I’m so excited to share my Char Siu Chicken recipe with you! This isn’t just dinner — it’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that make every bite unforgettable. Imagine juicy chicken thighs coated in a glossy, caramelized glaze, roasted to perfection, and finished with a burst of freshness from green onions. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
I still remember the first time I tasted char siu chicken at a local food festival — the aroma pulled me in before I even saw the stall. That first bite was magical: tender, juicy chicken with a glaze so flavorful that I knew I had to recreate it at home.
After many experiments, I’ve perfected a recipe that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a festive feast. The marinade is the star here — a mix of honey, soy sauce, Chinese five-spice, garlic, and rice vinegar that creates a balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. Once roasted, the chicken develops a beautiful caramelized crust that tastes just as good as restaurant-style char siu, maybe even better!
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something bold and flavorful, this char siu chicken recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
Description
This recipe delivers authentic char siu-inspired flavors while keeping things beginner-friendly. Here’s what makes it so special:
• Juicy Chicken Thighs → Perfectly tender and soak up all the flavors.
• Sweet & Savory Glaze → Honey and soy sauce create that irresistible glossy finish.
• Chinese Five-Spice → Adds warm, aromatic depth with notes of cinnamon, star anise, and cloves.
• Quick and Easy → Just marinate, roast, and enjoy.
• Versatile Serving Options → Pairs beautifully with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
It’s a dish that transforms a simple dinner into something that feels special — without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
For Garnish:
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
Directions
- Prepare the Marinade
• In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, five-spice powder, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
• Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. - Marinate the Chicken
• Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them evenly with the marinade.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for the best flavor). - Preheat the Oven
• Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready when the chicken goes in. - Roast the Chicken
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
• Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer, leaving space between pieces.
• Roast for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and caramelized on top. - Rest and Serve
• Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of freshness.
• Serve hot with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles.
Process Details
• Marinating Matters → Allowing the chicken to soak up the marinade overnight makes the flavors deeper and richer.
• Perfect Roasting → A hot oven ensures the chicken caramelizes beautifully without drying out.
• Balancing Flavors → The honey brings sweetness, the soy sauce adds savory depth, and the vinegar keeps everything bright.
Tips for Success
• Choose Thighs Over Breasts → Thighs stay juicier and are harder to overcook.
• Baste While Roasting → Spoon some leftover marinade over the chicken halfway through cooking for extra flavor.
• Make It Spicy → Add a teaspoon of chili paste to the marinade for a gentle kick.
• Meal-Prep Friendly → Double the recipe, roast extra, and enjoy flavorful leftovers all week.
Serving Ideas
• Classic Combo → Serve with steamed jasmine rice and sautéed bok choy.
• Noodle Bowl → Slice the chicken and toss it with lo mein or rice noodles.
• Asian-Inspired Salad → Pair chilled char siu chicken with fresh greens, cucumber, and sesame dressing.
• Fusion Tacos → Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for soft tortillas topped with pickled veggies.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: ~240
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Cholesterol: 90mg
My Char Siu Chicken recipe is the perfect mix of bold flavors, tenderness, and simplicity. Every bite delivers a balance of sweet, savory, and smoky notes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this recipe as much as I do. Once you try it, I promise it’ll earn a permanent spot on your weekly menu.
