Easy Char Siu Red Chicken Recipe

Transforming chicken thighs into a flavorful char siu dish with this marinade feels like magic. As I let the aroma of the five-spice and tangy hoisin sauce fill my kitchen, it’s a journey of senses that leaves me eagerly anticipating each tender, caramelized bite.

I love concocting tasty meals, and my Easy Char Siu Red Chicken is no exception. With tender chicken thighs marinated in a delicious blend of hoisin and soy sauce, honey, and a touch of five-spice powder, this dish is both savory and sweet.

The hint of sesame oil and minced garlic rounds out the flavor beautifully, making it a favorite in my kitchen.

Easy Char Siu Red Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and juicy, packed with protein.
• Hoisin Sauce: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the dish.
• Soy Sauce: Provides umami and enhances flavor complexity.
• Honey: Naturally sweetens, balances savory notes.
• Oyster Sauce: Rich in umami, deepens savory taste.
• Five-Spice Powder: Aromatic, introduces warm spice profile.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty aroma, adds richness and depth.
• Minced Garlic: Infuses dish with aromatic pungency.
• Red Food Coloring: Optional, for traditional vibrant hue.

Easy Char Siu Red Chicken Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)

How to Make this Easy Char Siu Red Chicken Recipe

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Chinese rice wine, five-spice powder, sesame oil, minced garlic, and red food coloring (if using). Combine well to make a marinade.

2. Put the chicken thighs in a big resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure the marinade touches all pieces of the chicken.

3. Wrap or cover the chicken and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours; overnight is better. This allows the marinades to flavor the meat.

4. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on the baking sheet.

5. Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before you start cooking.

6. Place the chicken thighs on the wire rack, throwing away any extra marinade.

7. Preheat the oven and roast the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes—until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius)—and the skin is slightly singed.

8. After 15 minutes of cooking, basting the chicken with any juices collected at the bottom of the pan will enhance the flavor and color of the chicken. This will also ensure that the chicken will not dry out.

9. After cooking, take the chicken out of the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Then, slice the chicken.

10. Serve steamed rice or vegetables with the char siu chicken for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Easy Char Siu Red Chicken Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Medium bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Whisk or spoon (for mixing)
4. Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
5. Plastic wrap or cover for the dish
6. Refrigerator
7. Oven
8. Baking sheet
9. Aluminum foil
10. Wire rack
11. Oven thermometer (optional)
12. Instant-read meat thermometer
13. Basting brush
14. Knife
15. Cutting board

FAQ

• Q: Can I make this recipe without red food coloring?A: Yes, the red food coloring is optional and won’t affect the flavor.
• Q: What can I use as a substitute for Chinese rice wine?A: Dry sherry or even sake can be used as a substitute.
• Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?In a perfect world, you’d let the chicken soak in the marinade for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally overnight, for the best infusion of flavor.
• Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?Yes, chicken breast can be used; however, thighs are more recommended because they are juicier and more flavorful.
• Q: Is there an alternative to oyster sauce?A: If necessary, you can replace oyster sauce with mushroom sauce or vegetarian oyster sauce.
• Q: How should I cook the marinated chicken?A: You can grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken until its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Q: Can I freeze the marinated chicken for later use?Yes, the chicken can be frozen in marinade for 3 months. Defrost before cooking.

Easy Char Siu Red Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute hoisin sauce with a mixture of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a bit of sugar.
For soy sauce, you can use tamari or coconut amnio for a gluten-free option.
If you don’t want to use honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar.
For oyster sauce, a vegetarian alternative is soy sauce mixed with mushroom stir-fry sauce.
Should you lack Chinese rice wine, you can use dry sherry or sake as a substitute.

Pro Tips

1. Marinating for Maximum Flavor To maximize the flavor penetration, score the chicken thighs by making shallow cuts across the surface before marinating. This allows the marinade to seep deeper into the meat.

2. Room Temperature Cooking Allowing the chicken to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before cooking ensures even cooking and helps prevent the meat from tightening during the initial cooking phase.

3. Balanced Basting For extra juicy chicken, baste the thighs an additional time, around the 20-minute mark. If you’re concerned about the chicken drying out, you can also add a bit of water to the bottom of the pan before roasting.

4. Caramelization Enhancement If you prefer a slightly more caramelized and sticky exterior, after the initial cooking time, you can switch the oven to broil for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.

5. Resting is Key Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring moist and flavorful chicken when sliced.