If you are craving a dish bursting with sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, you have to try this Char Siu Chicken Recipe. This classic Chinese-inspired dish features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a luscious blend of aromatic spices, hoisin sauce, and a touch of honey that caramelizes beautifully during cooking. It’s a perfect balance of rich color and irresistible flavor that brings restaurant-quality charm right to your own kitchen. Whether you air-fry or bake it, this Char Siu Chicken Recipe will quickly become a beloved staple for gatherings or simply spicing up your weekly dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Char Siu Chicken Recipe are wonderfully straightforward but every element plays a vital role in developing its signature taste and vibrant appearance. Together, they create a marinade that infuses the chicken with layers of flavor while keeping it moist and tender.
- Chicken thighs, 800 grams, boneless skin-on: Perfect for staying juicy and tender with a lovely caramelized surface.
- Brown sugar, 2 tbsp: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that beautiful char on the chicken skin.
- Chinese five spices powder, 1 tsp: Provides an aromatic blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, fennel, and Sichuan peppercorns for depth.
- White pepper powder, ½ tsp: Offers a subtle heat without overpowering the other flavors.
- Hoisin sauce or oyster sauce, 3 tbsp: Brings a rich umami quality essential to the classic Char Siu flavor.
- Shao Xing wine, 1 tbsp: Adds a distinct and slightly sweet complexity typical of Chinese cooking.
- Light soy sauce or regular soy sauce, 1 tbsp: Balances the sweetness with saltiness and depth.
- Garlic, 1 tsp grated or paste: Infuses a pungent, savory backbone to the marinade.
- Ginger, 1 tsp finely grated or paste: Offers a zesty freshness that complements the sweet and savory notes.
- Sesame oil or vegetable oil, 1 tsp: Adds a silky richness and aroma.
- Salt, ½ tsp or to taste: Enhances all the other flavors.
- Food coloring, ½ tsp mixed with 1 tbsp water: Provides that iconic red glaze typical of Char Siu chicken (optional but fun).
- Honey, 1 tbsp: Creates a sticky glaze while sealing in moisture and adding natural sweetness.
- Water, 2 tbsp: Used to balance the marinade and help dissolve ingredients.
How to Make Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining all the marinade ingredients in a large mixing bowl: brown sugar, Chinese five spices, white pepper, hoisin or oyster sauce, Shao Xing wine, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, salt, food coloring mixture, honey, and water. Whisk everything together until evenly blended. Add the boneless, skin-on chicken thighs and make sure each piece is thoroughly coated with the glorious marinade. Cover and let it sit for at least 2 hours, but for best results, leave it overnight so each bite is deeply infused with the sauce’s magic.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken – Air Fryer Method
Preheat the air fryer to around 180°C (350°F). Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer and cook for 7 to 8 minutes. Meanwhile, take the leftover marinade and brush it generously over the chicken. Continue air-frying until the thighs are cooked through and boast that signature charred, sticky glaze—this usually takes another 4 to 6 minutes. The air fryer crisps the edges beautifully while keeping the inside juicy, making it a speedy and fuss-free option.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken – Oven Method
If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking tray lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, then carefully brush with the reserved marinade. Return to the oven and roast until the chicken is cooked through, succulent, and the skin develops a caramelized sheen. This method is fantastic for even cooking and yields a gorgeous presentation.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute and prevents dryness. Slice the chicken into generous pieces to showcase the succulent interior and glossy exterior, ready to be served and admired.
How to Serve Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes like finely chopped spring onions, toasted sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro leaves can elevate the dish visually and add fresh bursts of flavor with every bite. These garnishes complement the rich umami taste of the chicken and add a lovely crunch or herbaceous finish.
