What is Char Siu Chicken and how does it differ from traditional Char Siu pork?

Char Siu Chicken is a variation of the classic Cantonese barbecue dish traditionally made with pork. Instead of pork, chicken—usually thigh or breast—is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made from ingredients like hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, and red fermented bean curd. It is then roasted or grilled to develop a caramelized exterior. The main difference lies in the protein choice, with chicken offering a lighter, leaner option while maintaining the characteristic sweet and savory flavors of Char Siu.

How long should I marinate chicken for Char Siu to get the best flavor?

For optimal flavor, marinate Char Siu Chicken for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the marinade’s sweet, salty, and aromatic elements to deeply penetrate the chicken, resulting in juicy, tender meat with a layered taste. If short on time, a minimum of 1-2 hours still imparts notable flavor but may result in a less intense finish. Make sure the chicken is fully coated and stored covered in a non-reactive container or zip-top bag during marination.

Can I make Char Siu Chicken without red food coloring?

Yes, you can make Char Siu Chicken without red food coloring. The traditional red hue in Char Siu comes from red fermented bean curd or added food coloring, but the flavor is more important than color. If you skip the coloring, your chicken will still taste authentic from the marinade ingredients like hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and five-spice powder. For a natural reddish tint, you can use a small amount of beet juice or paprika, though these alter the flavor slightly. The cooking method also helps caramelize the chicken, contributing to an appealing color and texture.

What side dishes go well with Char Siu Chicken?

Char Siu Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides balancing its sweet and savory profile. Common accompaniments include steamed white or jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles. Stir-fried vegetables such as bok choy, snow peas, or broccoli add freshness and texture. Pickled vegetables or a light cucumber salad can provide contrast with acidity. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside steamed buns or in bao for a delicious Char Siu chicken sandwich.

How can I safely reheat Char Siu Chicken without drying it out?

To reheat Char Siu Chicken without drying, use gentle methods that preserve moisture. The best way is to warm it in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth, allowing steam to keep the meat juicy. Alternatively, wrap the chicken in foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating or high heat settings, which can cause the chicken to dry out or become tough. Always check internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Char Siu Chicken Recipe With Authentic Asian Flavors Made Easy

Name: Char Siu Chicken
Prep time: 8 h 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 9 h
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: – 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; – 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar; – 1 teaspoon salt; – 1/2 teaspoon five spice powder; – 1/4 teaspoon white pepper; – 1 1/2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; – 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine; – 2 teaspoons soy sauce; – 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; – 2 cloves garlic, minced; – 5 drops red food coloring (optional); – 2 tablespoons water; – 1 tablespoon maltose

Description

🍗 Savor the classic sweet and savory taste of Char Siu Chicken made with tender marinated chicken thighs.
🔥 This easy-to-prepare recipe brings traditional Asian flavors to your kitchen with a convenient overnight marinade for rich, aromatic results.

Ingredients

– 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

– 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon five spice powder

– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

– 1 1/2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

– 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine

– 2 teaspoons soy sauce

– 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 5 drops red food coloring (optional)

– 2 tablespoons water

– 1 tablespoon maltose

Instructions

1- Getting started with this Char Siu Chicken recipe is straightforward and fun, especially if you’re new to Asian chicken recipes. First, prepare all your ingredients by measuring and chopping as needed to keep things organized this step makes the process smooth and enjoyable. Next, marinate the chicken in a mix of dark brown sugar, salt, five spice powder, white pepper, hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine or its substitute, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and optional red food coloring for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, to let those flavors sink in deep.

2- Once marinated, let the chicken sit out to reach room temperature for even cooking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a sheet pan with foil topped by parchment paper. Arrange the chicken thighs on the pan, making sure they’re spaced out, and save that leftover marinade for later. The initial roast takes about 30 minutes, so keep an eye on it to avoid any burning by checking every 15 minutes and adjusting as needed.

3-Cooking and Glazing Steps: While the chicken roasts, turn the reserved marinade into a glaze by simmering it with 2 tablespoons of water in a saucepan. If you’re using maltose, soften it first and stir it in until it melts. After the first 30 minutes, baste the chicken with this mixture and roast for another 5 to 10 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For that extra crispy finish, baste once more and roast for just one more minute.

4- Finally, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving it hot with sides like white rice and vegetables. This method ensures juicy, flavorful results every time, making it a go-to for easy Char Siu chicken preparation. If you enjoy other chicken dishes, check out this tasty chicken casserole recipe for more ideas.

Notes

🍗 Use dark meat cuts like thighs or drumsticks for best sticky, rich texture.
🌡️ Bring chicken to room temperature before roasting for even cooking.
🔥 Monitor chicken during roasting to prevent sugar scorching; tent with foil if needed.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 8 hours
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
Calories: 564 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 1023 mg
Fat: 38 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 0.3 g
Protein: 38 g

Keywords: Char Siu chicken, Asian chicken recipe, marinated chicken, roasted chicken