Char Siu Chicken – Sweet, Savory, and Unforgettable

Before we dive into the sticky, savory goodness of this recipe, I just want to pause and say thank you. Thank you for being here, for cooking along, and for sharing in the joy of discovering meals that warm the heart (and seriously wow the taste buds). Today, we’re diving into a classic inspired by Chinese BBQ—rich in flavor, vibrant in color, and easier to make than you might think: Char Siu Chicken.

It’s bold, it’s beautiful, and yes—it’s going to be a regular in your dinner rotation.

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What Is Char Siu Chicken?

Char Siu (叉烧) is a traditional Cantonese dish usually made with pork, but today, we’re putting a tasty twist on it by using juicy boneless chicken thighs instead. It’s marinated in a mix of hoisin, soy sauce, honey, five-spice, and a few simple aromatics, then roasted to perfection. The result? A tender, flavorful chicken with caramelized edges and an irresistible glaze.

Why You’ll Love This Char Siu Chicken

• Sweet, savory, and totally satisfying – Flavor in every bite!

• Oven-baked, not grilled – No special equipment needed.

• Meal prep superstar – Keeps well and tastes even better the next day.

• Better than takeout – Fresher, healthier, and just as addictive.

• Beautiful presentation – That rich glaze and bright garnishes? Stunning.

The Flavor Rundown

• Hoisin and soy sauce bring salty-sweet umami.

• Honey adds a sticky glaze and deep caramelized flavor.

• Five-spice powder adds warmth and complexity.

• Garlic and ginger give it that classic depth.

• Optional red food coloring gives that signature red hue—but the flavor shines without it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless 🍗

• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce 🍜

• 1/4 cup soy sauce 🍶

• 2 tbsp honey 🍯

• 1 tbsp Chinese five-spice powder 🌿

• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄

• 1 tbsp ginger, grated 🥢

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar 🍚

• 1/2 tsp red food coloring (optional) 🌈

• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional) 🌰

• Green onions, chopped for garnish (optional) 🌿

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl and whisk

• Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish for marinating

• Baking sheet + aluminum foil

• Wire rack

• Basting brush

• Sharp knife for slicing

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

• No hoisin? Use a mix of soy sauce and a little brown sugar.

• Want more spice? Add a dash of chili paste or sriracha to the marinade.

• Need it gluten-free? Swap soy sauce for tamari.

• No rice vinegar? Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar work fine!

Step-by-Step: How to Make Char Siu Chicken

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, five-spice, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and red food coloring (if using).

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag or dish. Pour the marinade over and make sure the chicken is well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavor. Totally worth the wait!

Step 3: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top—this helps the heat circulate for even roasting.

Step 4: Bake and Baste

Arrange chicken on the rack and reserve the marinade. Bake for 25–30 minutes, basting halfway through with the leftover marinade. The chicken should be glossy, sticky, and beautifully caramelized.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, Serve

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you like. Serve hot!

What to Serve with Char Siu Chicken

• Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice 🍚

• Garlic stir-fried greens (like bok choy or Chinese broccoli)

• Pickled cucumbers or Asian slaw for a crunchy side

• Stuff into bao buns or lettuce wraps for a fun twist

• Add to fried rice for the ultimate leftovers remix!

Tips for the Best Char Siu Chicken

• Don’t skip the marinating time. That’s where the magic happens.

• Use chicken thighs. They stay juicy and soak up the marinade perfectly.

• Bake on a rack. This allows the heat to crisp the edges and caramelize the glaze.

• Double the marinade. Use half to marinate, and the other half (set aside separately!) to baste or drizzle before serving.

Storage & Meal Prep

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze sliced chicken for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Gently warm in the oven or microwave. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the glaze.

• Meal prep tip: Add sliced Char Siu Chicken to rice bowls or wraps throughout the week!

General Info

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Marinating Time: 2 hours (or overnight)

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

• Calories: ~320 kcal per serving

• Servings: 4

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use red food coloring?
Not at all! It’s just for that classic color. The flavor is the same without it.

Can I grill this instead of baking?
Absolutely! Grill over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side, basting as it cooks.

Can I use chicken breasts?
You can, but thighs are juicier and more forgiving. If you do use breasts, watch the cook time closely to prevent drying out.

In Conclusion

Char Siu Chicken is one of those dishes that feels special, looks impressive, and tastes like it came straight from your favorite Chinese BBQ spot—but it’s made right at home. With that signature sweet-salty glaze, aromatic five-spice flair, and juicy roasted chicken, it’s bound to be a hit at your table.

Hungry for more? Don’t miss my Garlic Chili Seared Chicken Fillets or the Black Pepper Chicken—both fast, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep wins.

Show Off Your Char Siu! 📸

Did you try this recipe? I love seeing your kitchen creations!
Leave a review, pin it to Pinterest, or tag me in your photos online—let’s celebrate flavor together.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 14g

• Carbs: 16g

• Sugar: 10g

• Sodium: 750mg

Thanks so much for joining me in the kitchen today. Now grab that fork—because this Char Siu Chicken is calling your name. 🍗🔥