Side Dishes
This Char Siu Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy fried rice to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce. For vegetables, think crunchy steamed bok choy, snap peas, or sautéed Chinese broccoli to contrast the meat’s richness with freshness and subtle bitterness.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests or simply switch things up, serve your Char Siu chicken over a bed of noodles tossed in a light soy and sesame dressing, or wrap slices in warm tortillas with crunchy slaw and cucumber for an Asian-inspired taco night. The sticky glaze and bold flavors of this dish lend themselves beautifully to fusion and creative plating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Char Siu chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days while retaining much of its flavor and tenderness, making it perfect for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
If you want to keep the deliciousness longer, freeze the cooked chicken in a tightly sealed freezer-safe container or bag. It stays good for up to 2 months, making it a convenient option for meal prep or last-minute dinners.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat so it stays juicy and the sauce remains glossy. Alternatively, microwave it covered with a damp paper towel for a minute or two, stirring halfway through. Avoid overheating to maintain that tender texture and caramelized exterior.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Char Siu Chicken Recipe?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they tend to be leaner and can dry out more easily. If using breasts, marinate thoroughly and cook carefully to avoid toughness. Thighs are generally preferred for their juiciness and texture with this recipe.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Shao Xing wine?
If you don’t have Shao Xing wine, dry sherry or a mild cooking wine works well as a substitute. You can also leave it out, but keep in mind it adds a subtle sweetness and depth that complements the marinade beautifully.
Is food coloring necessary for Char Siu chicken?
The food coloring is optional and mainly used to achieve the traditional bright red hue of Char Siu chicken. It does not affect the flavor, so feel free to skip it if you prefer a more natural appearance.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the marinade ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just stir well before using and marinate the chicken as directed for best results.
What’s the best way to get that sticky glaze on the chicken?
Brushing the chicken with the leftover marinade during cooking and finishing with honey helps develop that signature sticky and caramelized glaze. Using a high heat for the last few minutes also encourages beautiful browning without burning.
Final Thoughts
This Char Siu Chicken Recipe is an absolute knockout when you want a dish that feels both comforting and exciting. Its seamless blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors combined with juicy chicken makes it a meal you will come back to time and again. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be eager to show it off to friends and family—it’s simply too delicious to keep to yourself!
Print
Char Siu Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A flavorful Char Siu Chicken recipe featuring marinated boneless skin-on chicken thighs in a savory and sweet Chinese-style glaze. This recipe offers flexible cooking options using an air fryer or oven to achieve tender, juicy, and slightly charred chicken with a sticky honey glaze. Perfect served with rice and vegetables for a delicious Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 800 grams Chicken thighs, boneless skin-on
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar (or regular white sugar)
- 1 tsp Chinese five spices powder
- ½ tsp White pepper powder
- 3 tbsp Hoisin sauce or oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Shao Xing wine (Chinese cooking rice wine)
- 1 tbsp Light soy sauce or regular all-purpose soy sauce
- 1 tsp Garlic, grated or garlic paste
- 1 tsp Ginger, finely grated or ginger paste
- 1 tsp Sesame oil or vegetable oil
- ½ tsp Salt or to taste
- ½ tsp Food colouring mixed with 1 tbsp water
Basting Sauce
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 2 tbsp Water
- Leftover sauce from the chicken marinade
Instructions
- Marinating the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine all marinade ingredients thoroughly to create the marinade. Add the boneless skin-on chicken thighs and coat them well with the marinade. Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Air-Fryer Cooking Option: Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Place the marinated chicken thighs inside and air-fry for 7-8 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the basting sauce by mixing honey, water, and leftover marinade sauce. After the initial cooking, carefully brush the chicken with the basting sauce. Continue air-frying until the chicken is cooked through and has developed a charred, sticky glaze.
- Oven Cooking Option: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a baking tray. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Prepare the basting sauce by combining honey, water, and leftover marinade sauce. Brush the chicken pieces with the basting sauce midway or towards the end of baking. Continue baking until the chicken is fully cooked and nicely glazed with a slight caramelized finish.
- Serving: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. Slice into pieces and serve warm alongside steamed rice and your choice of vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight results in deeper flavor and juicier texture.
- Use food coloring if you want the traditional red Char Siu appearance; otherwise, it can be omitted.
- Adjust salt according to taste as soy sauce and hoisin can be salty.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, the oven method gives excellent results.
- Make sure to baste the chicken for that signature sticky glaze and charred edges.
- Boneless skin-on chicken thighs are preferred for tenderness and juiciness.
