Char Siu Chicken (Easy Chinese-Inspired BBQ Chicken)

Char Siu Chicken is one of those dishes that feels instantly comforting yet undeniably special. Sticky, glossy, deeply savory with just the right touch of sweetness, this Chinese-inspired BBQ chicken brings restaurant-style flavor straight into your home kitchen—without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Traditionally, char siu refers to Cantonese barbecued pork, known for its signature red glaze, caramelized edges, and irresistible sweet-savory profile. This Char Siu Chicken version keeps everything we love about the classic—hoisin richness, honeyed sweetness, warm Chinese five-spice aroma—but swaps pork for juicy chicken thighs, making it lighter, quicker, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

The beauty of Char Siu Chicken lies in its balance. The marinade is bold but not overpowering. The glaze is sticky yet not cloying. And the chicken remains tender and juicy, even after broiling, thanks to the natural fat content of chicken thighs and the resting step that locks in moisture.

Whether you’re serving it with steamed jasmine rice, slicing it into noodle bowls, or tucking it into bao buns, this Char Siu Chicken recipe is versatile, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly crave-worthy. It’s the kind of dish that looks impressive on the plate but is surprisingly simple to prepare—making it a go-to recipe you’ll return to again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Char Siu Chicken Recipe

There are countless reasons this Char Siu Chicken deserves a permanent place in your dinner rotation. Beyond its irresistible flavor, it offers convenience, flexibility, and dependable results every single time.

First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. The marinade comes together in minutes using pantry staples like hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder. Once the chicken is marinated, the oven does most of the work, leaving you free to prepare sides or simply relax.

Second, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor without deep frying or complicated grilling techniques. Baking followed by a quick broil gives you beautifully caramelized edges and a glossy, sticky glaze that looks just as good as it tastes.

Third, Char Siu Chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a main dish with rice, slice it thin for meal prep, add it to stir-fries, or use leftovers for wraps and salads. It fits seamlessly into busy weeknights and special occasions alike.

Finally, this recipe is family-friendly yet bold enough for adventurous eaters. The sweetness balances the savory elements perfectly, making it approachable for kids while still deeply satisfying for adults who love layered flavors.

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What Is Char Siu Chicken?

Char Siu Chicken is a chicken-based adaptation of traditional Cantonese char siu, a barbecued meat dish typically made with pork. The name “char siu” translates roughly to “fork-roasted,” referring to the traditional method of roasting meat over open flames while suspended on forks.

In this modern home-friendly version, chicken thighs are marinated in a flavorful mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, and Chinese five-spice powder. The chicken is then baked until tender and finished under the broiler to achieve that signature caramelized exterior.

Unlike classic char siu pork, which often includes red food coloring or fermented red bean curd, Char Siu Chicken focuses on clean, accessible flavors that still capture the essence of Chinese BBQ.

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Ingredients for Char Siu Chicken (With Tips)

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for Char Siu Chicken. They stay juicy during baking and absorb the marinade more effectively than chicken breasts. While you can use chicken breasts, thighs deliver superior flavor and texture.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce forms the backbone of the marinade. It provides sweetness, umami, and depth. Choose a high-quality hoisin for best results, as brands vary widely in flavor intensity.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce adds saltiness and savory depth. Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended so the marinade doesn’t become overly salty, especially after reducing.

Honey

Honey contributes sweetness and helps create the sticky, glossy glaze. It also caramelizes beautifully under the broiler.

Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce deepens the umami profile and adds richness without making the sauce taste fishy.

Rice Vinegar

A small amount of rice vinegar brightens the marinade and balances the sweetness.

Garlic

Fresh garlic provides aromatic depth and sharpness that rounds out the sauce.

Chinese Five-Spice Powder

This warm spice blend—typically containing star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, and Sichuan peppercorns—is essential for authentic char siu flavor. Use it sparingly; a little goes a long way.

Sesame Oil

Just a touch adds nuttiness and aroma. Too much can overpower the dish, so measure carefully.

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How to Make Char Siu Chicken (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil until fully combined. The marinade should be thick, glossy, and deeply aromatic.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor penetration.

Reserve the remaining marinade separately in the refrigerator. This will later be cooked and used as a glaze.

3. Bring to Room Temperature

Before cooking, remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from drying out.

4. Bake the Chicken

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chicken thighs on a foil-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Thicken the Sauce

While the chicken bakes, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and glossy. This step is essential for food safety and flavor concentration.

6. Glaze and Broil

Brush the baked chicken generously with the thickened sauce. Place the chicken under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching closely, until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes slightly.

7. Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.

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Tips for the Best Char Siu Chicken

Using chicken thighs instead of breasts makes a noticeable difference in texture and flavor. Thighs stay juicy even if slightly overcooked, making them forgiving for home cooks.

Always cook the reserved marinade before using it as a glaze. This not only ensures food safety but also intensifies the flavor and creates a thicker, more luxurious sauce.

Keep a close eye on the broiler. The honey in the glaze can burn quickly, so broil only until lightly charred.

For extra sauce, double the marinade ingredients and reserve half for glazing or serving over rice and noodles.

This recipe works beautifully on the grill as well. Grill over medium heat, brushing frequently with glaze, until caramelized and cooked through.

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Serving Suggestions for Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken pairs perfectly with simple sides that allow its bold flavor to shine. Steamed jasmine rice is a classic choice, soaking up the extra glaze beautifully.

For a noodle option, serve sliced Char Siu Chicken over lo mein, rice noodles, or udon with sautéed vegetables. It also works well in fried rice or stir-fried noodles.

For a lighter meal, add sliced chicken to a crisp salad with sesame dressing, cucumbers, and scallions.

Char Siu Chicken is also excellent in wraps and buns. Tuck it into bao buns with pickled vegetables, or wrap it in flatbread with fresh herbs and a drizzle of extra sauce.

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Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through. Avoid microwaving on high, as this can dry out the chicken.

Leftover Char Siu Chicken can also be enjoyed cold, sliced thin, in salads or wraps.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 250 kcal

• Protein: 28 g

• Fat: 9 g

• Carbohydrates: 14 g

• Sugar: 10 g

Values may vary depending on portion size and ingredient brands.

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Final Thoughts: Why Char Siu Chicken Deserves a Spot on Your Table

Char Siu Chicken is the perfect example of how a few well-chosen ingredients and simple techniques can create something truly memorable. It captures the essence of classic Chinese BBQ—sweet, savory, sticky, and aromatic—while remaining accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

What makes this Char Siu Chicken recipe especially special is its versatility. It can be a comforting family dinner, a meal-prep staple, or the star of a dinner party spread. It works just as well served simply with rice as it does dressed up in noodle bowls or bao buns.

Beyond flavor, this dish offers reliability. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself returning to it whenever you need a dependable recipe that delivers big results without stress. The marinade is forgiving, the cooking method is straightforward, and the payoff is consistently delicious.