Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken is a delicious, flavorful Chinese-inspired dish with a rich, sweet, and savory marinade that takes your chicken to the next level. This dish is a variation of the classic Char Siu (Chinese BBQ pork), where tender chicken breasts or thighs are marinated in a delectable sauce and roasted to perfection. The result is a beautifully caramelized exterior with juicy, tender meat on the inside, making it perfect for any occasion.

This easy-to-make recipe combines ingredients like hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder, which create an irresistible flavor profile. Whether served with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables, Char Siu Chicken will be a hit at your next dinner or BBQ.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Deliciously Sweet and Savory Flavor

The combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder gives the chicken a perfect balance of sweetness and savoriness, creating a unique and tasty dish.

2. Easy to Make

This recipe requires minimal ingredients and is simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something flavorful with little effort.

3. Tender and Juicy Chicken

The marinade not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps it stay juicy and tender while cooking, ensuring each bite is succulent.

4. Versatile Garnishes

Char Siu Chicken can be customized with a variety of garnishes such as toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, giving it an extra touch of freshness and texture.

5. Great for Meal Prep

This dish can be made in advance, making it perfect for meal prep. Serve it over rice, in a wrap, or with stir-fried veggies for a quick and delicious meal throughout the week.

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Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sliced green onions, for garnish
• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Variations

• Use Chicken Thighs for More Flavor: While chicken breasts are a lean option, using bone-in chicken thighs will add more flavor and moisture to the dish.
• Grilled Char Siu Chicken: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken after marinating. The charred edges will enhance the flavor even more.
• Add Spice: For a spicier version, add some chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.
• Vegetarian Option: You can substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version. Marinate the tofu as you would the chicken for a plant-based alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry), sesame oil, minced garlic, five-spice powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 4: Roast the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting. Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 5: Baste with Marinade

During the last 10 minutes of cooking, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade to enhance the flavor and create a nice glaze on the chicken.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Marinate for Best Flavor: Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but for maximum flavor, marinate overnight.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can dry out. Keep an eye on the cooking time and check for doneness.
• Reserve Some Marinade for Basting: Don’t throw out all the marinade after marinating. Reserve some to baste the chicken while it’s roasting to keep it moist and flavorful.
• Serve with Rice: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Serve

Char Siu Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many side dishes. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles, or pair it with sautéed vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried rice for a complete Chinese-inspired dinner. For an extra touch, drizzle some of the reserved marinade over the chicken before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooked, leftover Char Siu Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze the chicken, place the cooked and cooled chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, you can warm the chicken in the microwave, but for the best texture, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until fully warmed.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Char Siu Chicken?

Yes, chicken breasts work fine, though they may be a little drier than chicken thighs. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.

2. Can I grill the Char Siu Chicken?

Yes, you can grill the chicken after marinating. The grill will add a delicious smoky flavor to the dish.

3. Can I make the marinade in advance?

Yes, the marinade can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

4. Can I use a different type of rice wine for the marinade?

Yes, if you don’t have Chinese rice wine, you can substitute it with dry sherry or white wine.

5. Can I use a store-bought hoisin sauce?

Yes, store-bought hoisin sauce works perfectly for this recipe.

6. Is Char Siu Chicken spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy. However, you can add chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade if you prefer some heat.

7. Can I use this marinade for other proteins?

Yes, the marinade works wonderfully with pork, beef, or tofu for different variations of Char Siu.

8. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Make sure to marinate the chicken well, and monitor the cooking time to avoid overcooking. Using thighs instead of breasts can also help keep the chicken juicy.

9. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken the night before and cook it when ready.

10. Can I serve Char Siu Chicken with noodles?

Yes, Char Siu Chicken pairs excellently with both rice and noodles. Try it with stir-fried noodles for an extra tasty meal.

Conclusion

Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful and versatile dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With a sweet and savory marinade, this dish brings together the delicious tastes of Chinese BBQ in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or at a special gathering, Char Siu Chicken will be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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