Description
This Char Siu Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful combination of char siu sauce, honey, soy sauce, five-spice powder, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Baked to perfection and finished under the broiler for a caramelized glaze, this dish is garnished with fresh green onions and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles, offering a delicious taste of Cantonese-inspired barbecue at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 1/2 cup char siu sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine char siu sauce, honey, soy sauce, five-spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Reserve marinade for glaze: Before adding the chicken to the baking setup, reserve a portion of the marinade. Simmer this reserved marinade on the stove until thickened to use as a glaze later.
- Preheat and prepare oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top to allow air circulation and even cooking.
- Bake the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place each thigh on the wire rack. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). During the last 2-3 minutes, switch the oven to broil to caramelize the surface, creating a nice charred finish.
- Rest and garnish: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking. Then slice the chicken, drizzle with the thickened reserved marinade or glaze, and garnish with chopped green onions for freshness.
- Serve: Serve your Char Siu Chicken warm with steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness but a minimum of 2 hours is sufficient.
- Be sure to reserve some marinade before adding the chicken for a perfect glaze.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Broiling at the end creates a beautiful caramelization typical of traditional Char Siu.
- Adjust honey quantity for sweeter or less sweet variations.
