Name: Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 green onions, sliced; Sesame seeds for garnish

If you’ve ever wandered into a Chinese takeout spot and fallen in love with that sticky, sweet, and savory roasted meat called Char Siu, then you’re going to adore this Char Siu Chicken Recipe. It’s my go-to when I want all the fantastic flavors of traditional char siu pork but with a lighter, juicier twist that chicken thighs deliver perfectly. Trust me, you can whip this up on a weeknight or impress guests with an easy yet impressive dish.

What makes this Char Siu Chicken Recipe so special is how the marinade balances sweet honey, tangy hoisin sauce, the warmth of five-spice powder, and the zing of ginger and garlic. After marinating, the chicken bakes to juicy perfection with that irresistible glossy red finish. I’ll walk you through every step, including some of my favorite tips, so you nail it the first time—and keep it in your dinner rotation for good.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in such a harmonious blend that each bite feels like a little celebration of Chinese flavors. When shopping, look for fresh garlic and ginger, and pick a good quality hoisin sauce (it really makes a difference!).

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: I prefer thighs because they stay juicy and flavorful after roasting.
Soy sauce: Use a naturally brewed low-sodium soy sauce so the saltiness doesn’t overpower the dish.
Honey: Adds a beautiful sweetness and helps with that nice caramelized glaze.
Hoisin sauce: This is key for authenticity—grab a reputable brand for best flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced for that pungent kick that lifts the whole marinade.
Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a subtle warmth and brightness.
Chinese five-spice powder: The star seasoning—if you don’t have it, this recipe won’t be quite the same!
Vegetable oil: To help the marinade cling and keep the chicken moist.
Green onions: For freshness and garnish.
Sesame seeds: Adds a lovely nutty crunch and visual appeal.

Variations

While I mostly stick to this traditional recipe, I love experimenting with a few tweaks depending on what’s in my pantry or dietary needs. Feel free to make it your own.

Spicy Char Siu Chicken: I like adding a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce for a subtle heat kick that balances the sweetness.
Char Siu Chicken with Bell Peppers: Toss in sliced bell peppers before roasting to add some crunch and color.
Lower Sugar Version: Swap honey for a natural sweetener like maple syrup or reduce the amount; just balance with a bit more soy sauce.
Char Siu Chicken Skewers: Perfect for a BBQ or party, simply thread marinated chicken pieces on skewers and grill.

How to Make Char Siu Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Mix your magic marinade

Start by whisking together soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder in a bowl. I like to add vegetable oil last to help everything blend smoothly and coat the chicken evenly. Make sure it’s well combined so every bite is bursting with those classic Char Siu flavors.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

Place your chicken thigh pieces in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish and pour over the marinade. Seal it up and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better if you have the time. This step is a game-changer because it allows the flavors to deeply infuse and tenderize the chicken. I promise it’s worth the wait!

Step 3: Roast to perfection

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the marinated chicken pieces on a foil-lined baking sheet. To get that legendary caramelized finish, reserve some marinade and brush it on the chicken halfway through cooking. Roast for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn, but let those sugars work their magic!

How to Serve Char Siu Chicken Recipe

The image shows four pieces of cooked chicken thighs covered with a thick, shiny reddish-brown sauce, with some parts darker and slightly charred. The chicken pieces are placed on a white marbled surface covered with crinkled silver foil that has splatters of the same sauce around the pieces. The sauce looks sticky and glistening, highlighting the juicy texture of the chicken. Some areas have a darker caramelized glaze, adding depth to the color of the meat. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds right on top before serving. It adds a fresh pop of color and a bit of crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken. Sometimes I throw in a few cilantro leaves if I’m feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This Char Siu Chicken pairs like a dream with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to soak up all that luscious sauce. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried veggies or a simple cucumber salad to add brightness and balance to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I once turned this into char siu chicken lettuce wraps — simply pile the chicken on crisp lettuce leaves with shredded carrots and a drizzle of hoisin sauce. Everyone loved the fun and interactive vibe! You can even slice the chicken for a Char Siu chicken bao bun filling or add it to a noodle bowl for a hearty meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’ve found that the flavors actually deepen overnight, making it great to plan ahead for easy lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

This recipe freezes very well! I portion out cooked chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers. When sealed tightly, it keeps well for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra hoisin sauce to keep things moist. Microwave works too, but go slow and cover the dish so it doesn’t dry out. This keeps your chicken juicy—nobody wants chewy leftovers!

FAQs

Can I make Char Siu Chicken Recipe with chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You definitely can use chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that breasts are leaner and can dry out more quickly, so watch your cooking time closely and maybe reduce it by a few minutes. Marinating a bit longer can help keep the breast meat juicy.
Is Chinese five-spice powder necessary for this recipe?

While you could technically skip it, Chinese five-spice powder is what gives the Char Siu Chicken that signature warm, slightly licorice-like aroma that sets it apart. If you can’t find it, try to get a small jar from an Asian grocery or online—it’s worth it!
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

At minimum, marinate the chicken for 2 hours to get good flavor penetration. If possible, marinate overnight and you’ll notice the chicken is more tender and deeply infused with the marinade.
Can I grill Char Siu Chicken instead of roasting it?

Absolutely! Grilling adds a wonderful smoky note and char that works perfectly with Char Siu flavors. Just keep an eye on the chicken so it doesn’t burn, and baste with reserved marinade as it cooks.
What’s the best way to get that sticky glaze on Char Siu Chicken?

Brushing extra marinade on the chicken halfway through cooking and again just before it’s done helps build up a glossy, sticky coating. Don’t forget to reserve some marinade before marinating the chicken so you have plenty for basting!

Final Thoughts

This Char Siu Chicken Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s comforting, full of bold flavors, and somehow feels both special and approachable. I love sharing it with friends who say they usually steer clear of cooking Asian dishes at home—they’re always surprised by how easy and rewarding it is. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner or party showstopper!

Char Siu Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 149 reviews

This Char Siu Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder. The chicken is pan-fried to achieve a deliciously caramelized exterior and garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds, creating a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors reminiscent of traditional Chinese barbecue.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Chinese

Instructions

Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder until well combined.
Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thigh pieces into the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours, to let the flavors infuse.
Heat the pan: Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil, allowing it to heat until shimmering.
Cook the chicken: Remove chicken pieces from the marinade, reserving the excess marinade for basting. Add the chicken to the hot pan in a single layer, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Baste and caramelize: During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the reserved marinade over the chicken pieces to enhance the glaze and allow it to caramelize slightly, turning the chicken glossy and flavorful.
Garnish and serve: Transfer the cooked Char Siu chicken to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving warm with rice or steamed vegetables.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
Be careful not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even caramelization.
You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts, but thighs provide more moisture and flavor.
If you prefer a smokier flavor, cook the chicken under a broiler for a couple of minutes at the end.
Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt level.

Keywords: Char Siu Chicken, Chinese Chicken Recipe, Hoisin Chicken, Five-Spice Chicken, Easy Chinese Chicken, Stir Fry Chicken