Char Siu Chicken
A delicious and family-friendly twist on traditional Chinese barbeque pork, featuring sweet and savory flavors from honey, soy, and oyster sauce.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs Tender and juicy, absorbs marinade well.
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce Adds depth and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce Enhances umami notes.
- 2 tablespoons honey Provides natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce Adds richness and depth.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar Balances sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Infuses flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder Provides aromatic signature taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil Rounds out flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil to create the marinade.
- Place chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag and pour half of the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Cooking
- Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, transfer the reserved marinade to a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to thicken.
- Brush the cooked chicken with the thickened marinade.
- Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes until caramelized.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Don’t skimp on marinating time to achieve authentic taste. Baking followed by broiling is essential for caramelization.