Char Siu Chicken Recipe: Sweet & Savory Asian BBQ Chicken

August 13, 2025Maria

Introduction to Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken is a classic Chinese barbecue dish that’s beloved for its sticky, sweet, and savory flavor profile. The term “Char Siu” translates to “fork roast,” a reference to the traditional method of roasting meat on skewers over an open flame. Traditionally made with pork, this recipe adapts the technique for chicken, resulting in tender, juicy meat coated with a rich, flavorful glaze that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.

Whether served with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables, Char Siu Chicken is a versatile dish that works for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions. Its vibrant flavor and visually appealing glaze make it a showstopper that will impress anyone who tries it.

Why Is This Char Siu Chicken Recipe So Popular?

Char Siu Chicken has become a favorite for many home cooks and food enthusiasts due to several factors:

Authentic Flavor – It captures the essence of traditional Chinese barbecue, offering an authentic taste without requiring a professional kitchen or special equipment.
Sweet and Savory Combination – The marriage of sweet honey or sugar with soy sauce, garlic, and five-spice powder creates a complex, addictive flavor profile.
Versatility – Perfect as a main dish, in stir-fries, sandwiches, or even in fried rice.
Visual Appeal – The glossy, caramelized coating and vibrant red hue make it as attractive to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Adaptable Cooking Methods – Can be baked, grilled, or pan-seared, making it accessible for all types of home cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Char Siu Chicken Recipe

Tender and Juicy – Marinating the chicken ensures it stays moist and flavorful throughout cooking.
Bold, Flavorful Glaze – The combination of hoisin, soy, honey, and spices creates a deeply satisfying coating.
Simple Ingredients – Uses ingredients you can find in most grocery stores or Asian markets.
Quick and Easy Prep – With a marinade that works overnight or a few hours ahead, this dish is perfect for make-ahead dinners.
Adaptable to Any Meal – Serve over rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal, or use leftovers creatively in sandwiches or wraps.

Here’s What You’ll Need

For the Chicken

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Char Siu Marinade

3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for traditional color)

For Garnish (Optional)

Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

How to Make Char Siu Chicken

Now that your ingredients are ready, let’s create this flavorful, restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, and optional red food coloring. This thick, glossy marinade is what gives Char Siu Chicken its signature flavor and color.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken thighs or breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven or Grill

For oven-baked chicken, preheat to 400°F (200°C). For grilling, preheat to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Oven Method: Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange chicken on the rack, reserving leftover marinade. Bake for 20–25 minutes, brushing occasionally with reserved marinade, until the chicken is cooked through and caramelized.
Grill Method: Place chicken on the preheated grill and cook 5–7 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade until cooked through and slightly charred.

Step 5: Reduce Extra Marinade for Glaze

While the chicken cooks, pour remaining marinade into a small saucepan and simmer over low heat for 3–5 minutes until thickened. Brush over chicken for extra glossy finish and enhanced flavor.

Step 6: Serve

Slice the chicken and drizzle with any remaining glaze. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a visually appealing finish. Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Tips for Success:

Marinate Longer – For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
Use Thighs for Juiciness – Chicken thighs remain tender and flavorful compared to breasts.
Basting is Key – Brushing with marinade during cooking enhances flavor and helps caramelize the exterior.
Watch Cooking Time – Avoid overcooking; chicken should be juicy and tender.
Optional Red Food Coloring – Traditional Char Siu has a bright red hue, but flavor is unaffected if you skip it.

Equipment Needed:

Mixing bowl for marinade
Resealable bag or shallow dish for marinating
Baking sheet and wire rack or grill
Small saucepan for glaze
Whisk and brush for basting
Knife and cutting board

Variations of Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Pork Version – Substitute pork shoulder or tenderloin for a more traditional take.
Spicy Char Siu – Add chili paste or sriracha to the marinade for heat.
Air Fryer Char Siu – Cook marinated chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Sticky Char Siu Wings – Use chicken wings instead of thighs for a party appetizer.
Vegetarian Version – Marinate tofu or tempeh in Char Siu sauce for a plant-based twist.

Serving Suggestions for Char Siu Chicken

Serve over steamed jasmine or white rice for a classic pairing.
Pair with stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
Slice and add to fried rice or noodle bowls for a quick lunch.
Use leftovers in sandwiches, bao buns, or wraps for a fusion twist.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Marinate Time: 2–12 hours

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including marinade)

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 320
Protein: 35g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 15g

FAQs about Char Siu Chicken

Q: Can I make Char Siu Chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, marinate overnight and cook just before serving for the best flavor.

Q: Can I freeze Char Siu Chicken?
A: Yes, cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to maintain texture.

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but be cautious not to overcook, as breasts can dry out.

Q: Can I skip the red food coloring?
A: Absolutely. The flavor won’t be affected; the red hue is purely traditional.

Q: Can this be made on a stovetop only?
A: Yes, cook in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally and basting with the sauce.

Final Thoughts:

Char Siu Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings the taste of Chinese barbecue into your home kitchen. With its sweet, savory, and sticky glaze, tender chicken, and visually stunning presentation, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining guests, or special occasions. The balance of sweet and umami flavors, paired with easy cooking methods and versatile serving options, makes this recipe a must-try for any home cook who loves bold, authentic flavors.

Once you try this Char Siu Chicken recipe, it’s likely to become a staple in your dinner rotation — a delicious way to impress family and friends while enjoying the rich, traditional flavors of Chinese barbecue.