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Char Siu Chicken

Freshly prepared char siu chicken on white plate

Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful Chinese-style roasted chicken marinated in a sweet and savory red glaze, perfect for a delicious dinner with a hint of smoky sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon red fermented tofu (mashed) or 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional for color)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, mashed red fermented tofu, minced garlic, five-spice powder, sesame oil, and white pepper to make the marinade.
  2. Place chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top.
  4. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the rack, reserving the leftover marinade.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes, then baste the chicken with the reserved marinade. Continue baking for another 10–15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.
  6. For extra caramelization, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  7. Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve with steamed rice and vegetables.

Notes

For an extra smoky flavor, try grilling the chicken instead of baking. Serve with pickled cucumbers or steamed bok choy for a balanced meal.