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–+ servings
Close-up of Char Siu Chicken served over steamed white rice with bok choy. Juicy, caramelized chicken thighs with a sweet, savory glaze make this easy Asian recipe perfect for a 30-minute dinner, meal prep, or healthy weeknight meal. Air fryer and oven-friendly.
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Char Siu Chicken

Inspired by the classic Chinese barbecue pork, Char Sui Chicken is sweet, savory, and smoky, quickly delivering bold flavors and a caramelized glaze using boneless chicken thighs. It's easy to prepare and lighter than traditional Char Siu, and perfect for meal prep or a tasty weeknight dinner.
Watch me make Char Siu Chicken 
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Meal Prep, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese, Taiwan
Keyword: 30 Minute Dinner, Air Fryer, Asian Dinners, Asian Recipes, Cheap Recipes, Chicken, Chicken Recipe, Easy, Easy Asian Recipe, Easy Recipes, Healthy, Healthy Asian Recipes, Meal Prep, Quick Recipes, Weeknight Dinner
Servings: 2 servings

Equipment

Ingredients

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

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 13g