Char Siu Chicken: A Simple and Flavorful Recipe 2025

Char siu chicken is a delicious dish inspired by the classic Chinese barbecue pork, featuring tender chicken coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly sticky sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal with family. This blog post will guide you through the recipe, share practical tips, and suggest ways to serve it to make your meal stand out. Let’s get cooking!

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How to Make Char Siu Chicken

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook, plus marinating time. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Ingredients

Chicken thighs: 600g boneless, skinless (about 4-5 pieces)
Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons, low-sodium preferred
Hoisin sauce: 2 tablespoons
Honey: 2 tablespoons
Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
Chinese five-spice powder: 1 teaspoon
Red food coloring: 2-3 drops (optional, for traditional color)
Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
Rice: 2 cups long-grain (jasmine or basmati)
Green onions: 2, chopped, for garnish
Sesame seeds: 1 teaspoon, for garnish (optional)
Water: 3 cups (for cooking rice)

Steps

Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, Chinese five-spice powder, sesame oil, and red food coloring (if using). Add the chicken thighs, coat well, and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for best flavor.
Cook the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top.
Bake the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade). Place the thighs on the wire rack. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Make the glaze: While the chicken bakes, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until thickened. If too thick, add a tablespoon of water.
Glaze the chicken: Brush the chicken with the glaze during the last 5 minutes of baking. For extra shine, brush again after removing from the oven.
Serve: Slice the chicken into strips and serve over or beside the rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if using.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some practical tips to make your char siu chicken turn out perfectly.

Choose chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and absorb the marinade well. Chicken breasts work but may be less flavorful and slightly drier.
Marinate longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. If short on time, aim for at least 30 minutes.
Use a wire rack: Baking on a wire rack allows air to circulate, ensuring even cooking and a slightly crispy exterior.
Adjust sweetness: If the sauce is too sweet, reduce honey by 1 tablespoon and add an extra teaspoon of rice vinegar for balance.
Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge. You can also mix the marinade ingredients a day ahead.
Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

How to Serve Char Siu Chicken

Serving this dish thoughtfully can make it even more enjoyable.

Plate it neatly: Slice the chicken into thin strips and arrange over a bed of rice or beside it. Drizzle any extra glaze over the top and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for a colorful presentation.
Pair with sides: Steamed bok choy or stir-fried green beans with garlic complement the sweet-savory flavors. A cucumber salad with sesame oil and rice vinegar adds freshness.
Add a drink: A chilled iced green tea or sparkling water with lime pairs well with the bold sauce. A light beer or crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works for a bolder option.
Make it a meal: Serve with a small bowl of wonton soup or a side of stir-fried broccoli for a complete dinner.
Portion guide: Aim for 1 chicken thigh and ½ cup of cooked rice per person, paired with a small portion of vegetables for a balanced meal.

Storing and Reheating

Keep your leftovers fresh and tasty with these storage tips.

Storage: Store the chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days to maintain flavor and texture.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave for 1-2 minutes with a splash of water. Reheat rice with a damp paper towel over it for 1-2 minutes.
Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken (without rice) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Why This Recipe Works

Char siu chicken is a crowd-pleaser because it’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and versatile. The sweet, savory, and slightly sticky sauce pairs perfectly with juicy chicken, creating a dish that feels special but uses simple ingredients. You can adjust the marinade, add vegetables, or serve it with noodles instead of rice. With clear steps and pantry staples, this recipe is perfect for any home cook.

Enjoy making and savoring this char siu chicken! It’s a delicious, satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.