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Slices of glazed Chicken Char Siu on a plate with rice and bok choy

Chicken Char Siu

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A juicy and flavor-packed Chicken Char Siu Recipe featuring a sticky, sweet, and savory Cantonese glaze with hints of five-spice and honey.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating)
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey or maltose
1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
Optional: 1 tsp red fermented bean curd for color

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to create the marinade for your Chicken Char Siu Recipe.
Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss thoroughly until every piece is coated. Transfer to a container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire cooling rack on top.
Step 4: Place the marinated chicken on the wire rack, leaving space between pieces. Reserve the excess marinade in a small saucepan.
Step 5: Roast the chicken for 15 minutes. While it roasts, simmer the reserved marinade in the saucepan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until thickened into a glaze.
Step 6: Remove the chicken from the oven and generously brush the thickened glaze over each piece. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 7: For extra char, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Step 8: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain to serve.

Notes

Using a wire rack is essential to ensure the heat circulates and creates a charred exterior rather than boiling the meat in the sauce.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dishes & Sides
  • Cuisine: Cantonese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 thigh
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg