If you’ve been craving something bold, beautifully sticky, and oh-so-satisfying, Char Siu Chicken is your new weeknight hero. Whether you’re juggling back-to-back Zoom calls or wrangling hungry little humans before soccer practice, this recipe brings that irresistible takeout flavor right to your kitchen—with minimal fuss and a whole lot of flavor.
Char Siu Chicken isn’t just delicious, it’s comforting. That signature sweet-meets-savory glaze, a whisper of warm spice, and the deep umami of hoisin and soy—it’s like giving your taste buds a bear hug. And the best part? You don’t need a culinary degree or a wok the size of Texas to make it.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Char Siu Chicken
Let’s get real: life is hectic, and dinner shouldn’t be another stressor. This Char Siu Chicken recipe is:
- ✅ Bursting with sweet and savory flavor
- ✅ Easy to prep ahead (hello, marinade magic!)
- ✅ A total crowd-pleaser—even the picky eaters will ask for seconds
- ✅ Versatile: serve it with rice, noodles, or tucked into lettuce wraps
Think of it as your low-effort, high-reward solution for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting and want to impress without the culinary drama.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Char Siu Marinade:
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional, but fun for that classic look)
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (boneless is fine too, just watch the cook time)
Optional Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the five-spice powder—it’s what gives Char Siu that unforgettable, slightly smoky flavor that sets it apart.
How to Make Char Siu Chicken at Home
1. Mix Up the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients until smooth and glossy. The red food coloring is totally optional, but if you want that authentic look that mimics traditional Chinese BBQ pork, go for it!
2. Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and pop it in the fridge for 2-3 hours. Got time to marinate overnight? Even better. More soak time = more flavor.
3. Fire Up the Heat
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 375°F. Either method works—choose what fits your vibe or what the weather will allow!
4. Cook That Chicken
If Grilling:
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with leftover marinade. Look for a deep caramelized crust—that’s the gold standard.
If Roasting:
Place chicken on a lined baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, basting once or twice with the reserved marinade. The goal? Golden, glossy, and fully cooked (165°F internal temp).
5. Serve and Garnish
Slice the chicken and top with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds for that final flourish. Serve hot with jasmine rice, stir-fried veggies, or tucked into bao buns for a fun twist.
Kitchen Tips from Aneta’s Chicken-Crazed Brain
- No rice wine? A splash of dry sherry or even apple juice works in a pinch.
- Too pressed for time to marinate? A 30-minute quick soak still packs in plenty of flavor.
- Want it saucier? Double the marinade and reserve half for a simmered dipping sauce (just bring it to a full boil before serving).
And if your marinade gets a little thick while cooking? Don’t sweat it. That stickiness is pure flavor gold.
From My Kitchen to Yours
I first made this Char Siu Chicken during a “what’s-for-dinner” panic moment that involved three hungry kids, no clean pots, and half a bottle of hoisin sauce. A quick mix, a splash of wine (in the marinade and my glass), and the result? Clean plates, happy faces, and a new weeknight favorite.
Now it’s a recipe I whip out whenever I need to feel like a kitchen rockstar without breaking a sweat.
FAQs About Char Siu Chicken
What is Char Siu Chicken?
Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful twist on the classic Cantonese BBQ pork dish, char siu. Instead of pork, we use chicken (because, well, it’s Chicken Magic around here!). It’s marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled or roasted to caramelized perfection. Think sticky, saucy, and packed with umami.
What is char siu made of?
Traditionally, char siu is made with pork shoulder, marinated in a mix of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, five-spice powder, and sometimes red fermented bean curd for that signature color and depth. In this chicken version, we stick to the same flavor base—with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
What is char siu meaning?
“Char siu” literally translates to “fork roasted” in Cantonese. It refers to the traditional method of skewering seasoned meat on long forks and roasting it over an open flame. While we’re skipping the fire pit here, we’re definitely keeping the bold, authentic flavor.
What does char siu taste like?
Imagine sweet, salty, garlicky, slightly smoky, and deeply savory all at once. It has a hint of spice from five-spice powder and a glossy glaze that’s downright addictive. It’s the kind of flavor that makes you sneak a bite straight from the baking sheet—no judgment here.
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead?
Absolutely. Just reduce the cook time to about 18–22 minutes and keep a close eye to avoid overcooking—they can dry out faster than thighs.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven—it’s just as delicious the next day!
Can I freeze Char Siu Chicken ?
Yes! You can freeze the marinated raw chicken or cooked leftovers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking or reheating.
The Takeaway
Char Siu Chicken brings big, bold flavor with minimal effort—a total win when you’re short on time but still want to serve something amazing. The sweet, savory glaze paired with juicy chicken is basically a flavor party that no one wants to leave.
Try it once, and this dish might just earn a regular spot in your weeknight rotation. And if it becomes the most-requested meal in your household like it did in mine? Well… you’ve been warned. 😉
Ready to turn your dinner table into a takeout-worthy masterpiece? Grab that hoisin sauce and let’s make some magic.
Explore More Flavor-Packed Chicken Favorites
If you’re as obsessed with the sweet-savory magic of Char Siu Chicken as we are, you’re in for a treat. There’s a whole world of bold, vibrant chicken recipes waiting for you here on Chicken Magic Recipes. Whether you’re craving something tropical, tangy, or spicy, these handpicked dishes will take your weeknight meals to the next level:
- Add a spicy-sweet twist to your dinner rotation with the addictive flavors of this Sweet Chili Chicken Marinade. It’s perfect for grilling or baking and pairs beautifully with rice or wraps.
- Take your taste buds on a tropical escape with this juicy and flavorful Grilled Teriyaki Chicken. It’s another sticky-sweet favorite that fans of Char Siu Chicken will absolutely love.
- For a comforting twist on island flavors, try this crowd-pleasing Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken. It’s tender, savory, and a breeze to prepare—even on busy weeknights.
- Craving something with a fiery edge? The bold and citrusy heat in this Spicy Honey Lime Chicken delivers all the punch without the fuss. A great follow-up if you loved Char Siu’s zesty glaze.
Each recipe is crafted with the same love and flavor-forward mindset as our Char Siu Chicken, so you can keep dinnertime exciting and stress-free. Hungry for more? You’re always welcome at the Chicken Magic table.
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Char Siu Chicken
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Char Siu Chicken is sticky, sweet, and savory with a mouthwatering hoisin-honey glaze. Grilled or oven-roasted, it’s an easy dinner packed with bold Cantonese-inspired flavor. Perfect for serving over rice with your favorite greens.
Ingredients
For the Char Siu Marinade:
¼ cup hoisin sauce
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional, for authentic color)
For the Chicken:
4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless if preferred)
Optional Garnish:
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Instructions
Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice wine, oyster sauce, five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, and food coloring (if using).Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken in a resealable bag or dish, pour in the marinade, seal or cover, and refrigerate for 2–3 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor).Cook the Chicken:
Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with marinade until internal temp reaches 165°F.
Oven Roasting: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, basting once or twice, until fully cooked.
Serve:
Let the chicken rest briefly. Slice, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Notes
If you don’t have Chinese rice wine, dry sherry or apple juice are great substitutes.
For a saucier version, double the marinade and boil the reserved half to use as a dipping sauce.
Boneless thighs or breasts work well too—just reduce the cook time slightly.
Red food coloring is optional and purely for aesthetics.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with marinade
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg