The aroma of char siu chicken wafts through the air, enticing everyone in the vicinity to gather around. The sweet and savory glaze glistens on tender, juicy chicken pieces, promising a delightful explosion of flavor with each bite. savory chicken gyros.
Every time I make char siu chicken, it takes me back to my childhood when my family gathered for special occasions, eager to savor this dish. spicy peach chicken It’s the perfect centerpiece for gatherings and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone wanting more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Char siu chicken is simple to prepare, making it ideal for any home cook
- The sweet and smoky flavor profile is unforgettable and will leave your taste buds dancing
- Its vibrant appearance brightens up any dinner table, and it’s versatile enough to serve with rice or in a stir-fry
I remember one family dinner where my uncle proclaimed this dish as “life-changing.” The laughter and joy that followed made it an unforgettable evening.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Choose thighs for their juiciness and rich flavor; they hold up beautifully during cooking.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is a must; it adds a robust flavor that elevates the dish. For more inspiration, check out this creamy garlic parmesan pasta recipe.
Honey: Use pure honey for a natural sweetness that balances the savory elements perfectly. For more inspiration, check out this savory Mexican birria tacos recipe.
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness while still getting that umami punch.
Chinese Five Spice Powder: This spice blend adds warmth and complexity; don’t skip it!
Rice Vinegar: A splash of rice vinegar brings brightness and cuts through the richness of the dish.
Sesame Oil: A drizzle adds depth and an aromatic finish that makes your kitchen smell heavenly.
For the Sauce:
Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for its caramel notes that enhance the glaze’s sweetness.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions are perfect for garnish; they add a pop of color and freshness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Chicken: Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels; this helps achieve a nice sear later on. Season them lightly with salt.
Make the Marinade: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and Chinese five spice powder until combined. The aromas will make you swoon!
Marinate the Chicken: Place your chicken thighs in a resealable bag or bowl; pour marinade over them. Let them soak up those flavors in the fridge for at least 1 hour—overnight if you’re feeling fancy!
Preheat Your Grill or Oven: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease your grill grates or line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
Cook Until Perfectly Glazed: Grill or bake the chicken for about 25-30 minutes until caramelized and cooked through. Brush with leftover marinade during cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
Savor Every Bite!: Once done, let the chicken rest for five minutes before slicing. Serve garnished with chopped green onions—your taste buds will thank you!
Enjoying char siu chicken transports you straight into culinary heaven. Its sweet glaze and tender meat make it irresistible—trust me; you won’t want to share! creamy Swiss chicken casserole.
You Must Know
- Char siu chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience
- The sweet, savory aroma fills the kitchen, making it irresistible
- Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep and impressing guests with its vibrant color and flavor
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken overnight for maximum flavor absorption. Then, sear it on high heat before finishing in the oven. This ensures crispy skin and juicy meat.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different marinades or add spices like five-spice powder for an extra kick. You can even swap chicken for pork if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover char siu chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven to avoid drying it out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for safety and juiciness
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor, and don’t skip searing for that golden crust
- Choose fresh ingredients for the best taste and aroma
I still remember the first time I made char siu chicken for my friends; their faces lit up as they took their first bite, and I knew I’d found my culinary calling.
FAQ
What is char siu chicken?
Char siu chicken is a Chinese dish featuring grilled or roasted marinated chicken with a sweet-savory glaze. cheesy scalloped potatoes.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely! While pork is traditional, beef or tofu can also work well with this marinade.
How long do I need to marinate char siu chicken?
For best results, marinate your chicken for at least four hours or overnight if possible.
Char Siu Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Char siu chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that will transport you back to cherished family moments. Marinated for maximum flavor, this tender chicken is grilled or roasted to perfection, creating a beautifully caramelized glaze that delights the senses. Whether served at a gathering or as a comforting weeknight meal, char siu chicken is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp Chinese five spice powder
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt.
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and five spice powder.
- Place the chicken in a resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over it. Let marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease grill grates or line a baking sheet with foil.
- Cook the chicken for about 25-30 minutes until caramelized and cooked through, brushing with leftover marinade during cooking.
- Allow the chicken to rest for five minutes before slicing and serve garnished with chopped green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Roasting
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (113g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, marinate overnight. Feel free to substitute chicken with pork or tofu for different variations. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
