Char Siu Chicken is a delicious and aromatic dish that brings the authentic flavors of Chinese cuisine right into your kitchen. Char Siu, which means “fork roasted,” traditionally refers to Cantonese-style barbecued pork. However, this chicken variation captures the same sweet, savory, and slightly smoky essence. The marinade, rich in hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice powder, infuses the chicken with an irresistible taste. The beautiful red hue from the food coloring or natural beet juice makes it visually appealing and instantly recognizable.
Char Siu Chicken is versatile, perfect for casual family dinners or more formal occasions. Serve it over steamed rice, with stir-fried vegetables, or as part of a larger Chinese feast. Its rich flavors and tender texture make it a favorite for all ages. This recipe allows for various substitutions and additions, making it easy to tailor to different dietary needs and preferences.
Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice wine, Chinese five-spice powder, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground white pepper, and red food coloring (if using).
Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
Bake the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Place the chicken on the wire rack. Bake for 25-30 minutes, basting with the reserved marinade halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and caramelized on the edges.
Finish and Serve:
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve over steamed rice or with your favorite sides.
Variations
Char Siu Pork:
Replace chicken thighs with pork shoulder or pork tenderloin for a more traditional char siu dish. Adjust cooking time accordingly, ensuring the pork is tender and juicy.
Spicy Char Siu Chicken:
Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili paste or sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Char Siu:
Use firm tofu or seitan in place of chicken. Marinate as directed and bake until crispy and caramelized.
Grilled Char Siu Chicken:
Instead of baking, grill the marinated chicken over medium heat, turning frequently and basting with the marinade, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Substitutions
Honey Substitute:
Use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey for a different sweetness profile.
Gluten-Free Option:
Replace soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Alcohol-Free Marinade:
Omit the Chinese rice wine or sherry and use apple juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar instead.
Natural Food Coloring:
For a natural red hue, use beet juice or pomegranate juice instead of artificial food coloring.
Conclusion
Char Siu Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that brings the essence of Chinese barbecue to your home. Its sweet and savory marinade, combined with the tender and juicy chicken, makes it a delightful meal for any occasion. This versatile recipe allows for various adaptations, ensuring it can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary preferences. Whether you stick to the traditional method or experiment with different variations and substitutions, Char Siu Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the rich flavors and beautiful presentation of this classic dish, and share it with family and friends for a memorable dining experience.