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If you are searching for a vibrant and flavor-packed way to enjoy chicken, this Char Siu Chicken Recipe will become your new obsession. Featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a symphony of sweet, savory, and aromatic spices, it delivers that unmistakable Chinese barbecued flavor right at home. The beautiful deep red glaze, caramelized and slightly charred edges, paired with the rich umami notes, make this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is key to getting the authentic taste, lush texture, and glossy appearance that define the perfect Char Siu Chicken Recipe. Each ingredient plays its own role, whether adding sweetness, a spicy kick, depth of flavor, or that signature color.
- 800 grams Chicken thighs, boneless skin-on: Provides tender meat with juicy richness when cooked.
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar: Adds caramel sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.
- 1 tsp Chinese five spices powder: The aromatic backbone combining star anise, cloves, cinnamon, fennel, and Sichuan peppercorn.
- ½ tsp White pepper powder: Delivers subtle heat and warmth without overwhelming the dish.
- 3 tbsp Hoisin sauce or oyster sauce: Brings savory depth and luscious umami complexity.
- 1 tbsp Shao Xing wine: A fragrant Chinese rice wine that enhances flavor layers.
- 1 tbsp Light soy sauce: For salty undertones and color, balancing all the flavors.
- 1 tsp Garlic, grated or paste: Offers pungent freshness that brightens the marinade.
- 1 tsp Ginger, finely grated or paste: Introduces a zesty warmth to complement the sweetness.
- 1 tsp Sesame oil or vegetable oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma enhancing texture.
- ½ tsp Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing overall taste.
- ½ tsp Red food coloring mixed with 1 tbsp water: Classic color that makes the chicken pop visually, optional but traditional.
- 1 tbsp Honey: For a glossy finish and balanced natural sweetness.
- 2 tbsp Water: To adjust glaze consistency for basting.
How to Make Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by combining all the marinade ingredients in a large bowl—brown sugar, Chinese five spices, white pepper, hoisin or oyster sauce, Shao Xing wine, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, salt, and the red food coloring mixture. Toss in the chicken thighs and ensure every piece is fully coated with the vibrant marinade. For the best flavor infusion, cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least two hours, or better yet, overnight. This resting time allows the chicken to absorb those complex, sweet, and aromatic notes.
Step 2: Air-Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to get it ready for cooking. Place the marinated chicken thighs inside and air-fry for 7 to 8 minutes, enough to start cooking through and entering that golden zone. Meanwhile, prepare a basting sauce by mixing leftover marinade with honey and water to a spreadable glaze. Brush the chicken with this luscious sauce, then continue air-frying until the thighs are cooked through and have developed that signature charred, sticky exterior.
Step 3: Oven-Bake for Finish
If you don’t have an air fryer or prefer a slightly different finish, preheat your oven instead. Bake the marinated chicken thighs for 10 to 12 minutes. Then brush generously with the prepared basting sauce. Return to the oven and bake just long enough to encourage caramelization and a beautifully glossy finish. This step locks in the bold flavors and juices, ensuring every bite is succulent and bursting with character.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
After cooking, allow the chicken to rest briefly on a cutting board to let the juices redistribute evenly. Then slice the thighs into bite-sized pieces, showcasing that vibrant mahogany glaze. Serve immediately with your favorite accompaniments and watch the smiles form around the table.
How to Serve Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
The best Char Siu Chicken Recipe deserves fresh, simple garnishes that highlight its richness. Sprinkle chopped scallions or coriander over the sliced chicken for a fresh herbal contrast. A scattering of toasted sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and nutty aroma. You can also serve with thinly sliced red chili for a bright pop of color and subtle heat.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the sweet, savory sauce perfectly. Alternatively, serve alongside garlic stir-fried greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli to add color and an earthy balance. For a more filling meal, steamed buns or fried noodles make wonderful partners, turning the dish into an all-star banquet.
Creative Ways to Present
You can turn this Char Siu Chicken Recipe into a showstopper by arranging it on a platter with sliced cucumbers and pickled vegetables. Try serving it as a hearty filling inside bao buns topped with crunchy slaw for a flavorful twist on the classic. Another fun idea is layering the chicken over a bed of fragrant fried rice with scrambled eggs and scallions for a satisfying one-plate wonder.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the cooked Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining its juicy texture and bold flavor. Before storing, allow the chicken to cool to room temperature to preserve its quality.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to one month. Wrap the pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. To enjoy again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best texture retention.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently to keep the chicken moist and tender. Warm it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes or microwave covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. A quick flash in a hot pan with a touch of oil also works wonderfully to restore that slightly caramelized texture.
FAQs
What cut of chicken is best for Char Siu Chicken Recipe?
Boneless skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe as they stay juicy and tender while cooking, and the skin crisps up beautifully to hold the marinade’s glaze.
Can I use other meats for Char Siu style cooking?
Absolutely! Pork shoulder or pork belly are traditional choices, but you can also experiment with beef or tofu for a different spin on the classic flavors.
Is the red food coloring necessary?
The red food coloring is mostly for visual appeal to mimic authentic char siu, but it’s completely optional and does not affect the taste.
How do I make the chicken extra sticky and caramelized?
Regularly basting the chicken with the marinade-based sauce while cooking and finishing under a grill or air fryer helps encourage that perfect sticky, caramelized finish.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Yes! Making the marinade in advance allows flavors to meld better. Just combine your marinade ingredients and store in the refrigerator until ready to use for marinating the chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Char Siu Chicken Recipe is a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures, perfect for anyone craving vibrant Asian-inspired cuisine at home. Once you’ve experienced the juicy, caramelized magic of this dish, it’s hard to go back. So, grab those simple ingredients, follow these steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special—your taste buds will thank you!
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Char Siu Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Char Siu Chicken recipe features juicy boneless skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of Chinese five-spice, hoisin sauce, and Shao Xing wine, then cooked to perfection using air-frying and oven baking methods. The chicken is glazed with honey and a leftover marinade-based sauce to achieve a deliciously charred and sticky finish, perfect served with rice and vegetables for an authentic Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and 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
Glaze and Basting
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 2 tbsp Water
- Leftover sauce from the chicken marinade
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, Chinese five spices powder, white pepper, hoisin or oyster sauce, Shao Xing wine, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, salt, and food coloring mixed with water. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the boneless skin-on chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Air-fry initial cooking: Preheat the air fryer. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket and cook for 7-8 minutes. This initial air frying cooks the chicken partially while starting the charred exterior.
- Apply basting sauce: Prepare the basting sauce by mixing honey, water, and some leftover marinade sauce. Brush this glaze generously over the chicken thighs while they are in the air fryer.
- Continue air-frying: Continue air-frying the chicken thighs until they are cooked through, charred, and sticky from the glaze, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
- Oven baking for finishing: Preheat the oven to a suitable temperature (around 190°C/375°F). Transfer the chicken to a baking tray and bake for 10-12 minutes. During baking, brush the chicken again with the basting sauce to enhance glaze and flavor. Bake until the chicken is fully cooked and beautifully glazed.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken thighs and serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor infusion.
- If you do not have food coloring, the marinade will still be flavorful but less visually vibrant.
- You can substitute Shao Xing wine with dry sherry if unavailable.
- Air-frying followed by oven baking ensures moist interior and crispy, charred exterior.
- Adjust salt in marinade as soy sauce already contains sodium.
