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Char Siu Chicken Recipe

4.7 from 133 reviews

This Char Siu Chicken recipe offers a deliciously sticky and savory Chinese-style barbecue chicken made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and five-spice powder. Perfect for a quick stovetop meal, the chicken is cooked in a skillet until tender and caramelized, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for an authentic touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder

Cooking

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Garnish

  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder. Mix well to create a smooth marinade that balances sweetness and umami flavors.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the cut chicken thigh pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
  3. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking to ensure even cooking.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer, cooking for about 4-5 minutes on each side until well caramelized and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Simmer with Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken and glaze the chicken beautifully.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top for a fresh, crunchy contrast. Serve hot with steamed rice or vegetables as desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner option, but thighs yield juicier results.
  • Adjust honey quantity for more or less sweetness depending on your preference.
  • For extra smoky flavor, try finishing the chicken under a broiler for 1-2 minutes after stovetop cooking.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
  • Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Char Siu Chicken, Chinese BBQ Chicken, Hoisin Chicken, Chicken Thighs, Five-Spice Chicken