Char Siu Chicken: A Quick and Flavorful Dinner Recipe

Introduction

Char Siu Chicken is a delicious and quick dinner option that delivers bold, savory flavors with a hint of sweetness. This dish features tender chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant mixture of soy sauce, honey, hoisin, and Chinese five-spice. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it pairs beautifully with steamed rice and garnishes.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for 15 minutes.
3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 425°F.
4. Step 4: Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
5. Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish the Char Siu Chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator to deepen the taste.
• Try adding a dash of red food coloring or paprika for the traditional Char Siu bright red color.
• Substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs remain juicier and more tender.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or in a wrap for a versatile meal.

Storage

Store leftover Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind that thighs stay more moist and flavorful when cooked this way.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken from 15 minutes up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the stronger the flavor will be.

Char Siu Chicken: A Quick and Flavorful Dinner Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 52 reviews

Char Siu Chicken offers a quick and flavorful dinner option featuring tender, marinated chicken thighs infused with a classic combination of soy sauce, honey, hoisin, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder. This recipe balances sweet and savory notes and is finished with a perfect oven bake for juicy, caramelized results, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 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

Cooking

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Garnish

• 2 green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder until well combined, creating a flavorful marinade base.
2. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thigh pieces to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
3. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken after searing.
4. Sear the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, searing them until they achieve a light brown color that locks in juiciness.
5. Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the marinade thickens into a sticky glaze.
6. Finish and garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven carefully. Sprinkle the cooked Char Siu Chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds to add color and texture.
7. Serve: Plate the chicken immediately, ideally over steamed rice, to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors and textures.

Notes

• For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator before cooking.
• If an oven-safe skillet is not available, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish before placing in the oven.
• Adjust the cooking time if using chicken breast pieces, as they may cook faster and become dry.
• Steamed rice pairs perfectly with this dish to balance the rich flavors.

Keywords: Char Siu Chicken, Chinese Chicken Recipe, Oven Baked Chicken, Easy Dinner, Honey Garlic Chicken, Hoisin Sauce Chicken