Char Siu Chicken

Name: Char Siu Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 300 grams Chicken Thigh (fatty ones are best); 1 tbsp Honey; 1 tbsp Light Soy Sauce; 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce; 1 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce (or Kecap Manis); 2 tbsps Brown Sugar; 2 cloves Garlic, pureed or grated; 1 inch Ginger, pureed or grated; 1 tsp Chinese Five Spice powder; Pinch of White Pepper; 1 tsp Red Food Coloring (optional)

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Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Char Siu Chicken, a culinary gem that beautifully harmonizes sweet and savory notes. This recipe promises succulent, marinated chicken, glazed to perfection, making it an irresistible treat for lovers of Asian cuisine. With a few simple steps, you can create a dish that will elevate your dining experience to new heights.

Ingredients:

300 grams Chicken Thigh (opt for fatty ones for best results)

Marinade:

1 tbsp Honey

1 tbsp Light Soy Sauce

1 tbsp Oyster Sauce

1 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce (or Kecap Manis)

2 tbsps Brown Sugar

2 cloves Garlic, pureed or grated

1 inch Ginger, pureed or grated

1 tsp Chinese Five Spice powder

Pinch of White Pepper

1 tsp Red Food Coloring (optional)

Directions:

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl or ziplock bag, combine honey, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce (or kecap manis), brown sugar, pureed/grated garlic, pureed/grated ginger, Chinese five spice powder, white pepper, and red food coloring (if using). Mix well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 2 hours in the refrigerator, or preferably overnight, to enhance the flavors.

Preheat the Oven: When ready to cook, remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (390 degrees Fahrenheit) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
Bake the Chicken: Line a baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the tray, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized to perfection.
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then, slice the chicken and serve it hot, garnished with your favorite herbs or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor.

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Serving and Storage Tips:

Presentation is Key: When serving Char Siu Chicken, consider garnishing with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro for an extra pop of color and flavor. You can also drizzle a bit of extra marinade or a light soy sauce over the chicken slices for added moisture and flavor.
Pairing Suggestions: Char Siu Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles and a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a refreshing cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.

Family-style Dining: If hosting a gathering or family meal, consider serving Char Siu Chicken family-style on a large platter, allowing everyone to help themselves to slices of tender, glazed chicken. This communal dining experience adds a sense of warmth and conviviality to the meal.
Leftover Delights: If you find yourself with leftover Char Siu Chicken, fear not! It makes for delicious leftovers that can be enjoyed in various ways. Slice the chicken thinly and use it as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or salads. You can also incorporate it into fried rice or noodle dishes for a quick and flavorful meal.
Proper Storage: Store any leftover Char Siu Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Tips: To reheat Char Siu Chicken, gently warm it in the oven at a low temperature to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave on a low setting, covering it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. For best results, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the dish before reheating to help revive the flavors.

FAQs:

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for this recipe?

While chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor, you can certainly use chicken breast if you prefer. Keep in mind that chicken breast tends to be leaner and may not be as juicy as thighs. To prevent dryness, consider marinating the chicken breast for a shorter time and monitoring it closely while baking to avoid overcooking.

Is it necessary to include red food coloring in the marinade?

The addition of red food coloring is optional and primarily serves to enhance the visual appeal of the dish, giving it that characteristic red hue commonly associated with Char Siu. If you prefer to omit the food coloring, the dish will still taste delicious without it. The flavor primarily comes from the combination of the marinade ingredients and the caramelization during baking.

Can I grill Char Siu Chicken instead of baking it?

Yes, you can absolutely grill Char Siu Chicken for a smoky flavor and charred finish. Simply preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the marinated chicken thighs for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely caramelized. Baste the chicken with the remaining marinade while grilling to keep it moist and flavorful.

Can I make Char Siu Chicken ahead of time for a party or gathering?

Yes, Char Siu Chicken is an excellent dish to prepare ahead of time for gatherings. You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake or grill it. Additionally, you can bake the chicken ahead of time and reheat it just before serving. Leftovers can be stored and enjoyed later, making it a convenient option for entertaining.

Conclusion:

With its irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors, Char Siu Chicken is a culinary masterpiece that deserves a place on every Asian cuisine enthusiast’s table. Whether enjoyed as a main course or served alongside your favorite side dishes, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Try it today and elevate your home cooking to new heights of deliciousness!