you in the kitchen for just the right amount of time.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This char siu chicken recipe is incredibly simple to prepare and requires minimal ingredients
- The balance of sweet and savory flavors makes every bite irresistible
- Its vibrant color and glaze make it a visual showstopper on your dinner table
- Enjoy it with rice or noodles, or toss it into salads and wraps for added versatility
I once served char siu chicken for my friend’s birthday, and they couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was! Flavorful Ground Chicken Caprese.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs provide more flavor and tenderness compared to breasts; they’re perfect for soaking up the marinade.
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when grilled or baked.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while still enjoying that umami kick.
Chinese Five Spice Powder: This aromatic blend gives the chicken its signature depth; don’t skip it!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the marinade with flavor; always opt for fresh over powdered.
Rice Vinegar: Provides acidity to balance out the sweetness; use it sparingly for best results.
Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle enhances flavor complexity; it’s worth having in your pantry.
For the Sauce:
Brown Sugar: Enhances the caramelized glaze on the chicken; feel free to adjust the sweetness level based on preference.
Green Onions (for garnish): Chopped green onions add freshness and color when serving; they’re also delicious!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
The Marinade Magic: In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and Chinese five spice powder. Whisk until smooth for an enticingly fragrant marinade.
Add Chicken Like You Mean It!: Place boneless chicken thighs into the marinade. Ensure each piece gets coated well; let them soak up those flavors like they’re at an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Time to Chill Out!: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight if you’re feeling adventurous. The longer you marinate, the tastier your chicken will be.
Grill It Up!: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (save that liquid!) and grill each thigh for about 6-7 minutes per side until beautifully charred and cooked through.
Create that Glaze!: In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring reserved marinade to a boil for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Brush this glaze onto grilled chicken during the last minute of cooking for added flavor.
Serve and Impress!: Once cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), remove from grill. Let rest briefly before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions for an irresistible presentation.
Enjoy your homemade char siu chicken! The sweet aroma will have everyone gathering around your table with excitement! For more inspiration, check out this chicken and dumplings recipe recipe.
You Must Know
- Char siu chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors
- The marinating process infuses the chicken with mouthwatering aromas, making it irresistible
- Its vibrant color and glistening glaze will impress anyone at your dinner table
- Ideal for meal prep and versatile in various dishes
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken overnight for maximum flavor, then grill or bake it until caramelized and juicy. Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap honey with maple syrup or add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best char siu chicken, use bone-in pieces for juiciness
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor absorption and always let it rest before slicing to keep juices intact
- Perfectly balanced sweetness enhances every bite!
Cooking this dish reminds me of my first attempt when my kitchen smelled like a five-star restaurant, and my friends devoured every last bite!
FAQ
What cut of chicken is best for char siu chicken?
Thighs are ideal for their moisture; breasts can dry out during cooking.
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Pork or tofu also work wonderfully with this marinade recipe.
How can I make char siu chicken less sweet?
Reduce the sugar in the marinade or add extra soy sauce for savory depth.
Char Siu Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Char siu chicken, with its tantalizing sweet and savory flavors, is a must-try dish perfect for any gathering. This easy-to-make recipe features juicy, marinated chicken thighs glazed to perfection, making each bite irresistible. Served hot off the grill and garnished with fresh green onions, this char siu chicken promises to impress your family and friends while elevating your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp Chinese five spice powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for glaze)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and Chinese five spice powder to create the marinade.
- Add chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, boil the reserved marinade for about 5 minutes until thickened. Brush this glaze on the grilled chicken during the last minute of cooking.
- Remove from grill and let rest briefly before slicing. Serve garnished with chopped green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: - For more depth of flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. - Substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. - For added heat, incorporate chili flakes into the marinade.