Description
This Char Siu Chicken features marinated chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and savory sauce, offering an authentic Chinese barbecue flavor. Ideal for serving over rice or in stir-fries, it’s a delicious dish that will impress your guests!
Ingredients
Scale
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- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon of five-spice powder
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon of red food coloring (optional, for color)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
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Instructions
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- Gather all your ingredients: Before you start, make sure you have everything on hand. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, Chinese rice wine, and sesame oil. Whisk them together until they are well blended.
- Add the spices: Next, add the five-spice powder, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Incorporate the food coloring: If you want that classic Char Siu red color, add the red food coloring to the marinade. This step is optional, but it does give the chicken that authentic look.
- Taste the marinade: Give it a little taste. You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness by adding more honey or soy sauce, depending on your preference.
- Prepare the chicken: Take your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick better.
- Combine chicken and marinade: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated.
- Seal and refrigerate: If using a plastic bag, seal it tightly, removing as much air as possible. If using a dish, cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, let it marinate overnight.
- Preheat your oven: When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will help the chicken cook evenly and develop a nice glaze.
- Prepare a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate around the chicken, giving it that perfect char.
- Remove chicken from marinade: Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Reserve the marinade for basting later.
- Arrange the chicken on the rack: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the wire rack, making sure they are spaced out evenly. This helps them cook properly and get that nice char.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and have a nice glaze.
- Baste the chicken: After 15 minutes of baking, take the chicken out and brush it with some of the reserved marinade. This adds extra flavor and helps create a beautiful glaze. Return it to the oven to finish cooking.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach at least 165°F (75°C). If it’s not there yet, give it a few more minutes.
- Broil for extra char: If you want that signature charred look, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven: Once the chicken is beautifully charred and cooked through, take it out of the oven. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Slice the chicken: Using a sharp knife, slice the chicken thighs into strips. You can cut them into bite-sized pieces or larger slices, depending on how you plan to serve them.
- Garnish and serve: Place the sliced Char Siu chicken on a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve with rice or in a stir-fry for a delicious meal.
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Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Adjust the sweetness of the marinade to your taste by varying the amount of honey or soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes