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Maya

Char Siu Chicken – Sweet & Sticky Chinese BBQ Chicken Recipe Explained!

Char Siu Chicken is a sweet and sticky Chinese BBQ chicken dish made with marinated chicken thighs, grilled or baked to perfection.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Chinese five-spice powder
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring optional
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, Chinese five-spice powder, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red food coloring (if using). Whisk until well blended.
  2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
  3. Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F. If using a grill, lightly oil the grates.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later.
  5. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If baking, place the chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, basting with the reserved marinade halfway through.
  6. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  7. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgSugar: 15g

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add 1 teaspoon of chili paste to the marinade.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
  • Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

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