When you take a bite of char siu chicken, the sweet and savory flavors dance on your tongue, transporting you to a bustling street market in Hong Kong. flavorful Korean chicken bao The aroma of garlic, soy sauce, and five-spice fills the air, making it nearly impossible to resist.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What is char siu chicken?
- Can I use other meats for char siu?
- How long do I need to marinate char siu chicken?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I tried making char siu chicken at home; my kitchen smelled like a dream. My friends couldn’t believe I whipped up something so delicious and aromatic. comforting chicken and dumplings It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or just satisfying that craving for something truly special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This char siu chicken recipe brings incredible flavor with minimal effort
- You can easily adapt the marinade to suit your taste preferences
- Its vibrant color makes it a showstopper on any table
- Ideal for grilling or oven-roasting, it’s versatile enough for any occasion
I once had my family over for dinner when I decided to make this dish. cheesy broccoli rounds Their delighted faces as they devoured it were priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs are juicier than breasts and soak up the marinade beautifully.
- Fresh Ginger: Use fresh ginger for its zesty kick; powdered ginger just won’t cut it here.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic packs a flavorful punch that elevates the dish.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce so you can control the saltiness of your dish.
- Honey: This will add a delightful sweetness that balances out the savory elements.
- Five-Spice Powder: A key ingredient; it delivers that authentic char siu flavor profile.
- Pineapple Juice: Adds an unexpected fruity twist that enhances moisture and flavor.
- Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle brings a nutty richness that ties everything together.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Marinate the Chicken: Combine soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, five-spice powder, and pineapple juice in a bowl. Whisk until blended smoothly and pour over chicken thighs in a resealable bag.
Chill Out!: Seal the bag tightly and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Preheat Your Oven or Grill: If using an oven, set it to 375°F (190°C). For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat while waiting for those flavors to meld.
Sear It Right!: Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and sear each thigh in a hot skillet or on the grill until browned—about 5 minutes per side should do it! salsa verde chicken skillet.
Baste with Marinade: Brush reserved marinade onto chicken while cooking to create a sticky glaze. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve!: Let your char siu chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies to complete your culinary masterpiece! For more inspiration, check out this creamy chicken pasta recipe.
Enjoy every juicy bite while basking in glory as everyone raves about your new favorite recipe!
You Must Know
- Char siu chicken is not just delicious; it’s also a crowd-pleaser!
- The sweet and savory glaze creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen, making it the perfect dish for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least two hours; this infuses maximum flavor. Sear the chicken until golden brown, then finish cooking in the oven to ensure juicy tenderness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap honey for maple syrup, or add chili flakes for a kick. Customize with your favorite herbs to make the dish truly your own!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover char siu chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to retain its juicy goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure perfectly cooked char siu chicken, always check internal temperature; it should reach 165°F
- Letting it rest will enhance juiciness and flavor
- Pair with jasmine rice for a delightful meal!
Cooking char siu chicken always reminds me of my best friend’s birthday party, where everyone devoured it in seconds! They still ask me to make it every year.
FAQ
What is char siu chicken?
Char siu chicken is a Chinese-style barbecue dish known for its sweet and savory glaze. For more inspiration, check out this savory birria tacos recipe.
Can I use other meats for char siu?
Yes! You can use pork, beef, or even tofu as alternatives for char siu.
How long do I need to marinate char siu chicken?
Marinate for at least two hours or overnight for more intense flavor infusion.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Char Siu Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the irresistible taste of char siu chicken, a sweet and savory dish that captures the essence of Chinese street food. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a blend of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and five-spice powder. With minimal effort, you’ll create a dish that delights the senses and impresses your guests. Serve it alongside steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, five-spice powder, and pineapple juice.
- Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag and pour marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and sear each thigh in a hot skillet or on the grill for about 5 minutes per side until browned.
- Brush reserved marinade onto chicken while cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with rice or veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Oven roasting
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4 oz (113g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg