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.

Char Siu Chicken: 6 Easy Tips for Juicy Perfection

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

Scale

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

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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