Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken – Better Than Takeout!

This Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken brings all the irresistible flavors of classic Chinese barbecue right to your kitchen. Marinated in a sweet and savory glaze, then roasted to perfection, the chicken stays moist, flavorful, and beautifully caramelized. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this dish is as easy to make as it is delicious to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Tender – The marinade keeps the chicken moist and juicy.
Sweet & Savory Glaze – Balanced flavors that everyone loves.
Beautiful Caramelization – Baked to achieve that classic charred finish.
Simple Yet Impressive – Minimal effort for maximum flavor.

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder
• ½ tsp grated fresh ginger
• Optional: chopped scallions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Make the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, five-spice powder, and ginger.

2. Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

3. Roast the Chicken
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the chicken on the rack and brush with extra marinade. Bake for 20–25 minutes, basting halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.

4. Rest and Serve
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 220
Protein: 25g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Sugar: 7g
Fiber: 0g

Tips for Success

• Marinate Longer for More Flavor – If time allows, marinate overnight.
• Use a Rack – This helps the chicken cook evenly and caramelize nicely.
• Finish with Freshness – A sprinkle of scallions and sesame seeds brightens the dish.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of hoisin, honey, and soy sauce creates a perfectly balanced glaze that sticks to the chicken and caramelizes in the oven. Using thighs ensures the meat stays juicy, while a quick roast locks in the flavor and adds those signature charred edges.

Juicy and Tender Char Siu Chicken is an easy yet impressive dish that brings big flavor to the table. With its sweet, savory glaze and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.