Char Siu Chicken

Introduction

Char Siu Chicken brings the beloved flavors of classic Chinese barbecue to your kitchen, featuring sweet-savory notes, a smoky aroma, and a vibrant red glaze. Unlike traditional Char Siu made with pork, this version uses chicken for quicker cooking and a leaner profile, while still offering caramelized, sticky goodness that’s impossible to resist.

This crowd-pleasing recipe is both versatile and impressively simple, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or as the centerpiece for casual gatherings—delivering flavors that satisfy everyone’s cravings for takeout-inspired dishes.

The Irresistible Allure of Homemade Char Siu Chicken

This Char Siu Chicken stands out for its mouthwatering combination of honey, soy, and five-spice, balanced with a hint of garlic and ginger. You get juicy, tender chicken with a glossy finish and a delicate char that adds depth and complexity.

The homemade marinade seeps into every bite, and oven or air fryer cooking guarantees crisp edges and succulent meat. It’s a showstopper that delights the senses—served sliced over rice, tucked into bao, or enjoyed solo.

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

Traditional Char Siu relies on a rich, fragrant marinade. Whisk together hoisin sauce, honey, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese five-spice, crushed garlic, grated ginger, and a touch of red food coloring (optional, for that classic color).

For perfectly even chopping of aromatics, use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to breeze through your prep, ensuring every piece gets the same flavor punch.

Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best), allowing the flavors to deeply infuse, resulting in a more robust and authentic Char Siu experience.

Easy Cooking: Air Fryer or Oven Perfection

For no-fuss cooking with crispy edges, use the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1—it speeds things up while delivering caramelization and char without a grill. If using an oven, line your baking sheet with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

When the chicken hits your chosen heat source, baste it a couple of times with the reserved marinade. This step ensures a sticky, lacquered finish reminiscent of restaurant-style Char Siu.

Slicing & Serving Your Char Siu Chicken Masterpiece

Once rested, slice the chicken using a sharp knife. Present it over steaming jasmine rice, in fluffy bao buns, or with crisp pickled veggies for contrast. For meal-prep convenience, store cooled leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep them fresh and flavorsome all week long.

Garnish with finely sliced scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add visual interest and an extra pop of freshness.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 hearty servings. Per portion, expect approximately 300–350 calories, with a generous dose of protein, moderate fat, and a touch of natural sweetness from the glaze. Serve with rice and simple greens for a balanced meal.

Char Siu Chicken (Recap)

Char Siu Chicken instantly elevates any dinner with its iconic sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. With its vibrant red glaze and irresistible aroma, it’s a surefire way to delight family and friends—no takeout menu required.

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together hoisin, honey, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, five-spice, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, food coloring (if using), and rice wine.
2. Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour marinade over the chicken, toss to coat, and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
3. For air fryer: Preheat the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 to 375°F. Line the basket with Air Fryer Paper Liners and arrange chicken in a single layer. Cook for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting with leftover marinade, until chicken is caramelized and cooked through.
4. For oven: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. Bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping and basting midway, until sticky and charred at the edges.
5. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds. Store any leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 20–35 minutes
Total Time: 30–45 minutes (plus marination)