Char Siu Chicken – Sticky, Sweet & Savory Asian-Inspired Chicken

Hi, I’m Sarah Jansen, a traveler and food blogger who loves exploring flavors that tell a story. One of the dishes that always captures my attention when visiting Asia is Char Siu Chicken—a mouthwatering recipe that takes simple chicken and transforms it into something extraordinary. With its glossy, sticky glaze that balances sweet, salty, and smoky notes, Char Siu is both comforting and exotic. Traditionally made with pork, this chicken version is lighter but just as flavorful. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or on its own, this recipe brings authentic Asian-inspired taste straight to your kitchen.

Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken is a classic Cantonese-inspired recipe known for its glossy caramelized finish, aromatic spices, and irresistible sweet-savory flavor. Marinated in a blend of hoisin, soy sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice, garlic, and rice wine, the chicken absorbs layers of richness before being roasted or grilled to perfection. As it cooks, the marinade transforms into a lacquered glaze, creating tender, juicy meat with a slightly smoky edge. This dish is versatile—you can serve it as a main course, slice it into noodle bowls, or use it as a protein in Asian-style wraps. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and absolutely unforgettable.

Why This Recipe Works

• Balanced Flavor Profile: Sweet honey, salty soy, tangy rice wine, and aromatic five-spice create depth and harmony.
• Versatility: Works with chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts—each cut benefits from the marinade.
• Sticky Glaze: The slow roasting or grilling caramelizes the sugars for that authentic glossy finish.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Chicken can be marinated overnight for deeper flavor.
• Restaurant Quality at Home: Achieves the same rich taste and presentation without specialized equipment.

Ingredients

For the Marinade & Glaze:

• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (light)
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey (or maltose for traditional finish)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine (Shaoxing) or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for traditional red hue)

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or mix of thighs and drumsticks)

For Garnish (optional):

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sliced scallions

How to Make Char Siu Chicken

The magic of Char Siu Chicken starts with the marinade. In a mixing bowl, whisk together hoisin, soy sauces, honey, oyster sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice. For an authentic look, add a small amount of red food coloring, though this is optional. Reserve about 1/4 cup of this marinade for glazing later.

Add the chicken to a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.

When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place marinated chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet with a rack. Roast for 20 minutes, brush with reserved marinade, then roast another 15–20 minutes until caramelized and glossy. For extra smokiness, finish under the broiler or on the grill. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine hoisin sauce, light and dark soy sauces, honey, oyster sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder. Mix until smooth. Optional: stir in a touch of red food coloring for the classic Char Siu appearance.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal or cover tightly. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours—overnight is best for maximum flavor. Turn chicken occasionally if possible.
3. Preheat the Oven: When ready to cook, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup allows heat circulation and prevents the chicken from sitting in excess marinade.
4. Roast the Chicken: Arrange chicken on the rack. Roast for 20 minutes. Remove and brush generously with reserved marinade. Return to oven and roast for another 15–20 minutes until fully cooked, sticky, and caramelized. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Optional Grill Finish: For added smokiness, transfer chicken to a preheated grill or broiler for 2–3 minutes, letting the edges char slightly. Brush once more with glaze during this step.
6. Rest and Garnish: Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions for added flavor and presentation.
7. Serve: Slice into strips and serve over steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or alongside stir-fried vegetables. The glossy, flavorful glaze pairs beautifully with fresh, simple sides.

Cook & Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 4–12 hours
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: ~4 hours 55 minutes (with marination)

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 4 servings)

• Calories: 385
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 890mg

Serving with Char Siu Chicken

Char Siu Chicken is best served hot, fresh from the oven or grill. Pair it with fragrant jasmine rice or steamed bok choy for a traditional meal. For a modern twist, slice it into noodle bowls, bao buns, or even salads. The sticky glaze and smoky aroma elevate any simple side into something extraordinary. When serving at gatherings, slice chicken into strips and arrange on a platter, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds—it’s visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Marinate Overnight: Deepens flavor and ensures juicy results.
• Use Bone-In Chicken: Thighs or drumsticks yield even more flavor.
• Grill Option: Adds authentic smoky taste.
• Spice Level: Add chili paste for heat if desired.
• Glaze Boost: Brush with honey in the last 5 minutes for extra shine.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Slices keep well for sandwiches and wraps.

The Bottom Line

Char Siu Chicken is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience that blends sweet, savory, smoky, and aromatic elements into one unforgettable dish. By marinating chicken in a rich, flavorful sauce and roasting it until sticky and caramelized, you create a meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated. As someone who loves to travel and taste the stories food can tell, I find this recipe captures the essence of Asian-inspired cooking in a way that’s accessible to every home cook. Cook it once, and it may just become a staple in your kitchen.