When you think of the perfect dish that combines sweet, savory, and a little bit of sticky happiness, char siu chicken comes to mind. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken marinated in a luscious sauce that makes your mouth water just thinking about it. savory chicken casserole The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making your taste buds dance with anticipation and your stomach growl like it’s auditioning for a role in a food documentary.
Growing up, char siu chicken was my family’s go-to dish for special occasions. It brought everyone together, filling our home with warmth and laughter as we devoured plate after plate. Whether it’s a sunny barbecue or a cozy family dinner, this dish never fails to impress and satisfy. spicy peach chicken recipe Trust me; once you try it, the flavors will have you dreaming of your next cooking adventure!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy char siu chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend feasts
- The vibrant colors and enticing aromas make every bite an experience
- You can grill or bake it based on your preference and available time
- Friends and family will be asking for seconds (and thirds)!
I remember one memorable evening when I served this to some friends; they were so captivated by the flavor that I had to remind them to chew!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These are juicier than breasts and soak up the marinade beautifully.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; trust me, garlic lovers rejoice! pesto shrimp pasta.
- Honey: It adds sweetness that balances perfectly with the soy sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
- Chinese Five Spice Powder: A magical mix that elevates the dish with aromatic complexity.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds brightness and tang; it’s like sunshine in your marinade.
- Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle adds nutty depth; it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
- Green Onions: For garnish, they add a fresh crunch that brightens each bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and Chinese five spice powder until well combined.
Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour half of the marinade over them, making sure they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
Preheat Your Grill or Oven: If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and perfectly caramelized edges.
Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Grill or bake until cooked through—about 6-8 minutes per side on the grill or 25-30 minutes in the oven—until juices run clear.
Glaze for Extra Flavor: Brush remaining marinade on chicken during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra layer of flavor that creates a beautiful glaze.
Serve Hot with Garnishes!: Once cooked through, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve garnished with chopped green onions and enjoy with rice or steamed vegetables!
Now you’re all set to wow yourself (and anyone lucky enough to share) with this flavorful char siu chicken! flavorful Greek gyros.
You Must Know
- Char siu chicken offers a savory, sweet flavor profile that’s simply irresistible
- The marinade creates a beautiful glaze on the chicken, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
- Don’t forget to let it marinate overnight for the best results!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve smokey sweetness, start by marinating your chicken overnight, then grill or roast until caramelized. This ensures even cooking and maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap honey for maple syrup in the marinade for a unique twist. You can also add sesame oil for an extra depth of flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover char siu chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. For more inspiration, check out this chicken and dumplings recipe recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly tender char siu chicken, use bone-in thighs instead of breasts; they stay juicier during cooking
- Always let your chicken rest after cooking so the juices redistribute evenly throughout the meat
- Finally, brush with extra marinade while grilling for added flavor!
One time, I made char siu chicken for my friends, and they devoured it faster than I could say “delicious.” It became their go-to dish whenever I hosted!
FAQ
What is char siu chicken?
Char siu chicken is a Chinese-style BBQ chicken glazed with a sweet marinade.
How long should I marinate char siu chicken?
Marinate char siu chicken for at least four hours, but overnight is best.
Can I grill char siu chicken indoors?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or broiler if grilling outdoors isn’t possible.
Char Siu Chicken: Sweet and Savory Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of char siu chicken, a Chinese BBQ favorite that combines sweet, savory, and sticky goodness. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a tantalizing blend of garlic, honey, and five-spice powder, then grilled or baked to perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish will have your friends and family coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp Chinese five spice powder
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1. Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and five spice powder.
- 2. Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag or bowl; pour half of the marinade over them. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.
- 3. Preheat: Heat your grill to medium-high or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 4. Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and discard leftover marinade. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side or bake for 25-30 minutes until juices run clear.
- 5. Glaze: Brush remaining marinade on the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking.
- 6. Serve: Let rest before slicing; garnish with green onions and serve with rice or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 140g)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For a unique twist, substitute honey with maple syrup in the marinade. Letting the chicken rest after cooking ensures juicy meat. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days; reheat at 350°F until warmed through.