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Irresistible Char Siu Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 135 reviews

This Irresistible Char Siu Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and aromatic five-spice powder. Baked to perfection, the chicken boasts a sticky, caramelized glaze with sweet and savory notes, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trim any excess fat for better caramelization)

Marinade

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (regular or light)
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey (warmed slightly)
  • 1 tbsp packed brown sugar (dark or light)
  • 1 tbsp rice wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 tsp five-spice powder
  • 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger

Instructions

  1. Mix the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice wine, five-spice powder, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger until smooth and shiny. Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness as desired.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry to help the marinade stick. Place them in the marinade and massage thoroughly so each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deep flavor.
  3. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top to allow air circulation beneath the chicken.
  4. Bake and baste: Arrange marinated chicken thighs on the rack without touching. Bake for 15 minutes, then spoon some of the marinade pooling on the sheet over the chicken to build flavor layers. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is sticky and caramelized.
  5. Rest the chicken: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy bites.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken dry before marinating improves glaze adhesion and caramelization.
  • Using a wire rack helps even cooking by allowing air circulation around the chicken.
  • Adjust honey and soy sauce levels in the marinade according to your preferred balance of sweetness and saltiness.
  • Letting the chicken marinate overnight significantly enhances flavor depth.
  • Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Keywords: Char Siu Chicken, Chinese Chicken Recipe, Baked Chicken Thighs, Chinese BBQ Chicken, Hoisin Chicken, Five-Spice Chicken

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/irresistible-char-siu-chicken-recipe/