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A beautifully glazed piece of Char Siu Chicken with a deep reddish-brown hue, resting on a white plate garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. The chicken has a glossy, caramelized surface with visible grill marks, and the tender, juicy interior slightly visible at the cut end, creating an appetizing contrast.

Sweet & Savory Chinese-Style Char Siu Chicken

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Discover the irresistible flavor of Sweet & Savory Chinese-Style Char Siu Chicken, a classic dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a rich blend of honey, soy sauce, and spices, then roasted to caramelized perfection. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, this recipe offers authentic Chinese flavors with an easy-to-follow method that yields juicy, flavorful chicken every time.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • Optional: red food coloring for authentic appearance

Instructions

  1. Mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, Chinese five-spice powder, and sesame oil in a bowl until well combined. Add red food coloring if desired.
  2. Place chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment, and optionally place a wire rack on top for better browning.
  4. Arrange marinated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Baste with additional honey or marinade in the last 5 minutes. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Remove from oven and let rest a few minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more forgiving results, but chicken breasts can be substituted with slight adjustment in cooking time.
  • Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours; for best flavor, refrigerate overnight.
  • Use a meat thermometer to verify Chicken reaches safe internal temperatures.
  • For extra flavor, baste with honey or marinade during roasting.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or microwave before serving.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Roasting
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Gluten-Free (if gluten-free soy sauce is used)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken portion (about 4 oz)
  • Calories: 320 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg