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Char Siu Chicken Recipe – Easy Sticky Sweet Homemade Dinner

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This easy char siu chicken recipe brings classic Chinese BBQ flavors to your kitchen with a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or gatherings, it’s fuss-free and packed with umami.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (regular or low-sodium)
  • 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Red food coloring (optional)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, brown sugar, Chinese five-spice powder, minced garlic, minced ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red food coloring if using. Whisk until smooth and glossy. Taste and adjust for sweetness or saltiness.
  2. Place chicken thighs in a large plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour in the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes, up to overnight. Flip or stir occasionally.
  3. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top. Spray or brush the rack with oil.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Arrange in a single layer on the rack or foil-lined pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, pour leftover marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken and kill bacteria.
  6. After 15 minutes, brush chicken generously with the reduced marinade. Return to oven and bake another 15-20 minutes, basting once more halfway through. Chicken should be sticky, glossy, and caramelized at the edges.
  7. Switch oven to broil. Broil chicken for 2-3 minutes, watching closely for deep caramelization.
  8. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Spoon extra sauce over the top and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate overnight. Always simmer leftover marinade before basting to ensure food safety. Broil at the end for caramelized edges. For gluten-free, use tamari and gluten-free hoisin. Chicken breasts or tofu can be substituted; adjust cooking time as needed. Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be reheated or frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: char siu chicken, Chinese BBQ chicken, sticky chicken, easy chicken dinner, oven char siu, meal prep chicken, sweet and savory chicken, Asian chicken recipe

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/char-siu-chicken-recipe-easy-sticky-sweet-homemade-dinner/