Char Siu Chicken: A Deliciously Sweet and Savory Asian-Inspired Dish

Char Siu Chicken is a mouthwatering, Asian-inspired dish that’s packed with flavors that balance sweet, savory, and smoky notes. Char Siu, meaning “fork roasted,” is a popular Chinese BBQ technique where meat is marinated in a delicious mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder, then roasted or grilled to perfection. Traditionally made with pork, this version uses chicken to create a leaner, yet equally flavorful take on the classic.

The beauty of Char Siu Chicken lies in its vibrant, glossy red color and the irresistible flavor that comes from marinating the chicken in a combination of seasonings. The result is tender, juicy chicken that’s both sweet and savory with a hint of smokiness from the roasting process. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Paired with rice, vegetables, or noodles, it makes for a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Packed with Flavor

The marinade creates a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, making each bite of chicken incredibly tasty.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

With just a few ingredients and a bit of marinating time, this dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

3. Versatile

While it’s great with chicken, the marinade can also be used for other proteins like pork, beef, or tofu. You can customize it to suit your preferences.

4. Healthy Alternative

Using chicken breasts or thighs gives you a healthier, leaner alternative to traditional Char Siu pork without compromising on flavor.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly

The chicken can be marinated ahead of time and even grilled or roasted the next day, making it an excellent choice for busy schedules.

Ingredients

• Chicken (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks)
• Soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Honey or brown sugar
• Chinese five-spice powder
• Garlic (minced)
• Ginger (minced)
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Red food coloring (optional)

Variations

• Add Spice: For a spicy kick, add some chili paste, sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Use Pork: If you prefer the traditional Char Siu, you can substitute chicken with pork shoulder or pork belly.
• Grilled Char Siu: Grill the marinated chicken instead of roasting it for a smoky flavor and charred edges.
• Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or seitan as a substitute for the chicken for a vegetarian version of this dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey or brown sugar, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. If you want the iconic red color, you can add a few drops of red food coloring to the marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for more flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven or Grill

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if roasting, or prepare your grill for medium heat if grilling.

Step 4: Roast or Grill the Chicken

For roasting, place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Roast for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, brushing with extra marinade halfway through the cooking time for added flavor and color.

For grilling, cook the chicken over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side, basting with the marinade as you cook.

Step 5: Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and keep the meat tender.

Step 6: Serve

Slice the chicken into strips or serve whole. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Marinate Longer for More Flavor: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavor it will absorb. Aim for at least 1 hour, but overnight is best.
• Don’t Skip the Basting: Basting the chicken with the marinade while it cooks adds layers of flavor and ensures the chicken stays juicy.
• Use Bone-In or Skin-On Chicken for More Flavor: Bone-in, skin-on chicken will be more flavorful and tender, but you can use boneless, skinless chicken if preferred.
• Cook at the Right Temperature: Make sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

How to Serve

Char Siu Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even noodles for a complete meal. It’s also delicious in wraps, sandwiches, or served alongside a fresh salad. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds for a burst of flavor and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of water or extra marinade to keep it moist.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken after cooking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Char Siu Chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or marinade to keep it moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use skinless chicken, but the skin adds extra flavor and texture. Skin-on chicken will give you a juicier result.

2. How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better.

3. Can I use store-bought Char Siu sauce?

Yes, you can use pre-made Char Siu sauce instead of making your own marinade. It’s a time-saver, though homemade gives a fresher flavor.

4. Can I make Char Siu Chicken in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the marinated chicken in the slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours. Just be sure to brown the chicken in a skillet for a few minutes before adding it to the slow cooker for extra flavor.

5. Can I make this recipe with other meats?

Absolutely! While Char Siu Chicken is a great option, you can use the same marinade for pork, beef, or even tofu for a delicious variation.

6. Do I need to use food coloring?

Food coloring is optional. It gives the chicken its signature red color, but the flavor will be just as good without it.

7. What can I serve Char Siu Chicken with?

Char Siu Chicken pairs well with rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles. You can also serve it with a simple side salad for a lighter meal.

8. Can I cook the chicken on a grill?

Yes, grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor. Just baste the chicken with the marinade while grilling.

9. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken the night before and cook it the next day. It also reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.

10. How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?

You can adjust the sweetness by using more or less honey or brown sugar in the marinade, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

Char Siu Chicken is a delicious, flavorful dish that brings the tastes of Chinese BBQ to your kitchen. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose to serve it with rice, vegetables, or noodles, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With its sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, Char Siu Chicken is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves bold, tasty food.

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