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Sticky Char Siu-Style Chicken

A Sweet, Savory, and Irresistibly Glazed Chicken Recipe Inspired by Classic Chinese BBQ
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 29 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

  1. Make the Marinade
  2. 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.
  3. Marinate the Chicken
  4. 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).
  5. Cook the Chicken
  6. Grill Option:
  7. Preheat grill to medium-high.
  8. Grill chicken for 20–25 minutes, turning and basting occasionally until caramelized and cooked to 165°F (74°C).
  9. Oven Option:
  10. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  11. Place chicken on a foil-lined baking tray. Roast 25–30 minutes, brushing with marinade every 10 minutes.
  12. Serve & Garnish
  13. Slice chicken and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Notes

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