A Sweet, Savory, and Irresistibly Glazed Chicken Recipe Inspired by Classic Chinese BBQ

Looking for a flavorful twist on grilled or roasted chicken? This Char Siu-Inspired Chicken is a bold, mouthwatering option you’ll want to make again and again.

Drawing inspiration from the famous Cantonese BBQ pork (Char Siu), this version uses juicy chicken marinated in a rich blend of hoisin, honey, soy sauce, Chinese five-spice, and garlic.

The result? An umami-packed dish with a sticky, caramelized exterior and unbelievably tender inside.

Why This Chicken Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation

I first made this when I was craving the flavors of classic Char Siu but wanted a lighter, quicker protein. Chicken was the perfect match—it soaked up the bold marinade and cooked up beautifully with a gorgeous glaze. Since then, it’s become a staple in my kitchen. Whether served over rice, packed into bao buns, or sliced over noodles, this chicken never fails to impress.

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⭐ Who This Recipe Is Perfect For:

• Busy weeknight cooks
• Asian cuisine lovers
• BBQ enthusiasts
• Meal prep fans
• Hosts looking for a show-stopping dish

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🔥 Top 10 Reasons You’ll Love This Char Siu Chicken

1. Authentic Flavor – Hoisin, soy, and five-spice deliver bold, rich, and sweet-savory notes.
2. Sticky, Glazed Finish – The sauce caramelizes while cooking, forming a glossy, delicious coating.
3. Juicy Every Time – Chicken thighs stay moist and tender whether grilled or roasted.
4. Quick & Simple – Minimal prep, big payoff.
5. Incredibly Versatile – Serve with rice, noodles, vegetables, or bao buns.
6. Flexible Cooking Options – Oven-roasted or grilled—both work perfectly.
7. Meal Prep Friendly – Stays flavorful even days later.
8. Perfect for Any Occasion – Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for Tuesday night.
9. Customizable Marinade – Tweak sweetness, heat, or saltiness to match your palate.
10. Easy to Scale – Make a double batch for parties or leftovers.

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⏱️ Prep + Cook Time Breakdown

• Total Time: About 3 hours (including marinating)
• Active Prep: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
• Marinate Time: 2–3 hours
• Yields: 4 servings
• Calories: ~300–350 per serving
• Macros (approx.): 24g Protein, 15g Carbs, 20g Fat

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📝 Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon fresh garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional – for traditional appearance)

For the Chicken:

• 4 skinless chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)

Garnish Ideas:

• Thinly sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

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🌟 Ingredient Notes

• Hoisin Sauce – Adds depth, sweetness, and a classic Asian BBQ flavor.
• Chinese Five-Spice – Aromatic and warm; it’s the soul of the marinade.
• Honey – Balances out salty and savory elements with subtle sweetness.
• Rice Wine – Adds acidity and complexity to cut through the richness.

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Marinade

In a bowl, combine hoisin, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice wine, five-spice, garlic, ginger, and red food coloring (if using). Stir until smooth.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or shallow container. Pour in the marinade, seal, and refrigerate for 2–3 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor).

3. Cook the Chicken

Grill Option:

• Preheat grill to medium-high.
• Grill chicken for 20–25 minutes, turning and basting occasionally until caramelized and cooked to 165°F (74°C).

Oven Option:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place chicken on a foil-lined baking tray. Roast 25–30 minutes, brushing with marinade every 10 minutes.

4. Serve & Garnish

Slice chicken and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.

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🍚 How to Serve Char Siu Chicken: 10 Delicious Ideas

1. Over Steamed Rice – Let the sauce soak into fluffy jasmine rice.
2. With Stir-Fried Noodles – Toss into your favorite noodle stir-fry.
3. On a Bao Bun – Add pickled veggies for a perfect snack.
4. With Asian Veggies – Try sautéed bok choy or Chinese broccoli.
5. As a Lettuce Wrap – Low-carb, fresh, and crunchy.
6. With Pickles – Balance the richness with tangy pickled carrots or cukes.
7. As Spring Rolls – Slice thin and roll in rice paper with herbs and veggies.
8. Part of a Platter – Serve with dumplings, fried rice, or scallion pancakes.
9. In a Sandwich – Try it on a bun with slaw and sriracha mayo.
10. Party Bites – Cut into skewers for easy appetizers.

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💡 Extra Tips for Success

• Marinate Overnight – The longer it sits, the deeper the flavor.
• Use a Meat Thermometer – Always aim for 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness.
• Don’t Skip the Basting – Adds flavor and creates that caramelized exterior.
• Want Crispy Skin? – Start skin-side down on the grill or in the oven.

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🔄 Variations You’ll Love

• Spicy Version: Add chili paste or sriracha to the marinade.
• Pineapple Twist: Stir in crushed pineapple for tropical vibes.
• Lemon Zing: Add a bit of lemon juice and zest for brightness.
• Plant-Based: Substitute tofu, seitan, or tempeh for a vegan take.
• Classic Pork Char Siu: Swap chicken for pork shoulder or belly.
• Slow Cooker Friendly: Cook on low for 4–6 hours for a set-it-and-forget-it option.

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🧰 Helpful Tools

• Grill or Oven
• Meat Thermometer
• Marinating Bag or Dish
• Silicone Basting Brush
• Tongs

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but monitor carefully to prevent overcooking.

Is the marinade freezer-safe?
Absolutely—freeze chicken in marinade for up to 3 months.

Can I rotisserie this chicken?
Yes! Roast for ~40–45 minutes at medium heat.

Can I prep the marinade in advance?
Yes, it keeps for 2–3 days in the fridge.

Is it gluten-free?
No, but you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Can I marinate vegetables too?
Definitely—try mushrooms or bell peppers!

How to avoid burning?
Grill on medium heat and turn often to prevent glaze from charring too fast.

Storage tips?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Can I use marinade as sauce?
Yes—boil it first to make it safe and slightly thicken.

What about wings?
Great choice! They’ll cook faster—about 18–20 minutes.

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🔚 Final Thoughts

This Char Siu-Style Chicken is everything you want in a main dish: bold flavor, juicy texture, and easy enough for busy nights. Whether grilled or roasted, it’s a delicious spin on classic Chinese BBQ flavors that works beautifully with chicken—and adapts well for pork, tofu, or veggies too. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Tried it? Share your creation on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see it! And don’t forget to leave a comment with your tweaks, tips, and thoughts.

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