When it comes to flavor-packed dishes that can instantly teleport you to a bustling street market in Hong Kong, char siu chicken is the ultimate superstar. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken, marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, caramelizing under the grill’s heat, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that makes you feel like a master chef. Korean chicken bao pairing Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself on a Tuesday night, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
I remember the first time I made char siu chicken; I attempted it for a family gathering and ended up with sticky fingers and laughter as my little niece tried to sneak bites before dinner was served. The joy on my family’s faces when they took their first bite was priceless. salsa verde chicken skillet This recipe is perfect for any occasion, be it a cozy family dinner or a lively barbecue with friends. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This char siu chicken recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and delivers outstanding flavor every time
- The vibrant colors and enticing aromas make it visually appealing on any dinner table
- You can easily customize it based on what you have at home, making it versatile for all occasions
- Perfectly grilled with crispy edges, it’s sure to impress your guests!
Everyone loved how the char siu chicken turned out at our family gathering; we still reminisce about that day! cucumber strawberry salad.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs provide more flavor and juiciness compared to breasts; plus, they’re hard to overcook.
Honey: This adds a beautiful sweetness and helps achieve that caramelized finish; always choose raw honey for extra flavor.
Soy Sauce: A key ingredient for umami flavor; opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
Five-Spice Powder: A magical blend of spices elevates the flavor profile; look for a good quality mix for the best results.
Rice Wine Vinegar: This adds acidity to balance the sweetness; use genuine rice wine vinegar instead of substitutes.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the marinade with robust flavor; you can’t go wrong with more garlic!
Ginger Root: Grated ginger gives warmth and depth; fresh ginger is essential for authenticity.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, five-spice powder, rice wine vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth. The aroma will be intoxicating!
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs into the marinade mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight if you can wait.
Preheat Your Grill or Oven: If grilling outdoors, preheat your grill over medium-high heat. For oven cooking, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) while preparing your baking tray.
Cook Until Perfectly Charred: Place the marinated chicken on the grill or baking tray lined with foil. Grill each side for about 6-8 minutes until nicely charred and cooked through; keep an eye out for those golden edges.
Baste with Leftover Marinade: In the last few minutes of cooking, brush some leftover marinade onto the chicken for extra glaze and flavor. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Rest and Serve!: Once cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C), let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with steamed rice or veggies—get ready to enjoy!
With these simple steps, you’ll create an incredible dish that’s full of tantalizing flavors perfect for any occasion! Enjoy your culinary adventure!
You Must Know
- Char siu chicken brings a sweet and savory twist to your dinner table
- The marinade infuses deep flavors, making every bite tender and juicy
- Mastering this dish will have you impressing friends while filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least four hours; then, grill it until perfectly charred and cooked through.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap honey for brown sugar or add chili flakes for a spicy kick. spicy shrimp sushi stacks.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover char siu chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture. For more inspiration, check out this chicken burrito bowls recipe recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that coveted glaze, baste the chicken with the marinade during cooking
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness at 165°F
- Let the chicken rest before slicing for juicier results
Sharing my first attempt at char siu chicken was nerve-wracking, but it ended up stealing the show at our family BBQ!
FAQ
What is char siu chicken?
Char siu chicken is a Chinese barbecue dish known for its sweet and savory flavor.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes, pork or beef can also be delicious alternatives for char siu.
How do I know when my chicken is done cooking?
Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F when fully cooked and safe to eat.
Char Siu Chicken
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Char siu chicken is a delicious Chinese barbecue dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant blend of honey, soy sauce, and five-spice powder, resulting in a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether grilled or oven-baked, this char siu chicken will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp five-spice powder
- 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by mixing honey, soy sauce, five-spice powder, rice wine vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat or oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cook the marinated chicken on the grill or lined baking tray for about 6-8 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
- Baste with leftover marinade during the last few minutes of cooking for extra flavor.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with rice or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (113g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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