Char Siu Chicken Roast is a mouthwatering dish that brings the iconic flavors of Chinese BBQ to your table. With its caramelized glaze and tender, juicy chicken thighs, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive addition to your next gathering. Learn how to make this delectable recipe at home with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
300g (10.5 oz) chicken thighs: Choose thighs with some fat for the juiciest results.
For the Marinade:
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp dark soy sauce (or kecap manis)
2 cloves garlic, pureed or grated
1-inch piece ginger, pureed or grated
1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
Pinch of white pepper
1 tsp red food coloring (optional, for the classic look)
Instructions:
Prepare the Marinade:
Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl, mixing until the sugar dissolves and the spices are evenly distributed.
Marinate the Chicken:
Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to let the flavors meld.
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
Roast the Chicken:
Place the marinated chicken on the wire rack, reserving the remaining marinade. Roast for 20 minutes.
Make the Glaze:
Simmer the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over low heat for 3-5 minutes, creating a thick glaze.
Baste and Finish Cooking:
After 20 minutes, brush the chicken with the glaze, flip it, and brush the other side. Roast for an additional 15-20 minutes until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Rest and Serve:
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.
Serving Tips:
With Steamed Rice: Char Siu Chicken pairs beautifully with a bowl of warm, fluffy steamed rice. The savory glaze complements the rice perfectly, making each bite a satisfying experience.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: For a complete meal, serve your chicken with a side of stir-fried vegetables, such as bok choy, bell peppers, or snap peas, to add some crunch and freshness.
Noodles: Another great side option is stir-fried noodles. You can make a quick stir-fry using egg noodles or chow mein for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Pineapple or Cucumber Salad: If you want something refreshing, a light pineapple or cucumber salad with a tangy dressing balances the richness of the chicken.
Storage Tips:
Refrigerating Leftovers: After serving, store any leftover Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you’d like to store it for longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Reheating Tips:
Oven Method: To retain the chicken’s texture and flavor, reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Stovetop Method: Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, basting with any leftover marinade or a bit of oil to keep it moist. Turn occasionally until heated through.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
While chicken breasts can be used as a substitute, chicken thighs are recommended for this recipe because they are juicier and more flavorful, which is essential for achieving the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that Char Siu is known for. If you use breasts, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Is the red food coloring necessary?
No, the red food coloring is optional. It gives the chicken the signature red hue typical of Char Siu, but it doesn’t impact the flavor. If you prefer a more natural look or don’t have food coloring on hand, feel free to skip it.
Can I marinate the chicken for less than 2 hours?
While marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, marinating it for a shorter time (around 30 minutes to 1 hour) can still yield tasty results. For the best flavor, however, it’s ideal to marinate the chicken overnight.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Char Siu Chicken gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) in place of regular soy sauce and ensure the oyster sauce is gluten-free (many brands offer this). Check all ingredient labels carefully to avoid any hidden gluten sources.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a flavorful dinner, this Char Siu Chicken Roast recipe will surely become a favorite in your repertoire. Give it a try and savor the sweet, savory magic!
📖 Recipe:
Print
Char Siu Chicken Roast
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Char Siu Chicken Roast recipe offers a savory and slightly sweet twist on traditional Chinese BBQ with juicy, flavorful chicken thighs coated in a delicious marinade of soy sauces, honey, and Chinese five-spice powder. Roasted to perfection, this dish makes a great meal for any occasion, served with rice or noodles for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
300g (10.5 oz) chicken thighs (with skin-on, bone-in or boneless, depending on preference)
For the Marinade:
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp dark soy sauce (or kecap manis)
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, pureed or grated
1-inch piece ginger, pureed or grated
1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
Pinch of white pepper
1 tsp red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauces, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, white pepper, and red food coloring (if using). Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken thighs evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top to allow air circulation around the chicken.
- Arrange the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and arrange on the wire rack. Set aside the remaining marinade for later use.
- Roast the Chicken: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the chicken is roasting, simmer the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over low heat for 3-5 minutes, thickening it into a glaze.
- Baste and Finish Roasting: After 20 minutes, brush the chicken with the thickened glaze, flip the chicken, and brush the other side. Continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or your choice of sides.
Notes
For Extra Flavor: Marinating overnight yields the best flavor as the spices and sauces have more time to penetrate the chicken.
For Crispy Skin: If using skin-on chicken thighs, ensure they are placed skin-side up on the rack to get a crispy finish.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Chinese BBQ, Roasted Chicken
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 280 kcal
