Char Siu Chicken – Sweet, Sticky, Cantonese-Inspired Flavor
Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a sweet-savory char siu sauce, then oven-roasted or grilled to sticky, caramelized perfection — a Chinese BBQ-inspired dish that’s easy to make at home.
Ingredients
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1½ to 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
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3 tbsp hoisin sauce
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
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1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
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1 tsp sesame oil
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1/2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp fresh grated ginger
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Optional: red food coloring (1–2 drops)
Instructions
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Mix marinade ingredients in a bowl.
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Pour over chicken in a zip-top bag or dish. Marinate 2 hours or overnight.
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Place chicken on a rack-lined baking sheet.
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Bake 20–25 minutes, flipping and basting halfway.
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Broil 2 minutes for caramelization.
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Rest 5 minutes. Slice and serve with rice or veggies.
Notes
For grilling, cook over medium-high heat, 5–6 minutes per side. Skip food coloring if desired. Use leftover chicken for salads or wraps.