Description
This Irresistible Char Siu Chicken recipe combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet and savory marinade made from honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and aromatic five-spice powder. With just 10 minutes of prep and a simple baking process, you get a deliciously caramelized dish that can be finished with a quick grill for extra char and flavor. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this recipe is perfect for a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound Chicken Thighs (Skin-on for extra flavor)
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons Honey (Agave syrup for vegan substitute)
- 3 tablespoons Hoisin Sauce (Mix soy sauce and sugar if unavailable)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Use low-sodium if monitoring salt)
- 1 teaspoon Warm Spices (like five-spice powder; substitute ground cinnamon if needed)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds (Optional for texture)
- 2 stalks Green Onions (Enhances flavor and color)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, thoroughly mix honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and warm spices to create the marinade that will infuse the chicken with its signature sweet and savory flavor.
- Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken thighs evenly with the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well covered. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken. If you prefer, prepare your grill for direct heat as a finishing step.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the surface is caramelized and slightly browned.
- Optional Grilling: For an extra charred flavor, grill the baked chicken on direct heat for about 2 minutes per side, making sure not to burn it.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use skin-on chicken thighs for added flavor and moisture.
- If hoisin sauce is unavailable, a mix of soy sauce and sugar can be a substitute.
- For a vegan version, replace honey with agave syrup and use plant-based alternatives for chicken.
- Low-sodium soy sauce helps control the salt content if needed.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to maintain its juiciness.
- Resting the chicken after cooking helps keep it tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: Char Siu Chicken, Chinese BBQ Chicken, Baked Chicken Thighs, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Five-Spice Chicken, Easy Dinner Recipe
