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A close-up of glazed Char Siu Chicken slices with a deep reddish-brown exterior, arranged neatly on a white platter garnished with green scallions and sesame seeds. The chicken has a glossy, caramelized surface with visible char marks, showcasing its tender interior and flavorful marinade.

Sweet & Savory Char Siu Chicken: An Easy Weeknight Meal!

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Sweet & Savory Char Siu Chicken is an easy and delicious weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken glazed with a flavorful Asian-inspired marinade. Perfect for busy households, this Chinese-style dish combines sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic spices for a quick, hearty meal that impresses every time.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional for extra umami)
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese Five-Spice powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and Chinese Five-Spice powder. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the meat. Ensure all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor.
  3. Cook the Char Siu Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove chicken from the marinade and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Bake for 20-25 minutes, basting with additional marinade every 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and caramelized.
  4. Optional: Grill for Extra Flavor: Transfer the marinated chicken to a preheated grill, cooking for about 6-8 minutes per side until charred slightly and thoroughly cooked.
  5. Rest and Slice: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for presentation.

Notes

  • For a smoky flavor, grilling the chicken adds an authentic charred taste.
  • You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.
  • Marinate overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Grilling
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Gluten-Free (with gluten-free soy sauce)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg