Irresistible Char Siu Chicken for Any Occasion

Introduction

Few dishes offer the bold, glistening flavor punch of Char Siu Chicken. With its sweet-salty glaze and signature mahogany hue, this Cantonese-inspired classic is irresistibly crowd-pleasing and remarkably easy to prepare at home. Whether you’re serving a family feast or prepping lunches for the week, Char Siu Chicken delivers a satisfying, restaurant-quality experience with minimal fuss.

Why Char Siu Chicken is Utterly Irresistible

What sets Char Siu Chicken apart is its blend of complex flavors: honeyed sweetness, umami depth, and a subtly smoky bite from classic Chinese barbecue sauce ingredients. The tender, juicy meat—coated in a sticky, caramelized glaze—makes it a main dish that never fails to impress. Versatile and quick to cook, it’s equally perfect on rice bowls, tucked into bao, or sliced over noodle salads.

Secrets to Flavorful, Gorgeous Char Siu Glaze

Achieving that eye-catching glaze comes down to the right marinade and simple technique. Traditional Char Siu relies on soy sauce, hoisin, honey, five spice, and a surge of garlic and ginger. For authentic color and flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours (overnight preferred), ensuring the sauce penetrates deeply.

A Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet, Black helps you achieve perfect caramelization when pan-searing or roasting, and the high-heat retention creates irresistible crispy edges.

Preparing and Cooking Char Siu Chicken

Start by prepping your chicken and whisking up the simple marinade. Use a reliable Lifewit Silverware Drawer Organizer, Expandable, Large, Black to keep all utensils and measuring spoons conveniently on hand—organization makes marinating and cooking smoother.

Whether you’re using boneless thighs or breasts, cut for maximum surface area, and soak in the luscious marinade. For perfectly even pieces, rely on a sturdy set of Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3.

To simplify cleanup after glazing and roasting, line your baking tray with a generous sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet. This prevents sticky sauces from burning onto your pan.

For an alternative fuss-free method, pop the marinated chicken in a COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey. The circulating hot air crisps the glaze beautifully while keeping the meat tender.

Serving Your Char Siu Chicken

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it over fluffy rice, in soft steamed buns, or alongside stir-fried veggies. For meal prep, keep extra portions fresh using Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup). This way, you’ll have delicious Char Siu Chicken at your fingertips all week.

Add sliced cucumbers, pickled veggies, or a scattering of scallions for freshness. A light drizzle of leftover sauce amplifies the flavor and visual appeal, making it a true centerpiece, no matter the occasion.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 servings, with each portion containing roughly 350–400 calories. The dish is rich in protein and flavor, and the glaze contains sugars for that lacquered finish, so enjoy as a satisfying centerpiece balanced by fresh or steamed sides.

Char Siu Chicken Recap

Char Siu Chicken earns its place as an unbeatable crowd-pleaser, boasting juicy meat and a flavor-packed glaze that’s impossible to resist. Impress guests, brighten family dinner, or create enviable lunches with this easy, restaurant-quality recipe!

Instructions

1. Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin, honey, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, five spice, garlic, ginger, white pepper, sesame oil, and food coloring (if using) in a bowl.
2. Pat chicken dry and trim off excess fat. Using a Bamboo Cutting Board, cut chicken into large, even pieces.
3. Place chicken in the marinade, toss to coat well, and cover. Marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight for richest flavor.
4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C), or preheat your COSORI Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Line a baking sheet with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper (for the oven), or use an air fryer basket with paper liner.
6. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving leftover sauce. Arrange chicken on prepared tray or in air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces.
7. Bake or air fry for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway. Halfway through, brush with reserved marinade for extra glaze. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C)—check with a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking for safety and juiciness.
8. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds, and serve hot on rice or in your favorite way.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating)