Sweet and Savory Chinese BBQ Chicken – Tender, Flavorful, and Perfectly Balanced

This Sweet and Savory Chinese BBQ Chicken brings the bold, irresistible flavors of Chinese-style barbecue right to your kitchen. With a marinade that’s the perfect mix of sweet, salty, and umami, each piece of chicken is juicy, flavorful, and beautifully caramelized when cooked. Ideal for a family dinner or casual entertaining, this recipe is both easy to prepare and big on taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet & Savory Harmony – A perfect blend of honey, soy, and spices creates a rich, balanced flavor.
Tender & Juicy – Marinating the chicken ensures every bite is succulent and infused with flavor.
Better Than Takeout – Homemade and lighter than traditional restaurant versions.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Marinade can be prepped hours ahead for even better flavor.

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• ½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

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

2. Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to allow flavors to develop.

3. Cook the Chicken
Preheat grill, broiler, or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (discard excess) and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and edges are nicely caramelized.

4. Garnish and Serve
Transfer chicken to a serving platter and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 210
Protein: 27g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Sugar: 6g
Fiber: 0g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook – Chicken thighs stay juicy, but be sure to remove from heat as soon as it’s cooked through.
• Fresh Aromatics – Use fresh ginger and garlic for the brightest flavor.
• Broil or Grill – Either method works; just keep an eye to prevent burning the marinade.
• Serve with Rice & Veggies – Completes the meal beautifully while soaking up the sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

The simple marinade layers bold Chinese BBQ flavors while keeping the dish light and approachable. Juicy chicken thighs pair perfectly with the sweet, savory glaze and a touch of smokiness from the grill or broiler. Easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.

This Sweet and Savory Chinese BBQ Chicken is proof that you don’t need to sacrifice health or time to enjoy big, bold flavors. Tender, juicy, and perfectly caramelized, it’s a delicious way to bring a taste of your favorite takeout home.