Name: Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder; 1/4 teaspoon white pepper; 1–2 drops red food coloring (optional); Sliced green onions; Sesame seeds

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There’s something irresistible about Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken—a dish that wraps you in comfort and dazzles your taste buds with every glossy, caramelized bite. Featuring succulent chicken thighs marinated in a sweet, savory blend of hoisin, soy, honey, and Chinese spices, this recipe delivers everything you love about classic char siu with an easy home-baked twist. Whether you serve it over fluffy rice, nestle it in buns, or pair it with crisp veggies, this is the kind of meal that turns a weeknight dinner into a feast worth remembering.

Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken is how each simple ingredient, mixed with care, transforms into something unforgettable. Don’t be tempted to skip or substitute—every component brings its own pop of flavor, aroma, or luscious texture to the finished dish.

Chicken thighs (1.5 pounds boneless, skinless): The star of the show, thighs stay moist, flavorful, and develop the perfect char in the oven.
Hoisin sauce (3 tablespoons): This sweet, tangy staple infuses your chicken with deep umami and that classic char siu taste.
Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds beautiful sheen and helps caramelize the surface for sticky, irresistible bites.
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Balances sweetness with saltiness and depth. Use light soy for a cleaner flavor.
Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Boosts that subtle, savory richness and enhances juiciness.
Chinese Shaoxing wine (1 tablespoon) or dry sherry: Gives authenticity and complexity—don’t skip if you can help it!
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Brings a nutty fragrance that lingers beautifully as the chicken roasts.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A punch of aromatic depth in every mouthful.
Five-spice powder (1/2 teaspoon): The unmistakable zest of star anise, cinnamon, and more—truly signature for char siu.
White pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle heat and slight earthiness that rounds out the marinade.
Red food coloring (1–2 drops, optional): Gives that nostalgic ruby hue—perfect for the classic char siu look, though flavor isn’t affected if you leave it out.
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish): Freshness and crunch to finish every serving beautifully.

How to Make Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken

Step 1: Mix the Marinade

Grab a large mixing bowl—this is where the magic begins. Whisk together the hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine (or sherry if that’s what you have), sesame oil, minced garlic, five-spice powder, white pepper, and a couple of drops of red food coloring (if you want that iconic look). Make sure everything is blended smoothly, so every piece of chicken soaks up maximum flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add your boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bowl, turning each piece until coated thoroughly. For best results, really get in there—use your hands or a spatula to make sure every inch is covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least two hours, though overnight is even better for ultra-juicy and tender char siu chicken.

Step 3: Prepare for Baking

When you’re almost ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil (for easy clean-up) and set a wire rack on top. The rack lets the heat circulate, helping each thigh caramelize and roast evenly on all sides.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack, letting any excess marinade drip off. Slide the tray into the hot oven for 20 minutes. Flip each piece, baste with leftover marinade, and return to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. The surface should become shiny, burnished, and sticky. If you’re a fan of a little extra char, switch on the broiler for the last couple of minutes, but keep an eye—things can go from caramelized to burnt quickly!

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Once your Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken is cooked through and smelling incredible, let it rest for a few minutes. This keeps all those flavorful juices locked inside. Then, slice the chicken into thick strips, sprinkle it with green onions and sesame seeds, and prepare to serve up the most mouthwatering dish ever!

How to Serve Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken

Garnishes

Finish with generous handfuls of sliced green onions and a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds. The bright color and subtle crunch give each bite a fresh boost, enhancing both the beauty and texture of your juicy and tender char siu chicken. You might also add a twist of lime or serve with pickled veggies if you like an extra punch.

Side Dishes

Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken pairs phenomenally with steaming jasmine rice, fried rice, or stir-fried noodles. Add a side of sautéed bok choy, quick cucumber salad, or even broccoli for a well-balanced meal. The sauce mingles beautifully with grains and greens, making every plate feel like a celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the rice bowl—stuff your juicy and tender char siu chicken into fluffy bao buns, wrap in lettuce leaves for a lighter take, or top a bowl of ramen for an umami upgrade. This chicken also shines as a centerpiece for platter-style eating, piled high for guests to dig into family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your juicy and tender char siu chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let the chicken cool to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation and sogginess—this keeps the texture and flavor spot-on.

Freezing

This recipe is freezer-friendly, too! Once your chicken is fully cooked and cooled, place the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents sticking, so you can take out just what you need for a future quick meal.

Reheating

To keep your juicy and tender char siu chicken tasting fresh, reheat slices gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, or zap them in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the top to lock in moisture. If you have extra marinade, brush some on during reheating for maximum brightness and gloss.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works, though it’s naturally a bit leaner and may not be quite as juicy as thighs. Take care not to overcook—pull it out as soon as the thickest part reaches 165°F for best results.

Is the red food coloring necessary?

Not at all! The color is traditional for char siu presentation, but skipping it won’t affect taste. Your juicy and tender char siu chicken will still be delicious and authentic.

Can I grill instead of bake?

Yes, grilling imparts a wonderful smokiness. Simply grill the marinated chicken over medium-high heat until cooked through, basting frequently, and watch for those signature caramelized edges.

What can I do if I can’t find Shaoxing wine?

Dry sherry is a great substitute, offering a similar complex background flavor. If you don’t have either, apple juice in a pinch will provide some depth and sweetness, although not quite the same aromatic profile.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

It’s easy—just use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce. Check your hoisin sauce as well to ensure it’s gluten-free, and you’ll have a safe, just-as-tasty version of juicy and tender char siu chicken.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something special, I can’t recommend Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken enough. It’s easy to make, endlessly versatile, and incredibly rewarding every single time. Gather your ingredients, set aside a little marinating time, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this deeply satisfying dish—you’ll want to keep it in your regular dinner rotation!

Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes (active time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This recipe for Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken delivers succulent, flavorful chicken thighs with a classic Chinese BBQ twist. Marinated in a blend of savory and sweet sauces, these tender chicken thighs are baked to perfection, resulting in a caramelized exterior and juicy interior. Perfect for a main course served with rice or noodles, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Marinade:

3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1–2 drops red food coloring (optional)

Garnish:

Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

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Instructions

Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, garlic, five-spice powder, white pepper, and food coloring if using.
Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Bake Chicken: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange marinated chicken on the rack and bake for 20 minutes. Flip, baste with marinade, and bake for another 10–15 minutes until cooked through and caramelized.
Broil: For extra char, broil for 1–2 minutes. Rest, slice, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.