Char Siu Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 3 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 drops red food coloring, optional
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- ½ cup steamed bok choy
Instructions
- Combine light soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, sugar, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, minced garlic, five-spice powder, water, salt, pepper, and, if you want that signature red hue, red food coloring in a bowl.
- Poke your chicken with a fork so they can soak up all the flavors, then let them marinate for at least 15 minutes…or overnight if you have the time!
- Take the chicken out of the marinade and cook in either an air fryer or an oven:
- Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 18 minutes, flipping halfway for even caramelization.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 18–20 minutes until charred and cooked through.
- Slice the chicken into thin strips and serve over a bowl of rice. Add steamed bok choy, or the vegetables of your choice on the side. It’s your food, you eat it how you like!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This Char Siu Chicken is a simple, yet incredibly flavorful dish inspired by the famous Chinese barbecue pork, Char Siu, one of my childhood favorites. I would always fight with my siblings on who got to eat the crispy edges, our favorite part! Char Siu Chicken uses boneless chicken thighs to deliver that same sweet, savory, and smoky bite with the same caramelized glaze. Not only is it easier to prepare than traditional Char Siu, but it’s also a lighter and healthier option. Cook it for dinner or meal-prep for delicious, protein-packed meals throughout the week!
A Quick & Easy Take on a Classic
Unlike traditional pork Char Siu, which requires long marination times and specialized roasting techniques, Char Sui Chicken is quick and easy. Chicken absorbs flavors much faster, in as little as 15 minutes while still achieving delicious results. I am using an air fryer today since it yields the best caramelization and is mess-free; however, don’t worry if you don’t have one, this recipe also works beautifully in an oven.
The Perfect Flavor Balance
Char Siu Chicken strikes the right balance between sweet, savory, smoky, and umami flavors. Combining light soy sauce and hoisin sauce brings a deep, salty richness, while honey and sugar creates the sticky, caramelized glaze. Five-spice powder and fresh garlic add warmth and complexity, rounding out the dish with a subtle aromatic kick. A splash of Shaoxing wine deepens the flavor, giving the chicken that restaurant-quality taste. While traditional Char Siu is known for its deep red color, a few drops of food coloring can be added for the classic look, though it’s entirely optional.
How to Serve Char Siu Chicken
One of the best things about Char Siu Chicken is its versatility. The classic way to enjoy it is over a steaming bowl of jasmine rice with a side of bok choy or any leafy green vegetable, letting the sauce soak into every bite. If you’re in the mood for noodles, toss the chicken slices over rice noodles or ramen for a satisfying meal. For a lighter option, wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb alternative. However you serve it, this dish brings bold flavors to any meal.
What to Serve it With
Char Siu Chicken is a fully satisfying comfort dish. Eat it alone or if you have a bigger dinner planned (or even better, a date!) feel free to add other dishes. Since the chicken is sweet and sticky, you could add dishes that have fresh, salty, or spicy elements to balance the flavor profiles.
