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+ servings
Char Siu Chicken

Savory Char Siu Chicken: Your New Favorite Weeknight Hero

Indulge in flavorful Char Siu Chicken, marinated in hoisin and soy sauce, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 4 pieces
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cantonese
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1/2 cup Hoisin Sauce Essential for authentic Char Siu flavor
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Swap with tamari for gluten-free
  • 1/4 cup Oyster Sauce Enhances savory complexity
  • 2 tbsp Honey Natural sweetness for caramelization
  • 2 tbsp Shaoxing Wine Can substitute with dry sherry
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Oil Adds nutty flavor
  • 1 tbsp Five-Spice Powder Adjust to personal taste
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar Brings sweetness and color
  • 4 cloves Garlic (Minced) Fresh is best
  • 1 tbsp Ginger (Grated) Fresh preferred but ground can work
  • 1 drop Red Food Coloring (optional) For visual appeal
For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs Tender, boneless pieces ideal for soaking up the marinade

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking tray
  • Wire rack
  • Aluminum Foil
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, five-spice powder, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional red food coloring. Whisk everything together until thoroughly blended and smooth.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
  3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare the baking tray and wire rack.
  4. Set Up for Baking: Line a baking tray with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top and arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the rack, spaced apart.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  6. Baste for a Glossy Finish: Every 10 minutes, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade for a sticky finish.
  7. Broil for Extra Char: In the final 5 minutes of baking, switch to broil for a charred exterior.
  8. Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, slice into strips, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allow the chicken to marinate overnight for maximum flavor. Baste regularly during baking for a glossy finish. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe temperature.

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