If you’re searching for the ultimate weeknight meal that feels restaurant-worthy yet is totally doable at home, Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken is about to be your new go-to. Each bite bursts with a complex balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes, hugging every morsel of chicken in that irresistible, glossy glaze. This recipe takes classic Chinese BBQ flavors and gently wraps them around succulent chicken thighs, delivering a homestyle dish that looks as gorgeous as it tastes. Whether you’re up for a taste of nostalgia or ready to wow the family with something new, this is the dish that’ll keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken is refreshingly approachable—each item brings something essential, whether that’s depth, a pop of sweetness, or a signature color. Gather these pantry staples and a few fresh accents, and you’ll have everything you need for a truly show-stopping dish.
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and soak up all the marinade goodness.
- Hoisin Sauce: The backbone of that glossy, tangy glaze—don’t skip it!
- Honey: Brings rich sweetness and helps the chicken caramelize beautifully in the oven.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness for the signature char siu flavor profile.
- Oyster Sauce: Delivers a hit of savory complexity that ties the marinade together.
- Shaoxing Wine (or Dry Sherry): For subtle floral notes and authentic Chinese BBQ taste—either one works!
- Brown Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps create those glistening edges.
- Sesame Oil: Adds nutty undertones and rounds out the texture of the marinade.
- Five-Spice Powder: The unmistakable aroma that makes this dish pop—warm, fragrant, and truly authentic.
- Garlic (Minced): Fresh garlic infuses the chicken with punchy, savory notes.
- Fresh Ginger (Grated): A little bit lifts the whole dish, delivering a hint of zing.
- Red Food Coloring (Optional): For the classic ruby-red char siu look—it’s optional, but so fun for presentation.
- Chopped Green Onions & Sesame Seeds (for garnish): Crisp, fresh, and nutty finishing touches that complete the dish.
How to Make Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), brown sugar, sesame oil, five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and a dash of red food coloring if you’re embracing the traditional char siu look. This marinade is where Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken starts its journey to flavorful perfection—take a moment to inhale the aromas and imagine the magic to come!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your chicken thighs into the marinade, rolling and turning each piece to ensure it’s thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and let it hang out in the fridge for at least 4 hours—or overnight if you have the patience (trust me, it’s worth the wait). The longer soak lets every fiber of chicken absorb those sweet, savory, and fragrant notes that define Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken.
Step 3: Arrange for Baking
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While things heat up, line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, then place a wire rack on top. This setup keeps the chicken elevated so hot air circulates evenly—crucial for that glorious juicy-meets-crispy finish that makes this dish truly unforgettable!
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the rack, letting any excess marinade drip off. Pop the tray in the oven and roast for 20 minutes. Then flip the chicken, baste with some of the reserved marinade, and roast for another 10–15 minutes. Don’t rush this part—watch for that signature caramelized edge and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For deeper caramelization, broil for just 2–3 minutes at the end.
Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Garnish
When the chicken is deeply bronzed and glossy, pull it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes—this keeps Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken even more succulent. Slice into thick strips, scatter over chopped green onions and sesame seeds, and get ready for applause at the table.
How to Serve Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken
Garnishes
A scattering of fresh green onions and toasty sesame seeds brings a lift of color and a gentle crunch to every serving. These fresh touches balance the rich, sweet glaze of Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken and transform each plate into a real feast for the eyes.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine rice is a classic side for soaking up all those extra juices, but don’t be afraid to serve this chicken with fluffy bao buns, crisp stir-fried bok choy, or a refreshing cucumber salad. The flavors of Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken complement a huge range of sides, so mix and match for every mood or occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond a simple platter—Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken is just as spectacular sliced over a salad, tucked into lettuce wraps, or layered inside a warm rice bowl with pickled veggies. You can even create mini char siu sliders for a fun party twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken keeps beautifully! Store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The glaze actually deepens in flavor overnight, making leftovers a treat all their own.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, simply freeze cooled chicken in portions using freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture—the vibrant taste of Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken holds up, and the glaze stays rich and sticky.
Reheating
To reheat, place chicken slices in a covered, oven-safe dish and warm at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. A splash of water or extra marinade helps keep things moist and tender—just be careful not to overcook, as you want to maintain all that juiciness!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work in this recipe if you prefer a leaner cut. Just watch your bake time and check for doneness early to keep your Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken from drying out.
Is red food coloring necessary for authentic flavor?
Not at all! The red color is purely for appearance—traditional char siu often uses it for that nostalgic, vibrant look, but skipping it makes no difference to the actual taste of Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken.
What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?
Dry sherry is a great substitute that’s widely available, or you can simply add a splash of chicken stock instead. Either way, your Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken will still deliver on flavor.
Can I grill instead of bake?
Definitely! For a smokier flavor, grill the marinated chicken over medium heat, turning occasionally until cooked through and slightly charred. Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken gets a beautifully authentic finish this way.
How should I use leftover char siu chicken?
It’s terrifically versatile—try tossing leftovers into fried rice, wrapping them in flatbreads, or slicing over noodles and salads for a quick, flavor-packed lunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about bringing Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken to your table—the sticky-sweet glaze, the tender chicken, and those vibrant colors just call out for sharing. If you’re looking to impress yourself or your favorite people with a dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Chinese BBQ spot, give this recipe a try. You’ll be savoring each bite and dreaming up your next round before the plates are even cleared!
Print
Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the succulent and flavorful taste of Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken right in your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add chicken thighs, coat well, and marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat oven to 400°F. Roast chicken on a wire rack for 20 minutes, flip, baste, and roast for another 10–15 minutes until cooked through.
- Final Touches: Optionally broil for caramelization. Rest, slice, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, grill instead of baking.
- You can use chicken breasts, adjusting cooking time.
- Red food coloring is optional for traditional look.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
