Char Siu Chicken

Here’s a flavorful Char Siu Chicken recipe — the Cantonese-style BBQ chicken that’s sweet, savory, and beautifully caramelized. 🍯🍗🔥

🍗 Char Siu Chicken (Chinese BBQ Chicken)

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs (skin-on for best flavor, can use drumsticks/wings)

• 3 tbsp hoisin sauce

• 2 tbsp honey (plus extra for glazing)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry / rice vinegar)

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

• Red food coloring (optional, for authentic char siu look)

Instructions:

1. Make the marinade

   • In a bowl, mix hoisin, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, sesame oil, five-spice, garlic, and ginger.

   • (Optional: add a drop of red food coloring).

2. Marinate the chicken

   • Place chicken in a resealable bag or dish, coat well with marinade.

   • Marinate at least 3 hours (overnight for best flavor).

3. Cook (Oven method)

   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

   • Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange chicken on the rack.

   • Bake 20 minutes, then brush with extra marinade.

   • Flip and bake another 15–20 minutes, basting again, until cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).

4. Optional caramelized finish

   • In the last 3–4 minutes, switch oven to broil/grill to get that sticky, charred glaze. Brush lightly with honey for extra shine.

5. Serve

   • Slice chicken and serve with steamed rice, bok choy, or inside bao buns.